The reopening of schools in the midst of a pandemic has become the next hot button issue. With daily changing and mixed messaging coming from the White House and the CDC, emotions are running high on both sides of the issues. As a former teacher and children’s librarian myself, I’m torn. Of course learning from home isn’t a perfect solution. Not only do children not learn as much remotely, but it’s psychologically and socially damaging. On the other hand, while yes, children as a whole aren’t getting as sick from COVID-19, there haven’t been many studies yet on their passing it on to others, although a recent South Korean study involving 65,000 found that those ages 10-19 were just as likely to spread the virus as adults. Here are two very different videos regarding the issue. The first is from a 5th grade teacher as she tries to prepare her classroom. The second is a musical parody from singer Chris Mann, who has a young child.
I also found these Washington Post and National Geographic to be very informative.
By Hook Or By Book 
Not sure how I feel about the schools reopening. I’m having trouble concentrating on anything at the moment, so maybe it is too soon?
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I have a feeling this is going to blow up in our faces.
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It already has in some countries…
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Just get the virus under control before you even think about opening schools…surely that’s a pre-requisite of putting kids in a place of safety.
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You would think.
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We have to face this issue here i September, and it is dividing opinion a great deal. It may well be that children do not suffer so badly from contracting the virus, but if one does, and dies, that’s one too many. And ‘studies’ or not, it is just commonsense to realise that infected children will ‘bring home’ the virus to their extended family.
It is also an issue of economics, as working-class parents need to get back to work or lose their jobs, whereas the wealthy families can endure a much longer period (indefinite if need be) of the kids staying at home.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s an awful conundrum Pete. There are healthy children who have died from this, and others who have had mild cases, but like adults are suffering from long term effects. And there’s that new study out of South Korea showing that children ages 10-19 pass on the virus just as easily as adults.
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it’s certainly an issue weighing heavy on my mind too. online learning entirely is near impossible in Pakistan, but the risks of opening schools is too high too 😦
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There’s no easy answer Ayesha, but to rush heedlessly into reopening schools I fear is something we’re all going to regret.
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Just not a good idea. Children are social by nature and cluster together. How can teachers TEACH if they have the added burden of making sure students adhere to social distance rules?
And, while children are believed to be low targets of the virus, healthy children have died. This is not a good way to put the theory to the test.
It’s ironic that a great majority of the school board and city council meetings held to decide school re-openings are held ONLINE to minimize human contact. THINK, people!
I feel for parents who cannot work if their children are not in school, but schools are not babysitters. Instead of putting pressure on school districts, parents should aim their anger and frustration where it belongs… on legislators willing to risk lives to keep big business afloat instead of helping the people they were elected to serve.
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It’s a horrible conundrum Felicia. I worry about the long term effects from children learning remotely, especially those from poor socioeconomic households, yet as you said, children are social creatures, and trying to make sure they adhere to health guidelines is going to be an uphill battle. And while serious cases of the virus in children are still relatively rare, they do happen. Also, this virus has already mutated more than once, and it will more than likely do so again. And that study out of South Korea found that children ages 10-19 pass the virus on as much as adults. I have this sinking feeling that where schools reopen we’re going to see some tragic results. Then what? We say “Oops?”🤷🏻♀️
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I’m watching many of my former colleagues getting ready for another school year. There is always some degree of uncertainty, but never as much as this year. I don’t envy anyone in this situation. It’s going to be hard on everyone. Teachers who are worrying about their safety as well as that of their children. They’re wondering, “How can I possibly make this work?” I have yet to hear the plan for how teachers are supposed to teach withing the walls of the school and manage distance learning. I already averaged 60-80 hours per week before distance learning.
As the teacher in the video points out, kids are used to moving around freely within a classroom. How about lunch? How will that all work? Those forty minutes of solitude for a teacher are rejuvenating. Now, will teachers not get any breaks?
I think about the parent faced with this incredibly difficult decision of whether or not to send their children back to school without knowing whether it will be truly safe.
I mostly find myself thinking about the children and feeling for them. Masks will be lost or misused; it’s inevitable. A big part of school is the healthy interaction and development of social skills. Besides the obvious physical risks, mental health has to be one of the biggest things to consider.
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It’s a nightmare situation for the teachers, children p, and parents.
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DON’T. Another couple months things may change and we might have a vaccine or at least a cure.
Our 3 youngest grandchildren are going to be home schooled again.
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That’s what I’m thinking Don.
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Great 👍
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Thanks.
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This is such a difficult time for schools, parents, children, and teachers. Everyone is worried and trying to make the best decisions. There is no right or easy answer.
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What is your school district doing Jennie?
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No decisions have been made yet. Our governor has taken a cautious approach all the way along, so he isn’t rushing into anything, which is good. Parents are going crazy trying to plan their lives and their work.
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I’ve been impressed with the job Baker is doing. Thank goodness he’s not one of the governors eager to throw teachers and students under the bus.
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Yes, thank goodness!
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