Face-to-face education adaptation process

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Education, Department of Elementary Education Chair, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sarem Özdemir, made recommendations in facilitating children's adaptation to school after the pandemic, and to increase their motivation.

Özdemir suggested that parents should have encouraging conversations with their children about school and talk about health issues, and reminded that children should emotionally prepare for the school and class period.

Özdemir stated that gaining the habit of organizing the school bag, setting the alarm together, providing information about the school bus and its safety, if any, are among the most important actions to be taken at the beginning of school, and that it is important to clearly inform the child in relation to the precautions to be taken during the pandemic.

The most important element is belonging …
Emphasizing that some children may need assistance for their adaptation to school, Özdemir said, “One of the most important factors that ensure children's adaptation to school and increase their motivation during the pandemic process, are friends and the friends environment.” However, children should be advised how to deal with hygiene rules in relation to Covid-19, when it comes to friendship relations” she continued.

Özdemir pointed out that another important factor in adaptation to school is the feeling of “belonging” and stated that like every individual, children also want to feel valuable and important. Expressing that a sense of belonging can be created in children with activities in which the child can feel happy at school, Özdemir stated that during the pandemic period, teachers can benefit from outdoor games while observing the rules of social distancing.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Özdemir advised parents to chat with their children especially after school and advise them to share how their day went.