Preparing Children to Return to School by Embracing the New Normal
There is no denying that in a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt is essential to foster growth and personal development. However, while we acknowledge that change is inevitable, there is a certain pace at which individuals adapt to change. This gradual pace was targeted at its core when in 2019 the world screeched to a halt with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. The change in the system was sudden and unprecedented.
Amongst countless others, students were the ones who were highly affected by the crisis. As the schools shut down indefinitely, the education system had to adopt the online way of teaching. Cut to now, the situation has gradually been improving and there are talks of returning to schools. However, amidst these fluctuations, the mental health of the students will have to be considered. Certain things can be done to ease the transition from online classes to in-person or hybrid classes so that students can make the most of their learning experience.
Talk about it
Starting a new school year can be a stressful experience for your child. Combine that with the changes expected from children such as having to wear a mask, frequently washing hands, maintaining social distancing, etc. These changes can enhance worries about the virus and amplify concerns about returning to schools. In such a scenario, it is important to sit with your child and have a one-on-one conversation about what might be bothering them about returning to school. Let them know that it is natural to feel anxious and reluctant about restarting anew and embracing the new normal. Reassure them about the safety measures and get them to see the positives about returning to school such as meeting their classmates again after such a long break.
Look at the Positives
Although the lockdown had been forced upon us to curb the spread of the virus, there are certain things that we learned to enjoy as we got accustomed to it. It can help to speak to your children about some of the positives of the lockdown such as online classes that were made fun with a digital whiteboard with an interactive panel. You can even speak about things that they are looking forward to such as visiting their favourite store, getting ice cream, in-person learning with an interactive whiteboard that brings alive dull and complicated subjects, etc.
Go Beyond Traditional Learning
One of the biggest positives about online classes is that children have had the chance to learn more about technology. In the current world, where technological innovations are going to carve a digital-first future, this is an important element of learning. Even teachers embraced the advent of technology by incorporating a digital board for teaching with an interactive panel for their online classes. This smart board enables educators to speak the language of students while teaching so that concepts can be explained with greater clarity.
In the in-person scenario, by investing in a smart class room solution such as an interactive board teachers can generate excitement about returning to school. A digital whiteboard with an interactive panel can use visual aids to bring alive concepts which is sure to get the students thrilled about a new learning experience. Moreover, the digital board price is reasonable especially considering the host of features that it is laden with.
Employing Different Learning Tools
One of the great things about a smart board is that it has a host of flexible learning tools so that every child understands the concepts in different subjects. This is where traditional textual learning often falls behind. Some children understand concepts better when audio-visual formats are employed. The interactive whiteboard by Senses Electronics is a smart class room solution that comes with features such as a multi-finger gesture control, intelligent shapes, a bright LED display, and a wide viewing angle so that every student can reap the benefits of comprehensive learning. An interactive whiteboard is sensitive to the varied learning curves of each student.
Work at Re-building Attachments
The requirement to stay indoors and having to maintain social distancing when stepping out has disrupted attachments in students. Considering this, when schools re-start, teachers will have to think of team-building activities and group assignments for students to do so that the relationships are restored and the ability to work in a team is ingrained in the students again. This will also help them make new friends and get accustomed to in-person classes again. You can use a digital whiteboard and arrange a surprise in-class quiz. The smart board by Senses Electronics has a spotlight feature that allows you to showcase a part of your screen while the rest remains hidden. This spotlight feature could be used to show the questions and asking the students to come up with the answers.
After an anticipated wait, returning to school should be something that you want to encourage with a positive attitude. In this endeavour, an interactive board can help by generating excitement about returning to in-person classes as it is laden with compelling features that make learning fun. The reasonable smart board price in India is another reason why schools must invest in it soon. A digital board for teaching can make classes stimulating and lively so that students enjoy their learning experience.
