The school year / Fall season is in full-swing. Even though we’re technically a few days away from that calendar-labeled Equinox. Though I wonder if you can feel the cooler temperatures and notice the earlier evening twilight.

As I sit right now in my son’s room during virtual learning (essentially to go through Kindergarten for a second time), I am lucky enough to witness directly the kinds of engagement from the teachers who are navigating this alongside them on screen.

Naturally, like many of us grownups dealing with online meetings in the pandemic, it’s clear the children are also facing much screen-time fatigue and frustration. Not to mention possible internet-related glitches. Just today our little neighborhood had a very unplanned power outage.

How do we hold space for equity during this weird time? How do we handle the variability of how kids can engage to the best of their ability?

I must admit I feel this disparity practically in each period. Viscerally. A slight cringe in my chest if a student doesn’t have the materials they need, or the teacher calls them out for not looking at the screen, maybe the scholar could use extra support in managing all the functions of mute or end call. Where are they learning? Is it at home? Surrounded by safety or chaos?

And, I certainly do not believe any educator who prefers this method since the local public school system isn’t aptly set up for it. Consider the experience they’re having without being in person. What a heartache, no doubt!

Though I still find myself today with an internally dampened heart, in listening to intermittent absence of trauma human-informed wisdoms that could ultimately encourage the students at times, rather than disparage.

I myself began a training this past weekend and we were implored to take breaks as needed. Look away from the screen to listen only, or turn off our cameras. To stand and move our bodies if feeling ‘stuck’ wasn’t working for listening and participating.

How do we implement the kind of compassion for our little ones in this novel school experience? I won’t have the answers, of course, but I’d like to offer some musings. Some are of my own pondering, and there are others I’ve heard or read recently.

• “Can you find a grown up to help?” [instead of “Go get your parents” or “Go get your mom or dad”]
• “Hi everybody!” [instead of “Hi Guys!”]
• “Let’s try to listen in, friends,” [instead of “All right boys & girls…”]
• “Can we give a thumbs-up to show you’re with me?” [instead of “Pay attention to the screen.”]
• “How about we take out a blank piece of paper for now,” [instead of “You should have the supplies by now.”]
• “Can you share what you think?” [instead of “You’re supposed to be doing what we are, right now.”]

What ways do you think we can hold compassion and understanding for our youth right now? And for yourselves?

In reflection & kindness.