Ok, let's all face it, nothing could have prepared us for the global Pandemic we have now come to know and hate called 'COVID- 19'. With everything as a teacher that I have going on at school on a regular basis, I can only begin to imagine the stress YOU the students are feeling right now sooooooo, let's totally talk about this, before we aaaaall go crazy!
TIP # 1- BREATHE
Before you can think of taking on anything school related you should always remember to take deep breaths and get rid of all your anxiety. Why? It's usually much worse in your head than it is in reality. Just breathe and take the first step.
TIP # 2- DON'T WORRY ABOUT NOT HAVING ALL OF YOUR LEARNING MATERIALS AT ONCE.
Yes, yes I knoooow! I'm a teacher and I'm not supposed to say things like that but honestly? We can only use so much material at any given time and we all should have realistic expectations as such. Just start with the basics like your pencil, sketch pads, paints, brushes, a pack of crayons and a good eraser. As long as there is a clear vision of your tasks at hand, I can assure you that creativity can not only bloom but flourish so, just relax.
TIP # 3- GET A COPY OF YOUR TIMETABLE AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN
You'll pretty much be as confused as a cat in a classroom if you have no sense of direction so get a PLAN. The best way to get a sense of direction is to get your timetable and start to get your intellectual bearings aligned. That way you won't look like you are unprepared for school, even if you are. Walk into that classroom with confidence and soon you'll begin to feel at home.....well as best as you can anyway.
TIP # 4- SIT WHERE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE IN CLASS
Everyone CANNOT get a seat at the front of the class aaannnnddd....lemme tell you a little secret, NOT ALL OF US WANT TO! I should know because when I was a student, I hated sitting at the front of any class...well...except for Visual Arts, of cooouuurrrse. Give yourself room to grow into your new environment and trust your instincts. As a teacher, I usually recommend that students with poor vision or other impediments sit as close to me as possible but nothing is set in stone.You and you alone know what makes you comfortable and who said the people who sit at the front of the class are the future leaders anyway?
TIP # 5- MAKE GOOD FRIENDS
A part of what makes you a well rounded student is your ability to choose good associates or friends. We often think that who we are at school is only defined by the academic lessons we learn, not so. We are social beings and at some point, we will all need a listening ear or someone who we can relate to. Choosing the right kind of friends can help to shape our development at school and outside of school if we deem it so. Try to remember though, that nothing is more attractive than being YOURSELF. So, be YOU....just have your fabulous friends who wish you well in your circle.
TIP # 6- RESPECT YOUR TEACHERS
Many a teacher throughout history has had their fair share of wanting to take a strong drink of alcohol during school hours, thanks to unruly students, although they would never admit it. Mutual respect is something that I personally encourage, especially at the start of the year. No teacher just hates you as a student JUST LIKE THAT....so, that being said, get that out of your heads. Show kindness and respect to your teachers, within reason and watch your school life change for the better. Of course, there are always exceptions in every situation so we all have to wing it as we go along.We are human just like you and a little love and encouragement goes a long way.
TIP # 7- JOIN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT INTEREST YOU
Yes, believe it or not, being a part of an extra curricular activity can help to relieve stress as it provides you with an outlet to create or to vent even. Good health is paramount for you to function in any environment but most important, your MENTAL HEALTH. Don't just join for the purpose of "getting a badge" or "because your friends are in it". Join something because it feeds your intellect as well as your heart. Whether it's cheer leading or the school track team, it does not matter that you don't fit in, it's about STANDING OUT.
TIP # 8- KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Stop thinking that things have to go your way or the way you envisioned it....HELLOOOO *Inserts Covid- 19*. If it's only one lesson we take from 2020, let it be this: "WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ANYTHING EXCEPT OUR OUTLOOK AND PERSONAL CHOICES." School like life, almost neveeeerrrr works out as planned so it's important to accept things as they come and have your contingency plans set just in case life throws you a curve ball.
TIP # 9- APPRECIATE YOUR PARENTS
A little gratitude goes a faaaarrrr way. It's extremely difficult for you as a student to cope during this time, I am certain but what of your parents or guardians? Establish a good line of communication among yourself and your parents and let nothing change that. Most of the time if we are honest with ourselves, we create stressful situations which can easily be avoided. Take my advice, bridge the gap and you will feel the weight lifted from your shoulders almost immediately.
TIP # 10- BE YOUR AWESOME SELF
THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU. Embrace it, love it, mold it or leave it....the shell you were given is unique, take care of it. YOU ARE AMAZING and YOU ARE IMPORTANT! So whenever you're feeling down, always remember that.
Written and Compiled by:
Mrs. Nicole Harris- Williams (BFA, Dip. Ed.)
Visual Arts Teacher
Original Cheer Leading stills captured by:
Mrs. Nicole Harris- Williams
Shot at: The Queen's School, Jamaica.
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