Weekly Focus:
Getting Ready to go Back to School

Many schools in our area are beginning the school year with remote learning.  It's important to maintain a consistent schedule, even when you're not in the school building.  Make time each day for learning, physical activity and relaxation.  Here's a sample schedule you can use to create your own.

Tips to Prepare your Kids for the 2020-21 School Year

1. Practice wearing a face covering for extended periods of time. Find one that fits properly and covers the child’s chin and nose. This can be a fun project to make a mask together or order online. Find out what your schools are expecting the face covering to be. They may have a school specific face covering.
   
   Want to learn how to make your own mask?  Check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRBJ4JSVYpo 
    
2. Open discussions about your child’s school year. Wondering with the child what if you feel sick at school especially start to get a temperature. Check in with your teacher and nurse to make sure you are feeling well.
    
3. Review how we manage our stress. Practice coping skills such as yoga, and taking deep breathes.
    
4. Practice social distancing is truly physical distance. This is a skill to practice when outside and especially when at a store. A good measure is your arm stretched and another person’s arm stretched to give you distance to prevent the spread of the virus.  With young children you use chalk to show them the distance. Children can still talk to each other, say hello, but keep the physical distant to protect from spreading the virus. 
    
5. Try anxiety- checking to see the source of the feeling. Are you as a parent or teacher feeling stressed and anxious? Many children are excited to return to school. We want to focus on strengths and success in the coming school year. What is work best for your child?
    
6. Research resources to support you as a parent and now possibly supporting a home schooler while working from home. Self-care and support from other helpful parents can help us all survive this difficult time.
    
7. Check your facts! Many rumors and fears are spread with the unknown next steps.
    
8. Celebrate the little things! You still may need that back to school haircut and outfit but you may be sharing this on social media and a zoom call.