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entering would be an opportunity for parents
and teachers to watch for any cues in the
environment that could cause a stress reaction
in students. This will also reassure children
they will be physically safe and parents will
know they are emotionally secure.

A recommendation for each classroom is to
designate a safe area if a student becomes
overwhelmed. We have to remember what
adults have been telling children for the
past months in order to keep them safe.
Now adults in their life are asking them to
step out into the world again. Think how
daunting that is for children.

Another issue arising from months of isolation is
the inability to focus on learning in a classroom.
Even the most dedicated students should not be
pushed too quickly to perform as before. This is
a time when a student needs structure more than
ever before. They will respond better if alerted to
any unexpected changes to their daily routine.
It is my feeling the first semester back in the
classroom should be focused on the emotional
health of students. For the past months
their bodies have been producing increased

amounts of the stress hormones (cortisol and
norepinephrine) into their bloodstream. These
hormones affect their higher order thinking,
working memory and problem solving skills.
With care and patience dopamine levels will
increase creating a normal hormonal balance.
We can see success in the classroom again, if we
take time and focus energy on the emotional
well being of the students after experiencing

such historical events.

We are blessed with the care of children, may
we guide them gently with a loving light.

Antoinette Swaney, Child Literacy Specialist

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