Education Considerations During Reopening

From: J Birch <Birch403@outlook.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020, 7:18 PM To: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca; dujarric@un.org; contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com; accredit@gov.ru; antonio.ferrari@un.org; media@gatesfoundation.org; news@skynews.com; nytnews@nytimes.com; news@thelocal.se; Blanchet, Yves-François - Député; Francois.Legault.ASSO@assnat.qc.ca; info@bnn.ca; English@mail.gov.cn; HaveYourSay; servicebc@gov.bc.ca; minister.edu@ontario.ca Subject: Education Considerations During Reopening (Opinion) Hey Everyone, I was thinking of the return of the education system and there was a story that was concerned with how we will reopen and keep everyone safe and I have a few ideas. Firstly, we should utilize the first week solely for education on the Pandemic and how it affects them at school and at home. We should review the importance of physical distancing and cleaning procedures and start discussions between them and the teacher on what it means to them and how they think about Germs. This will allow the students to discuss amongst themselves different ways to keep virus transmission to a low risk and also educate them on medical terms and procedures that will serve them even after this Pandemic has ended. You can even have the student start a cleaning routine at school where they wash their hands and desks one student at a time to teach cleanliness at school and hopefully at home. Furthermore, we should also ensure for those classrooms that have shared devices or toys that we look into sets for each student so they don't share materials. I would also start moving as digital as possible for education in general but start from the initial grade and continue that digital education until university. This will not only help reduce the contact points between student and teacher but also allow them to cultivate digital skills for the future. I would also start introducing regular discussions and learning plans based on medical needs, preparations and future considerations to ensure that each grade is prepared for any future public health crisis. As well as perhaps inspire a new generation of Doctors, nurses and first responders. I also think it would be great to highlight how the world has unified together through this crisis and the importance of diversity and inclusion with respect to society and the individual. This will hopefully allow the spirit of unity to enhance our future by spurring the next generation to look to one another with hope instead of fear. I think these or some similarly amended options might be prudent steps we can take to reduce the spread of the virus but also educate the next generation on the importance of the work we are doing now and the work we must continue to save one another. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2