Success 2021 series: seven things you can do to prepare your children for their return to school 

Many of us have heard that age-old adage, “Mother/Father Knows Best”.  We couldn’t agree more.  At SEGi College Subang Jaya, having had twenty-one years of expertise in the provision of Early Childhood Care and Education programmes (since 1999), we are very familiar with young children and their care and education.  That’s why we totally agree that as parents, you have complete knowledge of and autonomy over your children’s best interests.  And we want to assure you that as academicians with our hearts and souls in the children (the youngest and tenderest of us all), we have you and your children’s best interests at heart.

The year 2020 saw the advent of a hitherto unknown enemy, the COVID-19, which came along and wreaked havoc on all our lives, sparing none.  When the Malaysian Movement Control Order was put into place back in March 2020, all our schools were forced to close, and all formal education was put on hold.  Parents began to worry about their children’s education, or rather, the lack thereof.  Teachers, principals, in fact, all education providers, began to fret about this halt in the education of those in their care.  It was startlingly obvious, then, that something had to be done to rectify this dire situation and bring education back to students, because their very futures depend on it.

Undaunted by the threat of our seemingly relentless faceless enemy, as a leader in the education industry, we at SEGi College Subang Jaya took matters into our own hands and calmly organised a series of webinars, inviting industry leaders, policy influencers and ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) experts to talk about how preschool operators and parents can rise up to the occasion and make it possible for us to continue educating our young even in the face of a pandemic.  On our webinar agendas, we discussed the best practices, the latest research, the adoption of new techniques and technologies, and we made an astounding breakthrough! The response we garnered through these webinars was overwhelming, and we gained the rapt attention of parents, teachers, principals and the relevant business owners.  Our audiences were fascinated by the store of values and insights that our expert speakers provided.  All these stakeholders looked to us as a beacon of light and wisdom to help them navigate their children, their schools and their businesses through the obstacles wrought upon us by the COVID-19 and the MCO.  And we are proud and happy that we did not disappoint.

Now that the schools are reopening, we thought of continuing our efforts of sharing with you some insights on how you can prepare your children for the return to their school.

 

Seven Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Children for Their Return to School 

By,
Ms Carolyn Choo, Head, Faculty of Education and Ms Leong Foong Lin, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, Faculty of Education
SEGi College Subang Jaya

 

1. Comfort and Reassure Them

Make the time to spend thoughtful moments conversing with your children and reassure them that everything is going to be alright.  Young children are tender and vulnerable, but they are also discerning and conscious of the world around them and the impact that current situations have made on their families and themselves.  Explain to them that things are not as they were before, and that changes will have to be made and adapted to once they return to the classroom (or go for the first time), but don’t forget to remind them that you will protect them and take care of them and that everything will be alright.  As the very best teachers and advocates for their own children, nobody else can do this better than parents.

 

2. Educate Them in the Latest Recommended Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Many educated adults aren’t sure about the latest standard operating procedures put into place to curb the transmission of this disease.  (To be honest, we can’t blame them because the situation can be extremely fluid)  Imagine, then, how confused our children must be.  Teach them to constantly, correctly and thoroughly wash their hands and sanitise, to wear their masks, and to maintain social distancing in school.  Gently explain the evolving situation and standards to them, and teach them how important it is to adhere to these standards for their own safety and that of those around them.  Be honest, cite accurate information, and above all, be gentle.  Our children are our most precious possessions after all.

 

3. Encourage Them to Confide in You and to Express Themselves

In these uncertain times, come through as certain and rock-solid for your children.  We are most of us unsure about the future, and we feel insecure – imagine how exponentially uncertain and afraid our children must be, then.  Regularly ask about their feelings.  Tell them that they can and should always come to you with their emotions, particularly their fears and concerns.  Being the ones most capable of making your children feel safe, show them that you’re always there to listen to them and comfort them.  And then nip whatever fears or uncertainties they might have right in the bud.

 

4. Follow the Old (and Exciting) Back-to-School Routine

Don’t let even a pandemic take the joy and thrill out of the first day of school.  We’ve all had the First-Day Jitters and Butterflies.  And didn’t we just love them! About a week or so before school recommences, establish that reliable old back-to-school routine – progressively earlier bedtimes, morning preparation rituals, new uniforms, shopping for and packing new school bags and stationeries.  Take it up a notch and drive them to their new school because this will be fun and exciting for them (and you).

 

5. Do a Dry Run

Let your children practise getting dressed in their uniforms (if uniforms don’t apply, then help them pick out favourite outfits) in order for them to become familiar with the process.  Younger children are particularly vulnerable to this kind of life-changing stress.  Ease this momentous transition for them by performing a few practice runs.  This will certainly relieve their anxiety.  Then discuss a typical daily routine, the times when school will start and end, what would normally happen on a school day, what could potentially happen on a school day, the school’s standard operating procedures, and school policies on conduct and behaviour.  Children need boundaries and some semblance of reliable routines because these allow them to feel safe and confident.

 

6. Seek Out A Buddy

Children like familiar faces, as do we adults.  Do some research and identify someone you can trust within the school context whom you and/or your children can talk to should an emotional, social or health issue ever arise from their transition back to school or, worst-case scenario, should anyone in the school be tested positive for the COVID-19.  Connect with this person and together with your children, make a buddy out of her/him prior to your children’s return/entrance to school.

 

7. Engage Your Children in Active Learning

Do something different.  Relieve your children of their electronic devices and provide tactile and active learning experiences for them.  Read to them from real books, play musical instruments with them, take them outside to kick a ball or play a game of badminton, explore and examine the flora and fauna in your garden or the neighbourhood park.  You’ll be surprised how excited and exhilarated you’ll make them (and yourselves) feel!

 

Back-To-School has always been stressful, and heaven knows we don’t need a pandemic to make it more so.  Because at SEGi College Subang Jaya, we’re not just about educating college-goers.  We’re also about making our community and society better.  We go beyond education.  And that means taking care of you and your children.