We cleaned off a table so each kid has a designated workspace. We organized bins filled with scissors, pencils, rulers and other back to school supplies. I bought a sturdy cover for my iPad so each kid has a device available for school. And we bought a variety of masks so our kids can figure out which ones work best for them.
While distance learning was not ideal in the spring, it has given us new and fun ways to get ready for the upcoming school year. Our preschool put together videos of various songs, crafts and stories for the little ones to watch and listen to. While we took a break from these video clips over the summer, our youngest is excited to choose a couple of videos to watch each week so she can remember her teachers’ friendly faces and all of the fun activities she’ll get to do this school year.
Our son’s teacher and librarian read a couple of stories each week to his class last spring. Our kids enjoyed these read-alouds a few months ago and we are excited to listen to our favorites again as the new school year approaches.
Our two oldest kids have spent the majority of their summer building with Lego, reading, swimming, and drawing. However, we are starting to use the iPad and computer a bit more. Making sure the battery doesn’t get too low, where the volume control is, how to find their favorite apps, etc.
But, most importantly, we are reminding our kids to talk with us. Talk with us about the emotions they are feeling. Talk with us about their worries and frustrations. Talk with us about how much they miss visiting grandma. Talk with us about not wanting to do any more zoom meetings. Talk with us about how frustrating it is to not knowing when they will have friends over to play. It’s hard to talk about the upcoming school year when there are so many unknowns. But, this year especially, I want our kids to talk with us and make their voices heard.
I’d love to hear how you are preparing your family for the upcoming school year.
