An update on what’s happening with kids in schools

Besides absentee rates, COVID counts and online and in person learning – what’s happening in schools right now? Educational strategist Jane Kristoffy works with families across the country and joined us this morning with an update.

“The kids are back in school…they’re thrilled to be back, they’re happy to see their friends and teachers-” said Kristoffy. “The teachers are feeling cautious. They’re very tired and they’ve been stretched in ways unimaginable.”

She says report cards are coming up and many parents will see that their kids are behind. This is due to the disruptions from the rise in the COVID-19 Omicron variant that closed schools for a period of time. 

“Students have not had the opportunity to develop some of the key learning skills such as independence, organization, or collaboration or managing some of the big emotions and behaviours on the school yard or in the halls or in group projects,” said Weber. “The teenagers have not been able to be together in ways that are regular and typical for that age.” 

Weber says the Ontario report card has a first page that lists all the learning skills laid out with letters associated with each skill. She says parents will likely find their children are behind when it comes to these learning skills and that they may read comments from teachers saying the child is struggling in certain areas. She recommends getting in touch with teachers if your child’s report card is especially concerning. 

She says math and language skills are the most important skills to keep an eye on because they are basics that progress as a child goes through school. 

“Math is a cumulative subject, so all the things the children were learning last year in and out of virtual learning requires a foundational concept,” said Weber. “They need to have that stuff really solid in order to pass their math this year.”

She says to take a step back if your child is struggling and figure out what they were supposed to be learning last year. 

Weber says communication skills are also really important because it is something kids will be using for the rest of their lives. Communication skills allow people to express themselves verbally and in writing. She says this skill has been difficult for children to build this basic foundation because of the pandemic. 

“There’s no need to panic about anything…just continue to encourage your kids and I would suggest connecting with teachers,” said Kristoffy. “Get your kids out with their friends and have expectations of them at home.”

She recommends giving kids chores and checking their homework so there is a level of expectation. She says parents will help their child any chance they can get, but in the end it is damaging to the child’s learning process.