How will we meet their need for safety? pandemic fears, uncertainty about the future, separation from parents
How will we meet their need for equity? our own biases, outdated academic structures, fear of criticism
How will we meet their need for love? no hugging, no touching, attempting to convey emotions through a mask
How will we meet their need for control? more rules about safety, so few choices, too many transitions
How will we meet their need for academics? three months of missed instruction, worldly distractions, one size fits all instruction
How will we meet their need for play? pencil and paper tasks, rushing for academic growth, germs on toys
How will we meet their need for connection? virtual learning, immediate gratification of video games, busy parents
How will we meet their need for consistency? spikes in COVID cases, a school year that’s different from their past experiences, administrative changes
How will we meet their need for peace? anxious teachers, anxious parents, confusion about pandemic and racism
How will we meet their need for joy? sadness and anger all around us, overwhelm of teachers, parents struggling to make ends meet
How will we meet their need for safety? patience and courage to listen, social stories, conversations about what’s in our control
How will we meet their need for equity? courage to do what’s right, differentiating our instruction, willingness to ask for help
How will we meet their need for love? words of affirmation, signals, dancing
How will we meet their need for control? offering choices, relaxed atmosphere, listening to what they tell us
How will we meet their need for academics? intention, slowing down, making learning engaging and relevant
How will we meet their need for play? unstructured time, encouraging creativity, allowing them to act out real life experiences
How will we meet their need for connection? teaching them how to listen and support their friends, small group work, individual conversations
How will we meet their need for consistency? classroom routines, teach and model flexibility, steady and calm demeanor
How will we meet their need for peace? mindfulness, grounding activities, teacher self-care
How will we meet their need for joy? laughter, singing, loving them for who they are
