We are all anxiously awaiting more information about the 2020-2021 school year. One thing is certain. Going back to school is going to look very different in the Fall. However, we can begin to prepare for each possible scenario for back to school.

Do More, Do Away With, Do Less

Now that you’ve had a chance to work with your child, think about and ask them how things went for them at home. Think about what went well and you’d continue this year. What was too much? What was not effective and needs to be changed?

Work with your child to assess:

• What did they like about distance learning?
• Identify the environments that worked best?
• List what was difficult about home learning.
• Did they learn better with music on or music off? Learning inside or outside? Typing or writing?
• How were any modifications provided?
• Were worksheets and visuals helpful?
• Was the font size of materials okay?
• How were you prepared to reinforce material?
• What feedback do you have?

You can discuss this feedback and insights with your child’s teachers and work them into your IEPs for this year. 

Prepare for back to school social distancing guidelines with social stories.

Social stories are a way to visually explain concepts. I have found it useful for my son. Tara at Autism Little Learners has put together several Covid-19 related social stories to assist with the transition back to school. There is even a social story on wearing masks. Download them for free here: https://www.autismlittlelearners.com/