From the COO's Desk

10.06.22 04:50 PM By Author

Rethinking Normal

Dear NCFE Community

Most schools are in for in-person instruction this academic session and it is extremely promising. Though fears of COVID- 19 variants erupt often, the fact is we have learned to take precautions for the wellbeing of our community.

Back to school, Back to work, Back to normal – Adapt, Realign and Move Forward!

With the dawn of new age learning since 2020, upended schedules and advanced approaches to teaching and learning have got educational institutions and parents rethinking the best approaches and choices for student’s education. However, a word of caution looms large – partnership with the school will garnish better results for students.

Being the best time to reassess what’s best for our children, the focus of this newsletter comprises suggestions to get you started.

1. Abstain from Overschedules

Back to normal may find us trying to squeeze in all the activities we missed the last two years. Children are eager to join their peers for activities, parents are keen to get children off gadgets and out of the house however, we suggest taking it slow and allow children to take the lead. Take your children’s opinions into consideration and-

· Prioritize the activity

· Choose meaningful activities

· Identify the interest of the child

· Cut off time for academics

· Create a healthy schedule that fits both the child and parent need

2. Avoid excess focus on marks

While parents will be worried on loss of academics during the last two years, it is imperative to avoid an overdose of tutoring or enrichment activities to ensure the child achieves great marks.

Partner with the school to identify the gaps in academics as schools are working on bridge courses, review of concepts and skills and ensuring the basics are reiterated through engaging activities. Focus on filling in the gaps with patience and tolerance.

No one wants to witness their child being left behind, but premature panic is an incorrect measure to score high grades.

The North Star is to aim for a healthy child – emotionally, physically, and socially. If this is the priority then productivity and performance are byproducts.

3. Budget Sleep and *PDF (Playtime, Downtime and Family time)

Research does prove that 8-10 hours of sleep keeps a child healthy. The online instruction may have caused extra time for a nap in the afternoon but with the in- person instruction it is key to prepare for 8- 10 hours of sleep. Removing gadgets and devices from the child’s bedroom an hour earlier, inculcating the habit of reading a book and having an early dinner will prepare the child for a sound sleep.

The last two years found us spend lot more of PDF*. This had the most positive impact in the mental well-being of the child. Evaluate the activities your child and the family enjoyed together and make sure you allocate time for those during the day or week. Maintaining a Time Wheel Chart or Time Wheel Activity will help balance the imbalance.

4. Fixate on Human Relationships

The return to a structured routine with limited time for activities may be welcomed by some children but a stress for others. Some children may have thrived emotionally, academically, and physically while some may have not. Some may face faced isolation from peers. It is varied scales for every child.

Listen to your children, spend time with empathizing with their fears, investigate the root cause, express this in confidence to the school and partner with the school to help the child cope with fears and apprehensions.

We need to be extremely flexible this school year with policies, schedules, and expectations to allow our children to settle in and find confidence in school. Be attentive to children’s needs and have patience. Work with the school and chalk out what’s best for the child in the context of education and well-being.

Let’s start afresh to negotiate a safe, healthy, and academically strong environment for our children.

What’s NCFE Doing?

Tip: Read the circulars posted by the school, Schedule these sessions in your calendar and do not miss them