I recognize that today is April Fool’s Day, but what’s been on mind is no joking matter. We are nearing the close of the 2021-22 school year and it’s been a challenge for many students, parents, and teachers alike. Even though we’ve made gains in our ability to adapt and live alongside COVID, our students are still struggling – maybe more than ever.
Our capable, smart kids are still disintegrating, but above and beyond that, they are now disoriented. Yep, now we have disoriented students! They seem as if they’ve forgotten how to function as students – as if they’ve lost their way or their academic footing. Why? Because almost 2 years of their formative development got hijacked as they made their way through the life (and developmental) disruptor that has been the pandemic.
While their physical development likely has unfolded as expected, their social, emotional, and cognitive development has been interrupted and seems, for many, to have stalled. This is problematic – and likely behind their disorientation – because the world, including their school and families – are all moving on in a well-intentioned effort to regain ‘normalcy’.
How can we help our disoriented students? Let’s start by meeting them where they are. Not where we want them to be or think they should be. We can do this by paying close attention to what they are trying to tell us with both their words and actions. It’s possible you’ll uncover a need to reconsider their (and your) expectations around school. If, in attempt to get back to normal and catch up, your family has circled back to what were pre-pandemic standards and expectations, it may be backfiring and demotivating your child. Take some time to have conversations about what is working and what isn’t for your student. Listen for clues about why your child is struggling, procrastinating, feels unmotivated and apathetic toward school. Then scrap the old expectations and build new ones that fit the moment and fit your child.
Be well. Be safe. Be hopeful.
