Adapting to New Back-to-School Routines: Skills for a Safe and Healthy Environment
Introduction
As schools reopen with new guidelines and regulations, it is essential for educators to help students adapt to these changes while ensuring a safe and healthy environment. The following skills will assist students in understanding the importance of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and maintaining proper hand hygiene. By incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, we can facilitate a smoother transition for students in Special Education.
No-Prep Activity: The Safety Circle
This activity aims to demonstrate the concept of social distancing in a fun and engaging way. It requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can be easily adapted to fit various settings.
- Ask students to stand in a circle with enough space between each person.
- Explain that the space around them is their “Safety Circle” and that it helps keep them and their classmates safe by preventing the spread of germs.
- Encourage students to practice moving around the room while maintaining their Safety Circle. They can use their arms to measure the distance between themselves and others.
- After a few minutes, gather the students back together and discuss how the activity helped them understand the importance of social distancing.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to wear a mask and practice social distancing?
- What are some challenges you might face when adapting to these new routines, and how can you overcome them?
- How can we support our classmates who might be struggling with the new rules and routines?
- What are some ways you can still connect with your friends while following the safety guidelines?
- How do you feel about the changes in school routines, and what can you do to make this transition easier for yourself and others?
Related Skills
Beyond the skills discussed above, there are other relevant skills that can help students adapt to the new back-to-school routines:
- Adaptability: Embracing change and being open to new experiences can help students adjust to the new guidelines more easily.
- Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about feelings, concerns, and questions can help students feel more comfortable and supported during this transition.
- Self-awareness: Recognizing and managing their emotions can help students cope with the changes and challenges they may face.
- Problem-solving: Developing creative solutions to navigate the new routines and address any challenges that may arise.
Next Steps
To further support your students in adapting to the new back-to-school routines, consider signing up for free samples of skill-related materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help you better understand and teach the skills mentioned in this blog post, as well as other essential Social-Emotional Learning skills. By providing students with the tools they need to navigate these challenging times, we can create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for everyone.
