Somewhere between holiday assignments and online classes, parents are speculating if online is the new normal for kids? Will our children head back to school life before? Will parents have any clarity on what's in store for them, for the remaining of 2020?
At least a few of these questions are finding their answers according to the recent reports surfacing in the news. It is speculated that schools in the Green and Orange Zones might be reopening in July. It is said that the HRD Ministry is working with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on devising basic guidelines for reopening of schools. Here is what is floating as possible guidelines that the Ministry of Education might finalise on:
- Younger children of class 1-7 are likely to continue staying at home and will have to wait till things are back in full swing till they resume heading to school again.
- With social distancing being the key priority, schools are likely to operate for the higher classes on a staggered schedule.
- 30% attendance on a given day and schools working in shifts are some of the common suggestions that might be approved.
- Teachers will need to wear masks and gloves, thermal scanners will be installed in schools, only two students will sit on three-seater benches.
- There might be a tentative ban on school assemblies to avoid crowding at a place and hand sanitising stations to be deployed at various places within the school.
We are awaiting the official release from the Ministry that posts the guidelines. With many states announcing that they aren't ready to start schools before July mid or August 1st week, parents would be eagerly awaiting the final call from the Ministry.
What are your views on this, as a parent? Do you prefer keeping your kids indoors or you welcome this possible decision to reopen in a staggered manner? Leave your answers in the comments below.
Parul Gupta
Vaishnavi Venkatraman
KSP Team
