The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered our lives, disrupting daily routines and introducing us to new ways of learning and teaching. As an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the crisis has reshaped the school environment. Following the nationwide shutdown in spring 2020, some schools cautiously reopened in fall 2020 with numerous new protocols: masks, socially distanced classrooms, and remote or hybrid learning options. For months, we have longed to see our students’ faces without masks, to see them interacting freely, laughing together, and enjoying lunch without the constraints of social distancing. We all look forward to a return to normalcy.
However, amid the grief, loss, and uncertainty, there have been opportunities for growth. The swift adaptations we made to create safer learning environments during a pandemic highlight our resilience. Some changes have led to positive discoveries. As much as we want to discard masks and Zoom links, perhaps there are lessons we can carry forward.
1. Embrace Online Curriculum
For years, schools have encouraged teachers to digitize their content. Platforms like Google Classroom and Schoology have been instrumental in sharing assignments, accepting submissions, and updating grades. Yet, many educators were hesitant or inconsistent in their online engagement. The pandemic forced everyone to adapt, making it clear that if an assignment isn’t posted, it doesn’t exist. Post-pandemic, we can expect greater comfort with technology among teachers, and students will likely make it a habit to check their online classrooms regularly. That’s a significant improvement.
2. Virtual Parent-Teacher Meetings
The necessity for social distancing has prompted a rethinking of how we conduct indoor gatherings. When in-person meetings are essential, they should be brief and as safe as possible. The pandemic has shown us that parent-teacher conferences can effectively take place online. Instead of navigating traffic and weather just to spend a few minutes with a teacher, parents can conveniently meet virtually. While there will always be value in in-person visits, we now know we can efficiently connect with parents in a way that fits their schedules.
3. Goodbye to Snow Days?
The days of losing instructional time due to bad weather are becoming a thing of the past. The pandemic has demonstrated that we can continue learning from home. Instead of traditional snow days, we might now have “remote days.” A simple text alert about school closures allows students to log in from home. While many look forward to snow days as a chance to play, the option to transition to remote learning means we can maintain educational continuity during unforeseen events.
4. Keeping Sick Kids Home
Previously, we relied heavily on parents to determine if their children were well enough to attend school, often allowing students with minor symptoms to come in. Now, schools are much stricter about illness, which is a change that should remain. We need to encourage parents to keep sick children at home and be vigilant about tracking outbreaks in the community, not just those related to COVID, but also flu and other illnesses. By being proactive, we can help prevent spreading illnesses among students.
5. Hand Hygiene is Here to Stay
Handwashing was already part of the early childhood curriculum, but now it’s a universal practice. Children of all ages have learned the importance of thorough hand hygiene. This focus on cleanliness should continue, regardless of any immediate health threats. We’ve established new routines surrounding snack times, water bottles, and classroom cleanliness. These practices are now seen as essential skills that children should develop alongside their academic learning.
6. A New Perspective on Personal Space
Students have become more aware of personal space. Even when it’s safe to gather, they may be less inclined to invade each other’s personal bubbles. Teachers have traditionally encouraged group work, but the pandemic has highlighted that not every student thrives in collaborative settings. Some may find independence in quieter, individual learning environments. It’s essential to allow students to engage in ways that suit their learning styles, giving them both collaborative and solitary opportunities.
While the pandemic has caused significant hardship, it has also provided us with valuable insights. As we transition back to the classroom, we will carry forward these lessons and experiences, making education stronger and smarter. When I finally welcome my students back, I will do so with a new understanding of how to foster a more effective learning environment.
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Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the educational landscape, teaching us valuable lessons about technology, communication, health practices, and personal space. While we yearn for a return to normalcy, the adaptations made during this time have the potential to enhance our teaching methods and improve student experiences moving forward.
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