With many students returning after the school closures throughout the coming months, we wanted to find a way to help teachers welcome their students back to school.
That’s why we have created this free resource and supporting discussion points. The Returning To School – Help For Students video will help to explain some of the changes that students may experience once they are back at school, normalise their worries or concerns, and provide an easy and age appropriate way to start a conversation about social distancing.
Watch the video below with your class, then use the discussion points to prompt further conversation:
Now talk about it…
Write the five points from the video on the board. You can use each one to prompt further discussion and talk about any changes your students can expect now they are back at school.
1. Listen to your teacher.
Talk about the new changes and social distancing measures at your school. This may involve explaining staying inside your class bubble or a new one way system throughout your school.
2. Tell your teacher if you feel unwell.
Explain that if we feel unwell it’s important to tell an adult. If your school will be using PPE, this could provide an opportunity to show students what the equipment will look like so that they can become familiar with it.
3. Be Kind to others.
Talk about the importance of being kind to each other and showing support, ask students how they can do this and give examples. If you have any changes to your behaviour or anti-bullying policy, this could be an opportunity to talk about it.
4. Tell Someone If You’re Worried.
As mentioned in the video, let students know that feeling worried or nervous is okay. You can provide an opportunity for students to talk about their feelings by doing a check in at the start of the day. Why not try the How I Feel Today Template to help students get started.
The first days back can also provide an opportunity for students to talk about their home learning experiences and process what this has been like for them.
Once you’ve watched the video above, try these 5 Resources and Activities for helping your students return to school.
Along with our online resources and support, from September 2020, we will be providing theatre-based anti-bullying workshops, internet safety training and wellbeing workshops for schools. If you would like to arrange a visit for the next academic year, get in touch.
In the meantime, we hope you found this video useful, and if you are currently welcoming students back to school we wish you all the best.
