Many school districts have started to announce how they’ll handle back to school season with the pandemic. Some schools have opted for a hybrid of remote learning and in-person learning, while others are going right back into full in-person learning and others are reluctant so they’re starting the first few weeks with a remote learning option.
With so many school districts having different guidelines and rules, it can be challenging for parents and kids to figure out the best option for their family. Many parents have no other choice but to send their kids back to school, due to work schedules. With all of this being said, whether you opt to send your kid back to school part-time or full time for in-person sessions, you’re going to have to help your kids understand social distancing rules.
Today we’re diving into the topic of social distancing so that your kids will have a better understanding of this concept and practice social distancing without issues during school hours.
Schedule Playdates
Try to schedule playdates with other families that have been staying mostly at home during the pandemic. This will help you work with each child to maintain proper distance so that they’re able to find new ways to connect and engage in fun conversations and playtime together all the while maintaining the appropriate distance apart.
Have Conversations
Discuss what the rules will be at your kids’ school district with social distancing and masks. Try to answer any questions they may have directly and without emotion tied behind it. Your kids will feed off your emotions and repeat whatever you say, so consider this time more about helping them understand what’s expected during in-person school sessions than sharing how you feel about it.
Practice Social Cues
Some kids have a natural ability to pick up on social cues, such as when a peer may not want your child to get too close to them. Other children struggle with social cues. Try to work together as a family or schedule virtual playdates with friends to help your practice social cues. This will involve learning body language and facial expressions to determine if they’re too close to a peer while attending school.
Host a Play
Create a play that you can host at home to help your kids understand social distancing in a fun, engaging way. Write a script and make sock puppets. Have each family member play a specific role, learn their lines, and then put on a family play to help your kids comprehend what social distancing means. This type of at-home play for social distancing will help younger kids comprehend what’s expected.
These are just a few ways you can work with your kids to help them understand and practice social distancing when they return to in-person education at their local school. Kids must understand what’s expected so that you have fewer calls from the principal stating your kid must be picked up due to a lack of respecting the social distancing rules.