( Photo: Innviertlerin from Pixabay)
Change. Different. Uncertainty. That’s the way we felt in March when schools shut down and learning moved from school to home via computers. If we were to take a poll today, results would probably show we thought the virus would have diminished by now and we’d be back in school and back to normal. Recent announcements show variety in approach to this school year: meeting in person five days a week; a staggered schedule, and exclusively virtual learning for the first semester or as an all year option.
If students are meeting in school, the dress code has added masks. Behavior codes include arrows indicating which direction and hallways to walk. I’ve heard students won’t leave their classrooms for special subjects, but specials such as art and music will come to them. Classrooms will go to recess one class at a time and not mix with other classes. If your best friend is in another class, it’s unlikely you’ll meet for lunch. We may be back to school, but we’re not back to normal or “the way things used to be”.
Students of any age, and teachers, whether new or veterans, have first day jitters. There’s the element of newness and the unknown. This year, first day jitters take on new meaning as the first day of school and guidelines for the year are unprecedented.
When I taught at a Christian university, the first chapel of the school year encouraged students to be courageous as they took new steps in a different, new, and uncertain life chapter.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
I admit I entered chapel each year predicting I’d hear that verse, but it never got old. Now as I have eight grandchildren attending school in different ways, that verse is one of my prayers for them.
I developed Thirty-one Days of Prayer for Children and Grandchildren with comments specifically related to school. Click here and download it as we pray together for our children and grands. Fill their names in the verses. They’ve never walked into a school year like this one before, but Joshua 1:9 reminds us they are not alone. What a privilege to think our prayers go with them too.
Do you have a specific prayer or scripture you pray for your children and grands? Please share with us.
Praying for your grands, and all children, as they venture back to school in the coming days and weeks. Lots of adjustments to make in any case. Wonderful prayers. Thank you ma’am.
Thank you JD–much appreciated. Each of my three families are in different settings, and a niece in another.
Thanks for your insightful post. Very well-written.
What a helpful download, Marilyn! It is sure to bring strength and comfort to parents preparing for the first-ever kind of school year.
Yes, Cathy, and for us as grandmothers especially when we are long diatance.
I still get the back to school jitters at the beginning of every year. This year I’m fully online, but there are always challenges and I will certainly miss the opportunity of meeting and knowing my students in the traditional classroom. Teachers, students, and parents all need our prayers. Thank you, Marilyn, for praying and reminding us that we all can contribute that way.
I know Katherine, as long as I taught the first day jitters were there and it was important to realize students felt the same. Glad we have the opportunity to pray for our students as well as our children and grands. Thanks for sharing, Marilyn
I teach English online and can only imagine all the extra jitters this year will bring. Praying for a smooth transition back!
I teach art in a Christian elementary school, and we’re still not sure what’s going to happen with art classes! It is truly a year for jitters, but your post reminds me of one of my favorite verses from God that He is with us wherever we go. Thanks, Marilyn!
What an excellent post, Marilyn. Thank you for the list of verses to pray.
Indeed, returning to school is different this year. I too have eight grandchildren and they are not thrilled with the plans but have no choice but to roll with it.
Also, we have several teachers and a principal in our family. They’ve been busy figuring things out among so many challenges. They all need our prayers.
Speaking of which, I love your prayers!