Back to the Classroom

Back to the Classroom: A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety
Back-to-school supplies were a bit different this year for 8-year-old Arlexa.
Along with crayons, a box of pencils and books, Arlexa’s mom, Jennifer, helped her add face masks and hand sanitizer into her backpack.
“I was a little scared, nervous and shy,'' said Arlexa of Contra Costa County who recently started third grade.
Arlexa, like many across the country, spent the last school year in a virtual classroom interacting with other students and teachers only via a computer screen. Going back to in-person learning with potential restrictions only added to her anxiety.
“I see a combination of different emotions,” said Seung, a seventh and eighth-grade English teacher in Alameda County. “There are students who are visually excited and others that seem apprehensive, very reserved or indifferent about school starting again.” Seung explains that parents can help prepare their children for what may be a tough transition.
“I think having a true friend, an encouraging parent and a supportive teacher does help them cope. They need someone they can turn to,” Seung said.
Arlexa’s parents keep the lines of communication open with their daughter daily. “We talk to her before she leaves for school and as soon as she comes home. We ask her to recap her day, so we know how it went,” Jennifer said.
Audrey, 12, also had some uncertainties about returning to a physical classroom.
I’m not sure how it’s going to completely work,” said Audrey of her middle school in Southern California. “How many kids are going to be in each classroom? Are we going to have a table where we sit together?”
Audrey’s parents, John and Michelle, email teachers with questions and regularly talk with their daughter about her day. They designate every Saturday afternoon as family time. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they look for practical Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns.
“We review how to display Christian qualities such as love and patience and have role-playing sessions to listen to how Audrey would react to stressful or dangerous situations,” John said. “This has helped Audrey feel confident about returning to school.” While coronavirus variants have amplified pandemic anxieties, Audrey’s parents have endeavored not to overlook other challenges their daughter may face.
One of their favorite resources is jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses that is free to all. Topics like “What’s a Real Friend?” and “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists” are addressed there in a video series for young people that Audrey recommends to everyone.
“The website has some really cool information that has helped me prepare for back to school,” Audrey said. “I think it can really benefit any student who is nervous about going back. They should really check it out!”