Schools have been allowed to re-open from March 8th! After several long weeks of virtual classrooms and a national lockdown to deal with. Preparing for going back to school and the physical classroom can be challenging for pupils and teachers alike. We are very excited to be getting back to normal (fingers crossed!). However, it’s very important for teachers to feel comfortable and have a good understanding of the new regulations in place. Many schools across the UK have been hiring COV-ID testing staff to help with the new way of running the school day.
Preparing for going back to school will bring new challenges. Here are some tips for teachers, we feel could help along the way.
No pupil is the same
It is important to keep in mind that each pupil has had a different experience during the COV-ID 19. Preparing for going back to school could have been more difficult for some that others. A one size fits all approach will not work here. Having an open mind to the different difficulties each pupil could have faced is very important. Some may be getting over the loss of a loved one and some may have not coped with isolation well. Pupils may have struggled with their online learning. It is important to check in with all your pupils one a one to one basis to get a feel on how you can help them get back into a normal routine.
You are not alone
It can be so overwhelming going back to a physical classroom and preparing for going back to school after so long off. Remember, you are in a team with fellow teaching staff who probably feel the same. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with your colleagues. They could have tips to help you through and ideas you hadn’t though of. A problem shared is a problem halfed as they say and talking to someone in a similar position can be a great medicine.
Don’t be lenient with behaviour
Whilst being empathetic and patient is important when it comes to dealing with your pupils, if someone is showing concerning behavior it is important to nip it in the bud. As a teacher you will want to re-affirm classroom rules straight away. Having order brought back quickly will help pupils re-adjust. As these unprecedented times have been a huge struggle for most, it is more important than ever to keep an eye out for any concerning signs that a pupil may be struggling.
Learning may be slower than usual
Whilst you have been teaching your students over this period you will probably be aware of those students that have struggled or fallen behind. It may take longer than usual to get those students back up to a similar level as the rest of the class. A lot of re-capping of those virtual lessons will be needed too.
As Bob Dylan said, the times they are a changin’, but the new normal and new future is looking bright. We wish all our schools well and hope the re-opening in March will be a permanent re-opening and things can start looking a little rosier.