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With the new school year already underway, many parents are trying to provide some sense of normalcy for our kids as they navigate virtual learning. Some children are afraid to physically go back to school, while teachers are put in the unenviable position of building a community and teaching 25 kids online.
In this new virtual environment, kids will miss out on some of the milestones that they would have celebrated in school — annual photos, class parties, academic achievements. But these are things that are still important to note and acknowledge. Here are some ways you can mark your kids’ school milestones and find ways to make their year feel more “normal.”
Recreate your child's classroom celebrations and milestones at home
Even though your children are in a virtual learning environment, many aspects of the the traditional academic calendar year will still be in place for you to mark and record.
1. Take pictures on important dates
Just because your kids aren’t physically attending school (or even if they are), doesn’t mean you still can’t do the fun photo ops of the past. Make that sign and have your child sit in front of their "school" — on your front porch. “We do the first day/last day pictures which still work for online school,” shared blogger Karen Heffren.
It’s okay if you missed the first day or week — just take the picture anyway. If your school puts student names on their marquees for Student of the Month awards or birthdays, drive by the school and take a picture of your child under it.
2. Throw virtual and alternative celebrations
Okay, a Zoom homecoming or drive-by Halloween parade isn’t remotely (pun intended) the same as the real thing, but they are still important parts of the academic school year. “I'm hoping they do some spirit weeks virtually because we are big on costumes, dressing up, and participating,” said mom of two Heffren. “I love taking pictures of that, too.”
3. Highlight any academic achievement
Virtual learning is tough. Between navigating technology, household distractions, missing friends, and a myriad of other factors, your kids are working hard to keep up with their schoolwork. Make a big deal out of any academic achievement with a special dessert, extra screen time, or a card.
Make up for missed social moments due to the pandemic
Because of the switch to online classes where most peer interactions are virtual, some parents are naturally worried about opportunities for kids to build interpersonal skills and socialize. “For primary school children, social development and social interaction are extremely important,” Dr. Edna Ma told Mom.com. “This is when they learn independence, self-identity and boundaries.”
4. Special virtual playdates
Depending on your child’s age and social needs, you may want to consider scheduling special virtual or socially distanced playdates to commemorate the first week of school, the start of vacation, etc. Kids can play board games, online games, chat, or do a themed activity together.
5. Party twice
Depending on when a celebratory event occurs during the pandemic, your child may have to be content with an online party. However, just because it was virtual doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the same event when we’re all allowed to gather again. Make a project out of planning and preparing for your child's first "post pandemic" celebration in the near future.
Ways to celebrate your child’s growth
If you’re like me and feel too much pressure to do multi-year secret projects or find fancy props as some of these suggestions require, don’t worry. Just start. Who cares if a few dates are missing? Don’t let your need for perfection prevent you from starting. You’ll still be grateful for what you’ve managed to do.
6. “Grow With Me” handprint t-shirt
Homeschooling mom Sally Kim suggested to Mom.com a fun “Grow With Me Handprint T-shirt” where you stamp your child’s handprint on the back of a tee under the school year. You can either buy a pre-printed shirt on Etsy or make your own with a Cricut or Silhouette.
7. Keepsake book for graduation
If craftiness isn’t your bag, Kim recommended something easier. “Pick a graduation book like ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go,’” she said. “Have your child’s teacher write something in there for your child to read when they graduate from high school. I ended up labeling each page with post-its so that the teacher would know where to write. I also included a little note explaining the book.”
Instead of teachers, you can also have parents, grandparents, and family members write a memory every year.
8. Yearly photo in the same shirt
A variation of the first and last day of school picture, take a snapshot every year of your child in the same adult sized “Class of 20XX” shirt, tracking their growth and size.
9. Record a yearly interview
Record a video of your child answering the same set of questions every birthday, first or last day of school (e.g.: Favorite colors, songs, subjects, teachers, friends, etc.). Remember to set the videos aside in a special folder for easy retrieval.
10. Write down memorable quotes
We can likely all agree that this school year is unlike any other your children have ever experienced — and they probably have said (and will say) many funny complaints or quips particular to the pandemic. Write them down and compile them in a little book as a way to look back on this unique time in their lives.
