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Supporting the Return to In-Person Learning

Welcome back to school at Grand Erie District School Board! Similar to the fall, this will be a year of novel learning experiences for students, parents and teachers alike. 

This newsletter has been put together to help parents and children with the return to in-person schooling. It contains ideas and helpful reminders to support a more successful transition back to school. 

It's important to recognize how much children model their behaviour and self-care after their parents and caregivers. We recognize that this return may be stressful for many of you. We recognize that families may be feeling anxious around the return to school. This resource provides strategies to assist with managing anxiety. www.anxietycanada.com/

For more information on managing your child’s anxiety please see the following video: youtu.be/uqDqBkFAd68

While you think about your child's return to school, it's important that you look after your own well-being. Eat well, sleep well, stay active and do what inspires you! 
 

1. Talk to your child about the return to in-person learning

Find a comfortable and relaxing space to have an open conversation with your child/children. Keep it casual. Asking only one of the suggested questions below is okay. Remember, being able to name your feelings and express your thoughts are both key ways to cope with stress and challenging situations.

In discussions with your child, consider asking these questions:

  • What’s something positive about in-person learning?
  • What’s one thing you feel excited about?
  • Is there anything you feel a bit worried about?
  • How can I help you feel comfortable about school?
     

2. Continue school routines

Encouraging your child to continue school routines will help ease the transition from online to in-person learning.

  • Having a bedtime, waking up and getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, being ready for school on time.
  • Ensuring regular sleep habits and meals, supports your child’s mind and body, making it easier to tackle school worries.
  • Be sure to include your child in part of the planning so they feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to stay with the plan.

 

3. Know your school’s health and safety procedures

Review your school’s health and safety protocols for COVID. Read communications from the school regarding the return to in-person learning. Encourage your child to ask questions. If you do not know the answer, seek help from the school.

Reinforce expectations that you know the school will have for your child, and practice some of those skills at home: 

  • Who should your child talk to if they do not feel well? What should they say?
  • How to properly wear a mask (covering nose and chin at all times)
  • Practicing good hand hygiene and  respecting physical distancing
  • Staying seated at your own desk while eating

 

4. Teach and practice coping skills that your child can use at home and school

Help your child create a plan for practicing self-care and coping skills. Encourage them to: 

 

5. Continue the conversation

Continue to have open conversations with your child about how things are going and how they are feeling and coping. Remember:

  • Children are resilient! 
  • It has been an uncertain time; therefore, it is not uncommon for there to be increased anxiety for you and your child while preparing for the return to school and busier schedules.
  • Acknowledging their concerns and supporting their feelings will reinforce that they can do it.
  • Anxiety will typically dissipate as your child settles into the first few weeks of in-person learning.
  • Be gentle with your child/children and yourself. It can be difficult to juggle the many things that go on in your home. Some days may be more productive and better than others. This is okay and normal. Do what you can, when you can.

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Reminder

These are tough times. Don’t expect perfection. Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You are not alone in this!

Seek Help

If you become concerned about your child’s mental health, it is good to seek help. Your child’s teacher or principal can help direct you to services in the school, board, or community. You may also wish to consult with your family physician or  connect directly with:

  • Contact Brant: 519-758-8228
  • Haldimand-Norfolk REACH:  519-587-2441 or 1-800-265-8087
  • Haldimand-Norfolk REACH Child & Youth Crisis Services (under 18 years): 1-866-327-3224
  • Haldimand & Norfolk Crisis Assessment Support Team (16 years and older): 1-866-487-2278
  • Six Nations Crisis: 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204
  • St. Leonard’s Mental Health Crisis Line: 519-759-7188 or 1-866-811-7188

  • Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services.
    For clinic appointment call (519)752-5308 ext. 0, or text (226) 920-4427

When more immediate help is needed, the helplines below can offer help:

  • Black Youth Helpline: 1-833-294-8650
  • The Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
  • Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): 1-877-767-7572.
     

Additional Resources

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