Back to School: Are We Back to Normal Yet?

The world had been handled and controlled by the pandemic for already 2 years and counting. Many things happened within those two long years. It's even more tiring and stressful to watch news on TV because it had always been the head news . We keep on thinking and asking when will it come to an end? Or does it even have an end when every now and then there's a new variant that mutates from the previous?

We have been living in a cell, imprisoned by the so-called virus for too long. It held us from our freedom we used to enjoy. Other countries are already back to being in a normal run of life while we are still stuck in a quicksand trying to grip whatever hope to get us out.

One thing that's being held is the school. Students and pupils alike are required for either modular or online classes depending on their localities. The first year of this kind of schooling was a challenge to both students and parents. Lower grades most especially those from kinder to third grade really needed attention to which parent or guardian focused on. So how about those with multiple kids and some parents hadn't have an education? Yes, there are still parents who hadn't the privilege to go to school their time. Again, it's another challenge for them. It was not only about teaching, eh? Financially challenge as well. Some were forced to leave their job because the company they're working with needs to close. Then they weren't able to find another job and they need to stay home for the kids modules. Then, money is needed for the students needs for online class, mobile data or wifi.

If only it is possible, we badly like to have the kids back to school and resume the usual school activities. It is in school where kids learn more about other people, their skills and talents are honed and built. They learn about leadership and many things. Of course, we teach them in our houses but some kids tend to listen more to teachers. They even learn faster in school about their academic lessons. It is because not every parent knows how to deliver the lesson or how to get the kid to understand what is being taught.

Then vaccines were introduced for human race's protection against this virus. It was told that it's not compulsory and only those who like to get jabbed will get the vaccine. However, as the days rolled by it becomes mandatory. Everyone was persuaded to get it because it is the key to get us out from the cell.

Vaccine became a requirement. Pediatric vaccines for 12-17 evolved which students need to get so they may be able to attend school. It however, needs a consent from parents or guardian.

Thankfully, some schools, elementary and high school alike are having their face-to-face classes. These schools are those with low levels of cases from the pandemic that the government allowed to.

The elementary schools here in our village had tutorial classes on the first grading of this school year. They attended classes provided that protocols are followed. Plastic barriers were made and placed in every chair by parents.

But, nonetheless, our place was then granted to have full face-to-face schooling on January of this year. I am more thankful because I would only guide my two kids on their take home assignments if there is any.

So on the first day my kids attended. I'm very thankful that my eldest woke up the earliest was responsible enough to heat water for him and his younger sister's bath. He fixed their bags which I wasn't able to do so the night before. Getting up at 6 am is impossible for me because I go to sleep as late as 1 am due to the baby's fussiness.

Regarding my daughter, a five year old girl, she still isn't ready to go to school. She used to wake at past 7:30 am that's why I have to be patient in waking her and making her feel ready to go. There are times she said she doesn't want to go to school but when I show her her clothes she will wear then her mood will brighten up.

As of this writing, at 4:30 pm Monday, I am helping her with her assignments. It was her module given by her teacher last Friday which she wasn't able to get done. It was supposed to be pass Monday morning but she only does it when she feels like doing. Anyhow, she's enthusiastic when she does her homework. And she loves to speak in English kahit engols kalabaw ksi my inglisera syang classmate na ginagaya nya. Funny thing is, my accent is unpredictable while hers is like Peppa pig's.

Hopefully, face-to-face classes will be until the school year ends. During the prepandemic, kids' lessons were far more advanced than during our time. But with the pandemic, it seems those starting at grade school were stuck. How can I not compare when I see my third grader unable to construct simple sentence with the proper use of pronoun, tenses of verb. In short wrong grammar even the simplest of sentences. Back then, typical third grader like me should be able to read and understand a plot and answers questions that follow it. One is able to take note while the teacher is teaching, do outlines. One is able to do mental computation when it comes to arithmetic especially multiplication. Kids are no longer as creative and competitive as they should be.

Hoping that the pandemic will be over the soonest because we already have enough of it.

1-12-22

Z_Graeden