Supporting School-Aged Children through Remote Learning Challenges and Social Awareness
In these challenging times, it is essential for parents and educators to prioritize the social-emotional well-being of school-aged children before academic learning. This article discusses the importance of understanding children's basic needs, supporting their emotional growth, and fostering a sense of social justice amidst global crises. Practical tips are provided to help parents and guardians navigate these complex issues and promote a supportive environment for children's holistic development.
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Supporting School-Aged Children through Remote Learning, Activism and a Global Pandemic SHARELL B. TROXLER, SCHOOL COUNSELOR STUDENT SERVICES IRVING PARK ELEMENTARY
The Reality These are challenging times for parents, school staff and especially students We all are student/child advocates. Being uncomfortable about difficult topics is normal The days ahead are teachable moments. Young people look to the adults in their life for guidance on how to respond to challenging situations
Maslow Before Bloom Part of Dr. Bryan Pearlman s theory is that we must meet basic human needs before learning can happen. Seek to avoid further trauma. Keep in mind that school-aged children lack the academic acuity and motivation to learn if their basic needs are not met.
The Elephant in the Room Let s get right to it 2020 has been a year of significant traumatic events, extreme challenges, urgent calls for justice, and social awareness. IPE is fortunate to have such a diverse student population. Educators are aware that their students might struggle with the obstacles that they face outside of school. You might be wondering: How can I support my child?
Do not just focus on academics. Children are dealing with emotions and feelings that they may not understand. Social emotional well-being is just as important as academics. Do not ignore any changes in behavior. Seek support from your pediatrician, child s teacher, school counselor or school social worker. How Can Parents/Guardians Offer Support? Be culturally competent. Remember, you see the worldview from your cultural lens. Take the time to learn about the positive attributes of those you meet. Recognize how privilege and access to resources might differ between each family. Build a community to help support other families where possible.
Keep in Mind Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is all about how children and adults manage emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and exercise good decision making. It s important to be patient and set clear and reasonable expectations with your child during this time. Although children are learning remotely, daily attendance and maintaining an online presence is extremely important in preventing loss of learning as well as achieving academic success. Although young people can be resilient. They also can become irritable or anxious. School-aged children are living through a crisis during an important developmental period.
Social Justice Issues Be understanding. These issues should be considered as we engage this school year. Every family is different: Race Gender Mental or Physical Ability Religion Education Sexual Orientation And More!
A Note to Parents While families are unsure and uncertain of what lies ahead; realize your child s teacher and administration are likely experiencing similar feelings. Never in the history of public education have we started a new school year remotely during a pandemic. Be resourceful. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Give yourself and your child room to fail. Remember that trial and error has produced great outcomes, even Nobel Peace Prizes! Everyone is trying their best. Extending Grace can go a long way
Healthy Reminders Give your child time to adjust to abrupt changes Remain united and connected. Instead of asking are you okay? Ask open ended questions like how are you feeling about remote learning? Validate your child s feelings. They may experience feelings of grief and loss by not being in the school building, social isolation, and change in routine. Share positive and encouraging feedback daily. Remember these are impactful developmental years. Building a healthy self- esteem is important. Avoid phrases like just be positive or you ll get over it. Instead validate by saying, yes this is hard. You ve done hard things before; we will get through this. Be flexible. Talk about the changes in the world. Offer ways of coping; such as deep breathing, volunteering, reading, listening to music, etc. Communicate: If you have internet and/or device issues, make sure the teacher is aware.
Resources Available to Families SEL resources https://www.gcsnc.com/domain/2408 Diversity & Inclusion https://www.gcsnc.com/domain/2412 Family Services of the Piedmont https://www.fspcares.org/ https://www.fspcares.org/high-point- center-for-child-wellness/ Guilford Parent Academy https://www.gcsnc.com/Domain/2419
Irving Park Elementary Student Support Services Sharell Bailey Troxler, School Counselor baileys2@gcsnc.com (336)370-8225 x. 412200 Melanie Woodall, School Social Worker woodalm@gcsnc.com (336)370-8225 x. 412204 Visit our webpage for other helpful information https://www.gcsnc.com/Page/58982 (Troxler) https://www.gcsnc.com/Page/13335 (Woodall)
Please click on the link for a brief survey https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H_vimqLeQ0yBlHYk_LuzD ObMkXDFXZRBpBrpp3NlsidUNlFJVUFCR00yWE5DN1NYQjUxTEdTSjVSUy4u
Thank You! Have a great school year
Resources https://images.google.com/ https://www.gcsnc.com/ https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Wholehearted-School-Counseling https://www.tolerance.org/
