The Government of Japan has taken serious measures to help revive the economy and prioritize the opening of schools and educational institutions using Covid preventive measures and help stop the spread of infection inside a school environment.
The Japanese education system has demonstrated how online education can be just as effective, especially for elementary students, who are in the prime of their school years and where they learn key concepts in different areas of education.
However, the time has come for schools to fold their sleeves and reopen their doors to students in a new post covid environment that can be much different from the usual school environment.
How can Students Prepare to Rejoin their International School Post the Pandemic?
We have been successful in transitioning to online education in the last two years, similarly, it is now time to transition back to school in a new post covid environment where we have to emphasize new rules to ensure that we do not allow the spread of infections.
Most parents and children are nervous about this change and are finding ways to accept going back to a physical classroom. Let’s look at how we can help our children combat yet another transit into an elementary school in Japan.
Practice the New Schedule
This is definitely an important aspect and is necessary for all parents to help children adapt to the new timings of the school much before the reopening date.
Considering the children have been cooped up inside their homes for a long time, the stress of travelling, attending physical school, and taking part in extracurricular activities can take a toll on their energies quite easily.
Therefore, imbibing a similar schedule to that of the physical school can make things a little easier during this transition.
Teach Them to be Emotionally Independent
Another equally important initiative we should take as parents are to help elementary students become emotionally strong as the new norms may include social distancing inside classrooms, less peer interaction and a decrease in group activities.
They may feel a sense of isolation in such an environment and it is important to make them understand that this arrangement is to keep everyone safe. You can use after-school hours to help them catch up with their classmates through an online platform so that they continue to interact with their peer groups like before.
Take Them on a School Campus Visit to Refresh their Memory
This might seem like an unnecessary step but it’s a great way to break the ice and reduce their anxiety on the first day of their physical school. Your elementary school child may feel relieved to see that the school looks the same and may also notice any changes that have been made to the school during the pandemic.
Set a Schedule for Homework and Self-Study after School Hours
Considering that they have attended physical school may seem like they have achieved a feat and this might lead to them refusing to go back to their homework and revision time when they are back at home.
Therefore, for children to catch up on their lessons and be at par with the class curriculum it is important that they continue their learning at home. A regular schedule should do the trick to help them ease into the new routine.
Give Them Parental Guidance and Support When Necessary
This is a crucial aspect and helps bridge the gap between you and the child. It’s important to keep a tab of your child’s learnings so that you are in a better position to gauge his progress.
Most students fail to succeed due to a lack of parental guidance in terms of homework and study time. It is also important to have hearty talks to bolster your young child’s spirit regularly and ebb them to achieve good things in life.
You could teach them tips and tricks to make their study time more enjoyable. They can use visual mediums like iPad and computers to understand their concepts better. Or you can even play games like quizzes and use other online tools to help them ace their subject concepts.
Use Experiments as a Learning Method
Some of the best elementary schools in Japan use their science and math labs to teach children tough concepts through experiments. This helps children remember facts easily and for a longer period of time.
This is one of the most effective ways to help children clarify their doubts. Experiment-based learning will also encourage your children to ask leading questions that will further clear their concepts and also generate a love for learning new things.
Keep Them Fit and Healthy
Considering the current unpredictable times, the first most important thing is to provide a well-balanced and nutritious food that will increase your child’s immunity and make them less susceptible to illnesses. It’s often very easy to serve quick and ready snacks that are high in calories and low in nutritional value.
In order to increase their mental health resilience, it is advisable to keep them hydrated and healthy by providing the right kind of diet and the right kind of physical activity.
Also Read: How to Choose a Primary School?
Conclusion
These are some ways in which you can help your child cope with a Post Covid International School environment and help him succeed in all his elementary school endeavours.
