In order to prepare for this uncertain school year, I’ve prepared a back to school visualization exercise and read and draw activity. You can download and print it below.
The 2020 school year is fast approaching, but going back to school this year will be quite different. No one got to finish out last school year and have their regular goodbyes and end of year celebrations. Some children will be starting the new school year with masks and with a whole new set of rules and procedures. Some will eat lunch in their classrooms instead of the cafeteria. Some will stay in one classroom all day instead of rotating through the building for different classes.
Others won’t be returning to school physically, at least not yet. They’ll see their teachers and classmates again through a screen. They won’t have that same feeling of packing up their backpack and setting off to school to a colorful new classroom filled with interesting new books, toys, and materials to manipulate.
Starting something new can make us all a little apprehensive or even anxious.
Visualizing what the day might be like and planning the parts of the day we can control can help us all to cope and feel as comfortable as possible in our new surroundings or new situation.
Last year, I put together a back to school read and draw activity to help children visualize and get excited about their first day of school. Those returning to physical school might enjoy this activity, and it may even help turn some of their apprehension into excitement.
Read and draw activities also have the added benefit of aiding in reading comprehension.
This year, for children who are going to be meeting their teachers and classmates online on the first day of school, I’ve created a new back to virtual school read and draw activity.
Here are both activities, so you can choose the one that applies to you:
Back to School (in person)
Back to Virtual School
I hope these activities help your child prepare for the first day of school, whatever that may look like. Also, remember that as parents we have a strong power to set the tone. As we navigate this new school year, let’s try to do so with positivity and confidence so that our children may do the same.
Krista Brock, Author 