Care and Connection [Blogpost 116]

It is truly amazing to see how people around the world are coming together (virtually) for the common good.

I know many families are appreciative of how swiftly teachers not only switched from on-site learning to distance learning, but did so with aplomb and through the lens of looking at the whole child, rather than simply academics.

Care and connection is always important and especially so during these days of uncertainty. The oft quoted, “Some teachers taught the curriculum today. Other teachers taught students today, and there’s a big difference.” (Source unknown) resonates deeply.

• Leland in ‘Smiles Are Infectious’: What a School Principal in China Learned From Going Remote, reiterates the importance of connection, be it students seeing their teachers or hearing their voices through modern technology. In addition, he states that, “Especially during times of quarantine or isolation, educators should give attention to the whole person—body, spirit, mind, and social relationships … I think we will all discover that one does not need to be physically present in order to be personal; we can create a welcome sense of “contact” through phone and video calls, texting, and emails.”

• Cipriano and Brackett in Teacher, Interrupted: Leaning into Social-Emotional Learning Amid the COVID-19 Crisis reiterates that Social and Emotional Learning is important for all and, amongst other points, state, “Be kind to yourself and flexible (as permitted) with your schedule.”

• Reverting to the question of what to do at home with young children, Mader in Stuck at home with young kids due to the coronavirus? Here’s what to do—and not to do references the importance of keeping them safe and not allowing them to “absorb all the anxiety”. She also reiterates the importance of parents not putting undue pressure upon themselves with regards to endeavouring to duplicate an academic environment in the home.

• Action for Healthy Kids’ website Resources for Schools and Families During COVID-19/Coronavirus has a huge range of resources to address social emotional concerns and more. Of particular note are the links to: The National Association of School Psychologists’ Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource and links to various sites for physical activity, such as Yoga Ed.

These are but a few of the multiple examples of the role of and resources for social emotional support during this difficult time.

I am mindful that we do not know how long these restrictions will be in place and (in terms of self-care and being in it for the long haul) wholeheartedly believe in the notion of self-care (“Put on your oxygen mask first before helping others”) and baby steps, so as to be able to care for and make connections with others now and in the days ahead.

Care and connection is always important and even more so during these uncertain times. Enjoy this beautiful (in message and artistry) song, "What the World Needs Now Is Love" performed by students from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music.

References

• Action for Healthy Kids (2020) Resources for Schools and Families During COVID-19/Coronavirus

• Anderson, L (2020) ‘Smiles Are Infectious’: What a School Principal in China Learned From Going Remote Edsurge. California, USA

• Cipriano, C. and Brackett, M. (2020) Teacher, Interrupted: Leaning into Social-Emotional Learning Amid the COVID-19 Crisis Edsurge. California, USA

• Mader, J. (2020) Stuck at home with young kids due to the coronavirus? Here’s what to do - and not to do The Herchinger Report. New York, USA.

• The National Association of School Psychologists (2020) Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource Maryland, USA.

• NPR (2020) Virtual 'Love Sweet Love' From Quarantined Berklee College of Music Students Washington D.C., US

• Yoga Ed. (2020) Yoga Ed. USA