“But when children return to school, we must ensure recess is meaningful, playful and inclusive. Why is recess so important, and why now?”
Category: Mental Health and Absenteeism
May 29
“A connected school always focuses on planting flowers instead of pulling weeds”: 5 Strategies for closure and transition
“Calming year end stress for can include these strategies:
1. Symbolic gifts
2. photos and affirmations
3. planting and nurturing
4. Remember to breathe
5. the family tree
May 20
4 considerations for a return to school Social Emotional Learning Plan
“A social emotional learning plan must prioritize relationships and human connections. “
May 15
4 suggestions for “reaching the students and families at serious risk for harmful behaviours… one of the most urgent concerns facing school psychologists right now.”
“1. Develop a long term recovery plan.
2. Assess, don’t assume.
3. Develop a resource map
4. Provide professional development and emotional care for adults”
May 11
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”John Lennon
Helping students cope with uncertainty: advice from psychologist
1. feeling distressed about being unable to predict what will happen is entirely normal
2. put things in perspective
3. “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
May 09
Many students who were chronically absent when school was in are vulnerable to loss of learning when school is closed due to COVID-19
Narrowing the equity gap includes:
examining access to digital devices
English language learners need documents available in multiple languages
teachers need support to conduct distance learning and connections with students
Apr 25
From virtual counseling to wellness apps, school districts are increasingly turning to “telehealth” to meet students’ mental health needs during the pandemic.
“Regular touchpoints like online check-ins can also help ensure kids are tethered to the school community and aren’t slipping through the cracks, say educators and counselors “
Apr 23
When students drop out of online learning amid the pandemic, teachers worry they may never come back
“Many teachers … are doing their best to maintain relationships from afar with students who depended on seeing them every morning. “
Apr 22
Teachers, If You’re Not OK Right Now, You’re Not Alone: one teacher’s account of dealing with teaching from home during the pandemic
“As uncomfortable as it feels, I am slowly starting to accept that I have no choice but to sit in this moment with my students. There are no clear solutions or quick fixes. I can’t minimize the gravity of this unprecedented crisis for them or myself. For now, the best I can do for my students and myself is to accept that right now, it’s OK to not be OK.” Lory Walker Peroff
Apr 01
With the COVID-19 pandemic, focus on student well being by putting compassion ahead of content
“As schools across the country remain closed, students with trauma, difficult home situations, and anxiety need support now more than ever.”