Edith Tovar, from the Wiese Foundation’s Educational Quality Program, indicates that one of the most important steps in this process is recognizing the emotions that the return to in-person learning generates.
Since a few weeks ago, students and teachers across the country have returned to schools after 2 years of distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a virus that has cost the lives of millions of people around the world.
While the return to classes has been gradual, and, to date, has presented a personal and professional challenge to teachers and parents; it is also a challenge for students, one of the greatest challenges they face after months of virtual learning.
On this note, Edith Tovar, specialist and educator for the Wiese Foundation’ Educational Quality program, explains what parents need so that their children can make a strong return to school.
For a strong return to school
According to Wiese Foundation specialist Edith Tovar, one of the initial aspects to consider is that parents must trust in the process of the return to classes.
“Our involvement is necessary for the return to be successful. For this, we have to prioritize that our children, whose studies have been interrupted or who were at risk of dropping out of school, are incorporated into this in-person phase. Let us remember that their future is built in the present, in the day to day, with every step that they take”, explains Tovar.
Additionally, the educator emphasizes that it is important to remember that school is “an excellent space for socialization”, and that, therefore, although there might be mixed feelings about the process of returning to in-person classes, we should keep in mind the role that school fulfills.
“School allows our children to develop the necessary skills to get along with others. Let us remember that these skills, due to the situation of the pandemic, have remained suspended. Socializing with others strengthens children’s mental health”, states Edith Tovar.
“We must value the in-person school space, this allows for the consolidation of our children’s learning, where direct interaction with the teacher is attained”, she adds.
Finally, Edith Tovar indicates that one of the most important steps is that parents must recognize and validate their emotions by asking themselves: “What feelings does the return to in-person classes cause in me: fear, sadness, anxiety?”.
Recognizing these emotions allows us to better accompany our children in this new beginning. Always keeping in mind the health measures to avoid infection among classmates and relatives,”, ends the specialist from the Wiese Foundation’s Educational Quality program, Edith Tovar.
If you wish to learn more, watch the following video
