environment for the child. Myers says, “We welcome working with teachers to coordinate learning needs for our students. Our mindset is, the more people working together to help the child, the better.” Ann suggests that gradually changing your current schedule can help reduce a child’s stress about going back to school. “Start small and work your way up to establishing systems,” she suggests. “Returning to a school routine a few weeks before the first day of school is always a good start. It will not be popular amongst the non-adults in your house, but earlier bedtimes can be done gradually so that those early September mornings start off as positive as possible.” Also, if your child is going to a new school, she recommends getting a school tour. Knowing the layout and a few key areas of the school can be beneficial for reducing anxiety. Ann believes one of the biggest things we can do to help our children is keeping a positive mindset. “It can be easy to focus on all the ways that things are going to be different and see them as challenges or perhaps even inconveniences,” says Myers. “We can also see them as opportunities to do our small part in keeping everyone around us safe.” As parents and teachers, our attitudes will have a direct impact on how our children respond. Myers offers one last bit of advice that we can all take to heart. “Be patient,” she says. “The first few hours, days and even weeks of this process will be a whole new learning curve - for all of us. I think it is important for everyone to take a moment and reflect on how well we have done to help control the impact that COVID-19 has had on our province. We can do this, together!”
Sylvan offers assessments, academic coaching in reading, writing, math, study skills, homework support, and French. Also, enrichment, exam proctoring, and video game design.
Sylvan PEI ann@peilearning.ca 902.367.3678 www.SylvanPEI.ca
SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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