Time seems to move quite fast this year that before we know it, we’ve already made it halfway through 2020. So much has happened over the past six months that we often get caught up in ourselves and the world around us. There’s so much fear and worry due to recent events that it is not surprising if all our attempts and efforts to return to our normal, daily routines just doesn’t feel quite right. Fortunately, for us Malaysians, it is apparent that the situation that our nation has been facing is continuously improving. Day by day, we see the numbers of new Covid-19 cases dropping. More and more people are getting back to their usual routines, getting back to work, visiting their families, and reuniting with their loved ones. With new safety measurements in place, most of us have begun to feel safe, secure, and confident to get back into the world and carry on with our lives. However, while most of us rest easy, some of us still experience fear and doubt. In this article, we shall take a look at parents who worry about the safety and well-being of their children as schools are beginning to open doors and welcome students back into the classrooms.
Recent announcements made by the Malaysian government states that schools and learning institutions are allowed to reopen. However, are parents willing to send their children to school? Let us take examine the different standard operating procedures (SOP) which has been laid out and implemented in schools to ensure the safety and well-being of your children:
Social Distancing
Just like any other businesses such as shopping malls and eateries, the seating arrangements in a classroom will also have to adhere to the social distancing measures which is one meter apart. Therefore, the tables in the classroom should be arranged one meter apart from each other. Teachers play a major role in ensuring that the students follow and practice social distancing within the school premises.
Packed food
To ensure proper hygiene, the SOP restricts schools from handling food to the students. For this reason, students should pack food from home and they are not allowed to have their food at the school cafeteria. They would have to remain in the classroom during recess or break times. Parents should be aware of this and prepare food for their children before heading to school.
Sanitizing Tools Provided
It is also necessary for schools to provide the things needed to ensure students can practice good hygiene within the school premises. Such things include hand sanitizers and soap in the restrooms. Other than that, the dustbin in classrooms is stated that it should not be exposed to ensure a high level of cleanliness.
Temperature Checks
Before being allowed into school premises, all school staff, teachers, and students must have their temperature taken in which those with a temperature reading that’s higher than 37.5 degrees will not be allowed into school. School staff, teachers, and students are also required to wear facemasks.
Daily Sanitation
Schools are also instructed to always keep their premises cleaned and sanitized daily to prevent germs from spreading.
With all these SOPs in place, I think it is safe to say that parents should not feel worried and anxious about sending their children back to school. To help ease the process of adopting the new norm in learning institutions, teachers should play a major part in making sure that parents feel confident to allow their children back to school. If you are a parent and is still feeling anxious about allowing your child back to school, here are some tips and tricks to help you accept and feel confident to send your children back to school post-Covid 19:
1. Frequently Communicate with Teacher
It would be helpful if you keep an open communication with your child’s teacher. By doing this, you are able to get updates on your child when they are at school. Ask your child’s teacher if any of their classmates show any symptoms of the flu and if so, you may bring your child home to ensure his/her safety.
2. Educate Child on New Norm
A big reason why you feel anxious and worried about letting your child return to school might be because you don’t feel confident about whether your child can practice the simple precautions of Covid 19. This is why you have to play the role of educating your child about the safety practices and precautions and this can start at home. It is important that your child knows and understands Covid 19 and how it spreads. Talk to your children about the virus and the current situation. Then, once they’ve understood, move on to educating them about ways to protect themselves from the virus. Teach them about proper handwashing, hand sanitizing, and social distancing. You can also explain to them in detail about how wearing facemasks can help prevent the spread of Covid 19. Use videos, songs, books, and any other tools that you can think of to ensure the message is effectively communicated to your children.
Of course, it is not surprising that parents such as yourself feel concerned about the safety of your children during this challenging time, but don’t let your fear stop your children from getting the education that they deserve and need.
