BY CHERYL LUIS
COPING with stressful situations is quite difficult for adults, how much more for students, and more on elementary students. Some of these children deal with restrictions, school closures, social interactions, and answering their modules. This COVID-19 pandemic also gives these children anxiety, a feeling of isolation and grief. Others may experience increased violence at home.
After two years, our government has decided to resume face-to-face classes for some schools. But are students or children ready to go to school again? How could school teachers help them?
School teachers and personnel are critical in supporting children’s transition back to in-person classroom learning, particularly after these extended periods of school closure. In addition, teachers will become children’s support system when they are in school. To ensure their students’ learning and emotional well-being while schools were closed, the following suggestions might be helpful when schools reopen:
Listen to children’s concern
This COVID-19 pandemic impacted many children and adolescents’ mental health and well-being. As teachers, it is essential to listen to students’ concerns and demonstrate understanding as well as empathy. You may not reach or talk to them face-to-face, make sure to add them in your group chats or obtain their mobile number and check them from time to time. If a child shares anything that is particularly concerning, please listen and get help to safeguarding systems in your community.
Provide children with accurate information about COVID-19
Children may have a lot of questions about COVID-19, make sure to provide them a piece of clear and reliable information. A child-friendly and age-appropriate resource, and scientific evidence-based response may help children understand the pandemic.
Explain to them the risk of COVID-19 if the school will open, the virus may spread, and they will be affected. Do not forget to remind children of school safety protocols, including what to do in case there is a COVID-19 case detected in the classroom.
Be calm, honest, and caring
Teachers should be the role models for their students. Children will look at you and learn from the skills you use daily to deal with stressful situations. Be calm, honest, and caring, and demonstrate a positive attitude to children.
Take care of yourself and know your limits
Before taking good care of your students, first, you should take care of yourself. Everything should start first in oneself. Being a teacher can be extremely stressful, particularly now. Make sure to protect your own physical and mental health by maintaining healthy eating and sleeping habits, resting, exercising, connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Remember to seek support if you notice yourself experiencing significant feelings of distress.
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Cheryl M. Luis is the wife of George N. True II. Like her husband, she advocates health and lifestyle writing and vows to continue “Health Frontiers” as her husband’s legacy./PN
