Keeping Students Engaged

By: Shecondria Duncan

Students across the country spent the last year learning virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, school systems are preparing for students to return to in-person learning. But are they ready for the classroom after spending months learning from home? What challenges or obstacles could they be facing this upcoming school year? And how can parents and teachers support their academic success? 

One concerning factor for a smooth transition will be getting students reacquainted with the classroom environment. Some students may have lost sight of what it feels like to sit at a desk for hours engaging in learning with their teacher. In addition to that, students may be experiencing anxiety about returning to school. 

Parents and teachers will have a role in ensuring students are engaged in learning as they make the transition back into the classroom. Working as a team, they can encourage students to become enthusiastic about learning, support their mental health as they return to school, and close any learning gaps caused by virtual learning. 

Collaborating with Your Child’s School and Teachers 

Parents should plan to attend their child’s back-to-school open house. It’s an opportunity to reintroduce your child to the school environment and begin your collaboration efforts with your child’s teacher. Many schools use this event as the first source of providing parents information to ensure student’s success during the academic year. Let your child’s teacher know that you plan to be involved in your child’s learning by being present during the open house. 

Talk to your child’s teacher about the school’s plan for closing learning gaps and supporting students as they transition back. Ask how you can help your child at home. If possible, meet with the school counselor to discuss a plan for coping with any anxiety your child may experience when returning to school. Provide your best contact information and availability so your child’s teacher can contact you, if needed, during the school year. Lastly, set aside time to meet with teachers periodically to discuss your child’s academic performance and needs. 

Tips for Keeping Your Child Engaged at Home

Learning goes far beyond the classroom. Everyday life offers several opportunities for learning as well. Keeping this in mind, expose your child to as many real-world learning experiences as possible. Let your child’s interests lead the way here. If your child enjoys singing and dancing, 

enroll them in a performing arts program or take them to see a live performance. Talk to them about the experience to gain more knowledge on their interests and connect it to anything they may be learning at school. Likewise, if your child loves a particular character, like Sonic the Hedgehog, find them books to read about this character. Depending on your child’s age, you can also teach them how to write and say the letter sounds of the character’s name.

As often as possible, take them out into the community for learning experiences. Visit local parks, museums, the zoo, or anything your child may be interested in that excites and encourages their learning. 

Share your enthusiasm for learning with them. Talk about things you are interested in and create opportunities for your child to observe your learning. If you like to read, keep plenty of books at home and read them often to foster a love of reading in the home environment. 

Given these points, a smooth return to the classroom for students will heavily rely on the collaboration efforts of teachers and parents. Students will need the support of both parties to reach academic success this upcoming school year.