Helping Children Readjust to School

After more than a year of isolation, uncertainty, and transition, one thing is certain: children returned to school this fall, with many back in school buildings. Whether in person or virtual learning, families are experiencing a second back-to-school season in the midst of constantly-evolving public health and safety guidelines.

• Strategies to build resilience as parents tune in to learn their kids’ struggles, help them find their strengths, and model calm to keep the brain in problem solving mode.
• Providing guidance on reconnecting with teachers and peers in person. Children may be nervous about social interactions and feel awkward in their growing bodies.
• Helping ease anxiety around schoolwork and academic achievement without applying unnecessary pressure to catch up.
• Techniques to lighten the daily grind by incorporating play, movement and wellness activities.

Presenters:

Phyllis Fagell, School Counselor at the Sheridan School and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Author of Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond -- and How Parents Can Help and frequent contributor to The Washington Post On Parenting section.

Caroline Mwendwa-Baker, Director of Literacy (K-2), Two Rivers Public Charter School, Washington, DC

Moderator:

Kathy Hedge, PEP Executive Director