By Karah St. Preux

When this year began, we never expected the changes that would be brought into our lives. COVID-19 has given everyone a new “normal”, yet it is completely understandable to wish for the normal we used to have. Through it all, you may have asked yourself what is the best way to make sure that your child is not missing out on a “normal childhood”. There are many ways to ensure that your child(ren) don’t miss out on key experiences- especially regarding school.

This back to school season is going to be unlike any other, and it is necessary to help guide your child, so that they will adapt to these changes seamlessly. In many areas, schools are not going to reopen this fall, but that does not mean that kids will not be able to experience an idea of a typical school day. Here are seven ways to keep normalcy for your child if their school is not reopening this fall.

1. Keep a Schedule

Whether your kid(s) are having class meetings on Zoom, or whether you decide to homeschool your children, consistency is key! Create a schedule that will outline their day and the classes that they are taking. Each schedule should also account for breaks and snack time.

2. “Pack” Your Child(ren) a Lunch

Even if their school isn’t reopening this fall, you can still pack them a lunch! Providing your child with a pre-made lunch in a brown bag or lunchbox will definitely be remnant of a typical school experience, and will keep the packed lunch tradition alive. 

3. Provide Recess 

After lunch, comes most kids’ favorite part of the day, recess! Let your kid(s) have downtime for both indoor and outdoor play. Recess provides a much needed break and also offers cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits. One of the best ways to provide indoor play that encourages imagination and creativity is a kids’ play carpet. Even the Montessori educational method suggests an area for designated playtime and enjoyment.

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4. Change Up the Scenery

In many schools, different subjects are taught in different classrooms. You can keep that alive by designating a certain room in the house to a certain subject. Maybe the living room is now where math lessons are held, or the bedroom is the best place to learn grammar. By providing a change in scenery, it will keep your child more alert and it is more accurate to their typical school day.

5. Get a White Board 

When I think of a classroom, I always think of the teacher standing in front of the room next to a dry erase board or a chalkboard. You can do the same by getting a board of your own. After Zoom meetings, you can find creative ways to review the subject matter on a board to truly help your child understand the key concepts without screen time.

6. Go Back to School Shopping

Nothing says “back to school” more than back to school shopping. Take your kid to get a few items where they can feel as if this year is just like any other. Get them a new backpack, new clothes, and new stationery supplies so they won’t have to miss out. Everything can be used in the house during their home school or video chat meetings. Although it won’t be a typical school setting, their new items can still provide them with a sense of back to school excitement.

7. Have Video Chat Playdates

School provides our children with necessary social skills that will help them throughout their life. If their school is not opening, there are still ways to make sure your kids will be able to be social. Video chat play dates and catching up with friends will be essential to provide a sense of normalcy. It will be important for kids to have people their age to talk to about how they’re feeling. They’ll be going through the same situation, so it will be cathartic for them to have someone to share their feelings with. Video chat play dates can also allow for kids to play with toys together, and they can still let their imaginations run wild. 

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In a time when the future is so unpredictable, it is incredibly important for children to be able to keep a sense of normalcy and not miss out on key parts of their childhood.

How are your kids coping with the changes made this school year? Let us know in the comments below!