At the Faculty & Staff meeting, we discussed how we are supporting the children through the pandemic in ways that are developmentally appropriate for their age group.
Adults everywhere are weary of the burden that Covid-19 has added to our already full lives, and somewhat desensitized to the sense of constantly unfolding drama that it causes. The children, however, remain both aware of everything going on around them and highly impressionable. They are hardwired to learn from their life experiences and particularly from the reactions and behavior of the adults who care for them. As Waldorf educators, we are keenly aware that we must be calm and caring role models for our students.
outdoor education provdes respite and a sense of peace
Waldorf is a social education and its methodology has been intentionally designed to be healing. At school, we do our best to shield the children from the anxiety and uncertainty of adult concerns. We work to build trust in our students so that they can feel secure in knowing that decisions are made by competent adults who love them, with the purpose of keeping them safe. We provide welcoming spaces where they can process their experiences through play and artistic activities, both as individuals and together with their class. This helps to assure that a healthy process of child development can continue even in these most extraordinary of times.
We strive to model respect for different points of views and for each others privacy. While we remind the children that medical matters are a private family concern, many continue to volunteer their vaccine status in discussion with their peers. The impressions that the students bring to such conversations from their lives outside of school can vary widely. We rely on strong partnerships with and among parents to assure that class social life remains healthy, inclusive and joyful.
As the pandemic approaches the two-year mark, we are mindful of compassion fatigue. Despite the success of our Covid-19 mitigation protocols, the need for testing and quarantines continues to disrupt the rhythms of school life. Adjustments must be made and we attempt to be as fair and consistent as possible in implementing them.
Now, cold and flu season is upon us adding to the usual absences for childhood illnesses, routine appointments and family obligations. Whatever the reason for an absence, the children miss their friends and our teachers work to maintain the feeling of connection between those kept home and those still in class. The absent child’s name might be included with the mealtime blessing, or a card with well wishes might be sent home to someone who is ill. Being a caregiver in this way benefits the contributor as well as the recipient with a sense of belonging to a harmonious whole.
None of us would have chosen a pandemic for a life lesson yet we must work with the teachable moments the situation delivers. Chief among these being that when we focus on our common human experience, we find that we are all equally deserving of each others care and compassion.