I Hear You! I’m Listening!
Turn on the news and you will hear about it. Open the newspaper and you can read about it. Look at Facebook, Instagram or other platforms of social media and you will find it. It’s something facing millions of American’s and it has communities divided. Should schools reopen? How can this be done safely? What precautions should be taken? The questions and debates go on and on and on. Are we hearing each other? Who are we listening to?
Children need to be in school for their emotional health. I hear you but what about the emotional health of teachers? We are already worried at the thought of a student getting sick, our class having to quarantine. We are worried thinking about students being mad, sad, concerned and grieved if a classmate gets sick or their teacher gets sick or we have to socially distance again. Do you hear me?
Children need to be in school for their social health. I hear you but what about the social health of the teachers? We are isolated to our classroom. We want to hug and talk to our coworkers that we care about but guidelines keep us from doing this. The social health of students will be compromised because even at school they will have to socially distance. No more group play, no playing on the playground. Do you hear me.
Children need to be in school for their physical health. I hear you but what about the physical health of teachers? Just like you we may come in contact with someone who is asymptomatic and then we put the child’s physical health at risk or the child puts our physical health at risk by returning to the classroom. If the teacher gets sick who is going to teach the class? Do you hear me?
Children need to be in school for academics. I hear you but teachers can teach excellent lessons virtually. We have been working on this over the summer break to ensure we can deliver lessons that meet the needs of all learners. It’s only for a short period of time and then when it is safe we will be back together in the classroom. Do you hear me?
Children need to be back in school because they get fed there and are safe there. I hear you and teachers know that is a huge concern. Trust me it has been on our hearts and minds for the past five months. Most districts have a meal program to assist with feeding kids. Teachers will be meeting daily with students and will be watching them to make sure they are safe. Do you hear me?
I’m scared. I’m listening to you my little friend and I’m scared too. We will follow the precautions and do the best we can to be safe. Listen to me.
I was really excited about starting school! I’m listening to you my little friend and I am excited for the day that will come, when we will be able to be at school. Listen to me.
I want to see my friends and make new friends. I’m listening to you my little friend and you will get to see your friends. You will get to make new friends. Be patient. Listen to me.
I eat breakfast and lunch at school because sometimes there isn’t enough food at home. I’m listening to you my little friend and the schools are providing meals. I can send the information to your parents/guardians. I’m sorry. Listen to me.
I feel safe at school. I don’t get hurt or called names at school. I’m listening my little friend. I will be meeting with you each day and you will be able to talk to me and I will be able to see you. I will be looking and I will do my best to help keep you safe. Listen to me.
My little friend I hear them just like you hear them. It’s confusing and there isn’t a good answer for any of this. Just know my little friend that though I hear them, I am listening to you! I hope you listen to me. You my little friend are a treasure and I like you just the way you are!
