What will our children learn?

As we enter into ongoing uncertainty with COVID-19 and its impacts on the world let look at what students might take away from this historical time.

Will they look back and think about what we should have done?  As our lives are more isolated to our own homes and the news is relentless about what is happening, what do they see and think?  Unfortunately we don't have all the answers on what is the "right" thing to do so we are learning together.  Are we talking to kids that this is an ultimate example of learning, learning together and finding solutions (not answers) or are we discussing things from that traditional educational mindset?  Are we focusing on we should have an answer and we should have known it?  Thinking about how we discuss this pandemic is a key step in setting the stage for what learning looks like after it resides  Learning is ever-changing and this is a real-life example of that the solutions to all problems are everywhere but we must be able to continue to re-assess and try a different routes.

Are our children learning empathy in this time of need?  When we see the coverage of shortages at grocery store when there has not been a true increase in need what do our children learn?  In a time of need are our children learning about helping each other?  Are we focusing on needs and appreciating all we have?   How are we helping each other in a time of isolation will set a standard that our kids  will hold onto for a generation.

What are our children learning about school?  Education will most likely look different in years to come but what are students, parents and community learning about education as we go through this crisis?  Are they learning packets are how we learn?  Are they learning pre-recorded videos can replace classes?  Are they learning how to better work with teachers to help students learn?  Are parents becoming an integral team member in the learning process?  Are teachers finding ways to make content come alive in the world students are already accustomed?  We can defend what is good about schools with a backward facing perspective but to our children and their families that shows we are about what was, not what is now.  Can we change the conversation from school to education during this time?  Can our children see that we are committed to building a an educational process that looks at them as individuals and not someone in a bus or classroom. 

The children/students of today will guide what is accepted as education in the very near future.  Are we helping them develop the learning, empathy and understanding to learn now and lead into the unknown.