As we move into our second week of school in some communities, students are going back to school in a combination of venues: F2F, remote, or hybrid. No matter the environment, teachers and parents all over the globe are anxious about how the students and their teachers will reach each other. Many teachers have made videos and posted them to a YouTube channel, Vimeo, maybe a class Facebook page, Hippo Video, Animoto, Flixtime, or on a variety of other online platforms. Teachers know how important it is to engage their students from the onset and parents know how important it is to support the learning in this challenging time.

As you continue to plan (and worry), remember that many things accomplished in a F2F environment can be replicated in the remote world as well. The content must be strong and the delivery targeted. Preparing students for their learning this year really does mean a fresh new start for everyone. Regardless of the content, the cues for engagement must be recognized, reiterated, and practiced by teachers and parents.

For instance, students still need back to school “stuff” either at home or in their schools. They still need books, either in print or online; they still even need pens and pencils; they need a place to organize their work; and they need routines to get started each day. They need to be reminded that although school will be different, the attention to their work is as critical as ever.

The mindset of each student, teacher, and parent is vital to a successful start. Students need a sense of belonging, purpose, and relevance which supports their growth. They need to know that their voices, perspectives, and work are honored, and that authentic learning is the goal. Reach out to your students, call out their names, welcome their thoughts, understand they may be unsure of the anticipations, and provide consistency and high expectations; this year may be different but valued just the same.

What three strategies have you implemented so far this year that are similar to last year but may be delivered differently this year?