Weary warning
PARENTS should expect tears, excitement, clinginess, exhaustion, hyperactivity and frustration from children returning to school, a child psychologist has warned.
AFTER up to 10 weeks of homeschooling, Tasmanian primary school students returned to the classroom yesterday.
Child psychologist Cassie Xintavelonis said some children would take a while to adjust to the new routine.
“We need to allow that kids may be quite tired after school, they need time to decompress,” she said.
“We can expect a range of emotions — tears, clinginess, exhaustion, hyperactivity, excitement, anger and frustration. All those responses are to be expected and we need to make allowances for that.
“Some kids may be suffering from technology withdrawal because education has been online, so they’ve been on devices a lot, and now they’re back at school they’re not.”
Mrs Xintavelonis said that for some children the social dynamics of school life may have changed.
“Some children may be having friendship adjustments. There are kids that have been at school this whole time who may have made new connections, so there’s that shift.
“Parents may need to make some time to organise play dates and connections, allowing kids to develop those friendships again.”
Mrs Xintavelonis said that school may look different as students are unable to access some activities due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff praised teachers and students for their smooth transition back to school.
“Overwhelmingly, we have had positive feedback from principals and schools across the state with thousands of students returning to school,” he said. “A lot of work has been undertaken to ensure no students will be disadvantaged as a result of this pandemic.
“I know school staff are excited to see students back to the classroom, and I would like to again thank all school staff and parents who have worked tirelessly to support student learning and wellbeing.”
Mavis Chapman, 7, had her first day back at New Town Primary School yesterday.
“She was excited to be seeing her friends and teachers and reconnecting with her school community,” mum Josie Chapman said.
Prior to returning to school, Mrs Chapman warned her that what she was going back to wasn’t what she left.
“They have been home for 10 weeks with no other people, no parks. While we’ve had a good experience, it’s not normal for young children to be separated and isolated,” she said. “It’s the social development that you can’t replicate at home. You can do the educational side.”
Mrs Chapman said homeschooling while working from home had posed some difficulties.
“I’m lucky that I have an education background, but I think for some people it would be particularly challenging.
“It was about striking a balance that we’re not school, it’s a home environment.
“The school gave us lots of resources but no pressure, which is a good approach.”
Mavis’s brother Oscar, 5, starts back in kindergarten today.
THEY HAVE BEEN HOME FOR 10 WEEKS WITH NO OTHER PEOPLE, NO PARKS. WHILE WE’VE HAD A GOOD EXPERIENCE, IT’S NOT NORMAL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN TO BE SEPARATED AND ISOLATED JOSIE CHAPMAN