As more students prepare to head back online for the next few weeks, you might be worried about how your child will adjust to the change.

Earlier this week, the province announced all students will return to online learning till at least May 25 as a part of a plan to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Students in grade 7-12 in Airdrie switched to remote learning late last month.

The transition back to an online classroom may impact some students socially and academically according to a support services counselor with Community Links.

Eileen Whitehouse said having students home, especially high schoolers, can affect their academic goals and bring concerns of isolation as they are separated from their peers and social circles.

But there are many ways to help students cope with the change and it all starts with connection.

"(There) are some people in the world that care about them and make them feel important and that they matter. This could be parents or guardians, teachers, school counselors and other reliable adults in their life and also their peer groups."

Whitehouse added there are many ways for students to connect either through outdoor activity or virtually.

She added that staying active and busy is also a good way to help cope.

"Play is the best thing ever! It can be outside activities or it can be indoors. Find a hobby, maybe there's something you can create."

Whitehouse admits being away from the classroom can bring many challenges mentally including the temptation to focus on the negatives. Aside from turning away from those thoughts to more positive ones, she said practicing gratitude and compassion is also helpful.

"Look at all the good things around and what are you hoping for? What is something that you can hold on. Compassion helps to calm the mind. Think of others, look out for people you love and how you can help them."

 

READ MORE: 

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Students return to school after winter break

Students give funds for safer mental health assessment space in Airdrie

 

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