Gradually moving back to normalcy post pandemic, how to prepare students for the transition from online to offline in IB school?

Brick to Click and back!

Not so long ago, we were talking about transitioning from a brick school to a click school! And here we are, 18 months, one academic year, umpteen virus variants, and 2 jabs later- talking about going back to our brick (in-school) learning!

Nobody knows what the future scenario will be like, and it's natural to be nervous in the face of the unknown. We hope that this post will help you set some expectations and inspire you to embrace the uncertainty so that you may return to school confidently following the COVID-19 protocols set by our school. As most IB schools in Mumbai gear up to reopen, here’s a lowdown on what we can expect after a long time of non-traditional schooling and how do we prepare ourselves and our children for this next stage of new normal

What to Expect?

It may be awkward:

Keep in mind that things may not go as smoothly as they did previously. With less physical touch and relationships, things are going to be different. You can’t see smiling faces; neither can you hug your friends! You may not even see a whole school running. Empty corridors, no cafeteria time, no assemblies, and no events may not make it the ABWA we all know. We must come together to embrace this ‘newest normal’.

It may be difficult to concentrate:

If you've grown accustomed to studying and attending class at home, returning to the classroom may present an overflow of distractions. As you retrain how to focus in a physical classroom setting, be patient with yourself. It will fall in place!

You might be worried or frustrated:

At ABWA, the mental well-being of all students and staff is of utmost importance. The stress of a continuing crisis presents itself in different ways for different people. You might be overjoyed at the prospect of going back to school, or you might be experiencing butterflies in your stomach! You are not alone, no matter how you feel. If you're worried, arrange an appointment with our pastoral care team. They are always there to give us patient listening!

Hybrid is the way to go:

For some more time, most IB schools in Mumbai are going to be operating from this hybrid space. There will be days when you will enjoy in-person classes and some days we will be zooming in! This situation can be termed as “the best of both worlds!”

Re-establish a routine, with breaks as needed:

Routines provide the consistency and stability that we need in unpredictable times. Routines were an important element in helping each kid succeed even before the pandemic. It will be more vital than ever to develop a back-to-school regimen. Stick to a pattern that makes you feel your best, from waking up routines and favourite breakfast goodies to study zones and regular bedtime rituals. Getting back into regular habits will make it easier to transition back to school. Remember to schedule time for enjoyment and realize when you need a break to unwind.

Be responsible:

Now is the moment to cultivate solid hygiene habits that will become second nature in the next few weeks. While we'll take precautions to maintain your safety and sanitization at school, masking is the easiest way we can show our social responsibility.

Focus on mental wellbeing than academic grades:

This is a crazy application time for most IB schools in Mumbai. Children are returning to school after a long break due to lockdown. They may need some time to get into a serious academic mode. While the school will handle routine assessments and exams, it’s advisable to remain calm and composed if the overall grades drop. Children are going to need some time to get their bearings.

More than anything else, a child's safety and wellbeing should be our top priority right now!

Things have a way of working out for the best. The pandemic actually brought out our resilience and adaptability in times of crisis, which must be valued. Transitioning into and out of online classrooms is, at the end of the day, a transformation involving most IB schools in Mumbai. Change is difficult to accept, but is the one constant and that it is unavoidable. We at Aditya Birla World Academy, one of the Best IBDP Schools in Mumbai, are looking forward to discovering our new normal as a community. Welcome back, students!

Also read,
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/the-a-level-way-drink-deep-or-taste-not-the-pierian-spring-alexandar-pope
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/how-online-learning-in-an-international-school-facilitates-the-overall-development-of-students
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/teaching-methodology-of-ibdp

Author

Prodipta Hore

Ms. Harshada Keer

Activities & Events Coordinator-Srs Spanish Teacher-International Curriculum Aditya Birla World Academy

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