Going back to school is a big change for all kids. Now, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, going back to school may be even more stressful, and may look very different for many children and families. As a family, there are some real concerns you’ll need to address together.

When facing big changes, it’s also important to develop an “I can do it” attitude. One way to help is to approach change as an adventure!

The resources in this bundle will…

  • help you introduce the idea of adventure to your child,
  • offer strategies to help everyone in your family feel ready to learn, and
  • provide playful activities you can do together to celebrate your strengths.

 

  1. 1
    Video

    A is for Adventure

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc4i-sBD0WE

    Children might be having a lot of different feelings at the start of the school year. You might have to remind them that those feelings are ok and that changes can also bring a sense of adventure. Together with children, watch this video to see Alexa the astronaut go on a letter A adventure. She sees an acrobat swinging from an asteroid, an alien playing the accordion, and an alligator eating apricots! No matter what she encounters, Alexa keeps a positive attitude!

    • Before watching: Talk about the word adventure. Ask: What is an adventure? When have you gone on an adventure? What did you see, do, and learn?
    • While you watch: Notice all the interesting things Alexa sees. Point out how much she’s learning on her adventure.
    • After watching: Let children know that going back to school is an adventure, even as things change like wearing masks all day and not sharing toys at school. Discuss some things that might be new and exciting. Ask, “What are you looking forward to?”

    Remind kids that it’s okay to feel uneasy, too. Adventuring requires courage! Let them know they can talk with you about their feelings, and you can try to solve problems together. Tell your child, “You’re not alone. We’re on a team.” Adventures can be even more fun with good company.

    Read the article below for more tips to help your family get ready to learn.

  2. 2
    Article

    We’re Ready to Learn

    Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, going back to school may be even more stressful, and may look very different for many children and families. Whether your child is going back to school full time, learning from home, or some mix of both, there are things you can do to help your whole family feel hopeful, excited, and ready to learn.

    Explain to your child that when you’re setting off on an adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Then invite him to help you do a few things get their whole family ready for their back-to-school adventure.

    If kids are going back to school:

    • Talk to kids about what they can expect at school. Your child might ask: Will I need to wear my mask all day? Can I hug my friends? Who will I see? Will I get to eat in the cafeteria? Answer his questions as best you can, and be ready to reassure him many times. Remind him that change has happened before (staying at home), and caring grown-ups will help him remember any new rules he needs to follow.
    • Talk about what will be different and what will stay the same. Even though she’ll be doing some things at school differently, she’ll still get to see her friends, have fun, and learn! Make a list of routines you can keep even when school starts.
    • Practice and play. Remind kids that aside from new rules to help us stay healthy, there are different ways to behave at school, such as wearing masks, being quiet, listening to others, raising your hand to speak, staying in your own seat, and more. Play pretend school with your child to help them practice and prepare.
    • Set up a learning space at home. Even if kids are going to school full time, it’s a good idea to be prepared for a time of at-home learning.

     

    If kids are staying home:

    • Define spaces for learning, play, and comfort at home. Defining a learning space at home (even a mat on the floor with a moveable tray works!) will help your child make the mental “shift” from home behavior to school behavior. Consider also creating a comfy-cozy space for your child. Children learn best if they first feel safe and secure. Offering a special spot to take a slow deep breath, unwind, or read a good book may help.
    • Talk about “me” and “we” time. If your child is learning from home, that may mean you are working from home, too, while also helping facilitate at-home school. It can be difficult to find balance. Let your child know that now you both have jobs to do, and sometimes you’re each going to need time to focus on your own work. Reassure him that you’ll also spend time together doing things you enjoy. If you can, set a time each day for one-on-one fun together.
    • Practice with technology. Before your child begins virtual learning, be sure to do a test run to ensure they can interact with their classmates and receive and turn in assignments. Invite your child to help make a space that’s comfortable for them.

     

    If kids are learning at home and school:

    • Practice school rules at home. Usually there are different behavioral expectations at school than at home. Hybrid learning means that kids will need to practice school rules at home. Talk with your child about what’s expected. Practice things like sitting quietly, being still, and hand-raising at home.
    • Celebrate your learning team. Even in “normal” times, parents and teachers are part of a learning team. Now, more than ever, all the grown-ups in kids’ lives will need to communicate clearly, ask questions, say thank you, and have patience. Remember that you’re in this together!
    • Get comfortable with technology. Sometimes technology can be trickier to figure out for grown-ups than for kids! Before your child begins virtual learning, be sure to do a test run to ensure they can interact with their classmates and receive and turn in assignments.

     

    For all children:

    • Offer comfort. During big changes, support from caring adults can offer children comfort and reassurance. Spend time and talk with children regularly. Consider setting up a comfy-cozy space for children (and grown-ups!) to unwind and reset from time to time.
    • Maintain routines. Now, more than ever, kids will delight in knowing that not everything is different. Spending ordinary moments such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, and reading books at bedtime together consistently can give kids a sense of security during a transition. This is important for adults too!
    • Practice healthy habits. There’s a lot you can’t control right now, but you can try to make healthy choices. Eating healthful meals, moving your bodies, and getting rest can help lift your whole family’s spirits.
    • Focus on the positive. Consider making a list of three positive things each day together. For example, children might have helped make lunch/dinner, saw their friends (whether in school or virtually), played a new game or read a new book.
    • Celebrate often. And finally, celebrate your children. Point out what makes them special. Talk about their accomplishments, such as reading a new book, remembering to wash their hands, or trying a new food. Applaud what they’re learning and how they’re growing. And don’t forget to celebrate yourself! Celebrating successes helps build confidence.

     

    No matter how your what your family’s back-to-school adventure looks like, know that there are things you can do to get ready to learn.

  3. 3
    Printable

    What Changes? What Stays the Same?

    Download printable

    Print this page and complete it together. First, explain that even though it seems like everything is changing, some things will never change. For instance, you may be going to school at home this year, but it’s your enthusiasm and persistence that stays the same. There are also routines that never change like having breakfast or getting ready for school.

  4. 4
    Printable

    Bravery Badges

    Download printable

    Print out these badges and invite your child to color them. Then cut them apart and give your child one when she needs a little extra reminder that she can try again and again until she completes a new challenge!