Back to school now has a new meaning. For some families, it is 100% distance learning but it is happening at home. For some families, it is physically going to school with masks on, and with social distance on the school ground. There are also some families who have the option to have a hybrid style.
Summer 2020 had been quite a ride for parents and schools. You followed the admin emails, webinars, discussion boards, polls, and surveys if not more. There are support groups, chats, social media shares. Overwhelmed?
Back to school has a happy memory in my heart. New backpack, a new pencil box, new book covers, new pencils, new stationaries, and new uniforms sometimes. It is the celebration of the beginning of a brand new academic year!
Has it changed over the years? Not really.
Does it have to change because of the pandemic? No.
Is this year’s back to school different from the previous years? Yes!
But, as parents, you can still guide your child through a similar routine to prepare for the first days. Let the kids be a part of the class supply shopping at the store or online. Involve them in the process. It is a new experience with the rituals as Dr. Angela Duckworth, the author of GRIT has shared.
Let your child dress up like the usual First Day of School, have the backpack on, or just hold the laptop or tablet. Take a picture in front of the house and then take another picture in her new classroom even if it is at the kitchen table at home.
This back to school can be once in a lifetime experience. Capture it as a series of images. You are not alone. This is going to be a great story for your kids and for your family several years from now.
In the Storytime Friday last week, I’ve decided to show up with my favorite backpack with all the goodies inside and share a Back To School story with the kids. What items are missing from my bag? Can you and your kid help?
Obviously, I need more practice to make this first day of school better. I spilled water, and dropped the bottle… You will see and hear all that in the video. Have a good laugh and have a fantastic NEW school year!
Why do I say First Days instead of First Day? Is it nice to have multiple first days so you can do the things that you might have missed on the very first day?
