Back to School During the Pandemic

prepare for the school year

By Kacee Merritt
July 15, 2020
back to school, coronavirus, covid-19, in-person school, virtual school

Everything about 2020 has been different, so the back-to-school season is no exception. This year, first-day-of-school jitters are mixed in with uncertainty, all while the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on our lives. Hand sanitizer and laptops have replaced backpacks and lunch boxes as must-have items for returning students — where the one uniform requirement nationwide is a mask.

If you’re reading this, I’m sure these thoughts are running through your mind …

Trust me, you’re not the only one who’s having to adapt. Our library staff are here for you and we’ll continue to support you during these unprecedented times.

Let’s jump right into it. The most important part about getting ready for school — even during a pandemic — is preparation. How can I do this, you ask?

Sit down with your child and make a schedule for what will go on during the school day, just like they have at school. For example, 8:30 AM virtual math, 9:15 AM break time, 11 AM lunch, etc.
It’ll take time for your child to get adjusted to this schedule, just like it does during regular school, but after a couple of weeks hold your child accountable to sticking to the routine.

Teachers and their students typically establish classroom rules together, and they’re held accountable by their teacher and you, as a parent.
Make sure you hold your child accountable during virtual school because the teacher can’t see everything that’s going on.
‎If needed, make rules alongside your child and enforce them all day, every day. If your child doesn’t submit an assignment, don’t ignore this. Sit down and have a conversation with them, so this doesn’t happen again. If something like this is ignored, they may just stop doing their work.

Please be patient with teachers, they’re going through the same thing as you.
Remember that virtual school isn’t homeschool, let teachers be teachers and educate your child.
‎It’s okay for you to help your child, but let your child get answers wrong. If you correct your child’s work, they may never learn.
‎Stick to your role as a caregiver. Continue to communicate with your child’s teacher, ask questions, anything that you would normally do, do it.
Familiarize yourself with your child’s classes and grading system.

The library has valuable tools and resources in different formats to support you and your child. Check out our Online Resources where you can browse by topic or try out our virtual Ask a Librarian chat service. As always, you can contact your local branch for help. We’ll always be here for you — happy to help.

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