The 5 c's of caring as students return to class

''School is the sanctuary. For many of our students, being online virtually, or even in school in some capacity, that can be their sanctuary.''- Shashank V. Joshi

I don't think I can ever be fully prepared for the return of my students to our classroom. Bulletin boards, tables, and chairs with social distancing, safety protocols posted in every hallway, hand sanitizer, etc... 

You would think I have it all resolved. Well, guess again!

Looking at my classroom with my checklist at hand I remember that this past year I found myself going through a mental health crisis during several months of the pandemic. Being locked in my house felt never-ending and exhausting. And that's when it hit me: how many of my students went through it too. Or are still lost in it.

We have forgotten to include caring for our students upon their return to school.

How to prepare for students return applying the 5 C's of  Caring?

Cultivate: Help a family of learners by cultivating a sense of belonging and community in your physical or virtual classroom.

Create: Allow students to express their concerns and take "baby steps" back into the classroom by creating a safe space and time for them to do so.

Create: Create a place and time for you and your coworkers to share personal encouragement- some of the joys of teaching, some of the joys of success, some suggestions for "sharing the burden" of lesson planning, and someone to lean on when things get a little "too wild."

Create: Create and cultivate opportunities for students' families, parents, and caregivers to interact.

Create: Create physical safety structures in the classroom.

Remember: ''You don't have to have absolutely everything solved, but you do have to be ready for what comes through the door that first week.''- Shashank V. Joshi

Happy Teaching!

                    -Ely M.

Ps. Have you used any of the C's of caring in your school? Feel free to brag about your success in the comments 👇👇