6 tips to give students a skills refresh

2. Modify Notetaking: I remember in high school and college that the first few weeks back in school were rough–for my hand. It simply was not ready to take copious amounts of notes because the muscles in my hand had degraded during the summer. After a year of remote learning, some of our students will not be physically ready to take large quantities of notes. Take that into account and ease your students back into it with group discussions interspersed by notes or demonstrations for the class.

3. Practice with Tools: From second graders using scissors and glue to tenth graders using hand tools and protractors, your students may have forgotten proper usage of their tools. Review, review, review! Take time in the lesson to explicitly teach how to use the tools as well as reiterate safety rules.

4. Lower Expectations: I know, I know. As teachers we want to raise the bar and have students meet our expectations, but in this instance, realize that the alternative learning that took place this last year had an impact on your students’ social and motor skills. Set realistic expectations for your students–in many instances, these expectations may be lower than other classes you’ve taught. It’s okay! You’ll move them to those high expectations in no time!

5. Practice Social Interactions: Build in time for students to practice social interactions.Play getting-to-know-you games, give students time to talk and interact with one another outside of academic content. While remote learning has offered them time to talk, there’s nothing like a face-to-face interaction. Students may be lacking some skills to develop new friends. Provide structured and non-structured activities for students to build new friendships and deepen previous ones.

6. Build Concentration: If your students have been learning remotely for the previous school year, they may need to strengthen their concentration skills. Take planned breaks throughout lessons, show students how to break down bigger tasks into smaller tasks, set a timer and have students focus for a specific amount of time.

Above all else, remember that you are breaking new ground. These are uncharted waters for students and teachers alike as academic and social losses are regained. You’re an educational pioneer–and you’re going to do great things!