Introduction

As we go back to school, it will look and feel different, but there are lots of ways we can stay safe and healthy. Everyone will have slightly different rules to follow now. Some people will have school online, some will go in person, and some will do a mix of both. The teachers and adults will be wearing masks or face shields. This is important because it helps stop the spread of germs. You might have to wear a mask, too. Make sure you keep your mask covering your nose and mouth. It might feel itchy or hot, but it is very important to keep you and the people around you safe. There will be social distancing, to keep everyone spread out. Your seats will probably be spread further apart from others. This also helps stop the spread of germs. Make sure you don’t get too close to anyone, even when you talk and play. We don’t want to touch items that belong to other people. It might feel strange not to share right now, but it’s important. There will be lots of hand washing and sanitizing to make sure we keep ourselves healthy. Always wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20-30 seconds. You can count to yourself to be sure. Pay attention to the new routines at school. There might be new directions for walking in the halls. Recess and lunch time might look very different. You might eat lunch in your classroom and have less or no time outside. It can be hard not to play and hang out with your friends, but this is to keep everyone healthy and safe. Sometimes, you might get your te

No-Prep Activity

One simple and engaging activity that educators can conduct without preparation or materials is the “Virtual High Five.” This can be done in person or during online classes. Here’s how it works:

1. Ask the students to stand up and find a safe space around them, ensuring they maintain a safe distance from others.
2. Explain that they will be giving each other “virtual high fives” to celebrate their accomplishments or to simply show support.
3. Have the students practice by raising their hands and pretending to give high fives in the air, making sure not to touch anyone or anything.
4. Encourage them to smile, make eye contact, and say something positive like “Great job!” or “You’re doing awesome!” while giving the virtual high fives.
5. Repeat the activity a few times, allowing students to get used to this new way of showing support and encouragement without physical contact.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you feel about the new rules at school, like wearing masks and social distancing? What can we do to help each other follow these rules?
2. What are some ways you can stay connected with your friends while maintaining a safe distance?
3. How do you think the changes in our school routines will affect our learning and growth? What can we do to adapt to these changes?
4. What are some strategies you can use to stay calm and focused when you feel overwhelmed or anxious about the new school environment?
5. How can we show kindness and support to our classmates, even if we cannot be physically close to each other?

Related Skills

Besides adapting to new routines, there are other social-emotional skills that can help students navigate the new normal in schools. Some of these skills include:

• Emotional regulation: Managing and expressing emotions in a healthy and appropriate manner.
• Active listening: Paying close attention to what others are saying, and responding thoughtfully.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and offering support and encouragement.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from challenges and setbacks, and staying positive in difficult situations.
• Cooperation: Working together with classmates and teachers to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

Next Steps

As educators, we play a crucial role in helping our students adapt to the new normal in schools. By incorporating social-emotional learning into our daily routines, we can support their growth and well-being during these challenging times. To access free sample materials for teaching these skills and others, visit Everyday Speech and sign up today!