ST. LANDRY PARISH — Back to school time is looking much different this year, as more schools are changing to follow safety guidelines during the pandemic.
Some school districts are going virtual, others a hybrid schedule of in person and virtual classes.
Some students will return to campus but with some safety guidelines in place.
St. Landry Parish public school students will learn from home with all virtual classes. For some, it comes with a learning curve.
Ruby Valary-Robert plans on helping her granddaughter with the transition of learning from home.
"I'm very old school, when everything was done by typewriters," said Valary-Robert. "It's a learning experience daily."
She says being at home is a challenge for her granddaughter.
"She just misses being in the classroom because she loves her teachers," Valary-Robert said of her granddaughter. "She loves being with people. It's just she and I in the home and therefore she's missing that interaction. That socialization to meet and talk with others."
Child therapist Reginald Lemelle says it's an adjustment for everyone.
"These kids went from being socialized with their friends and peers on a school campus and now all of that's gone," Lemelle said.
For virtual learning, Lemelle recommends parents create a schedule for their children. It's a way keep them on track.
He also stresses the importance of letting them take breaks for physical activity.
Also, let them communicate with their friends through face-time or zoom meetings.
They can share their screen and watch movies together and also help each other with classwork.
Make sure to monitor to them while they're online.
Share responsibilities with either your partner or whoever can help you at home.
"Take turns helping kids with schoolwork," Lemelle said. "Utilize your older kids if you have them to assist with school work. If you find yourself being rigid or rough with the kids, know that's when you start losing patience. That's when you need a break. The kids need a break . "
Overall he says being positive and encouraging will make a difference for both you and your child during the transition. Something Valary-Robert is already practicing.
"We all need to work together on one accord,"Valary-Robert said. "We have to be positive and we can get through this like champs."
Lemelle also offered some other tips for students, parents and teachers. Click here to read his advice.
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