Covid: the Days of Responsibility

Daily pills to help students (and families) organize their study in Covid-19 times, when almost one billion children have seen their schools close. Signed by Marcello Bramati and Lorenzo Sanna, deans and teachers at Faes High schools in Milan. As reported by Time magazine, they are teaching online during the lockdown, in an ongoing experiment in remote learning. Every morning at 8.30 a.m., their advice, tips and good practices for students of all ages.

In these months, kids all over the world are facing new responsibilities, in order not to limit themselves to just get by until the pandemic is over, be it in a month or after the summer.

Their first responsibility is to remain students, even though the school is far away and the classmates are no longer classmates, since they don't share anymore a class but just a chat or a file. It is necessary to remain students by giving the day a true form, trying to have a program of study and a program of non-study.

In this perspective, it is important to find a place to study and if possible a tool, the computer. Better avoid taking lessons on the couch, or on the phone while you are in the kitchen in front of the refrigerator.

Another great chapter is the daily life students spend at home with the family: it is a situation that will put everyone to the test. The advice is to rethink, if necessary, the spaces for everyone, dedicating the necessary time to organize in a new way bedrooms and - if necessary - other rooms, such as the living room.

Among the objectives of these days, we point out a well organized work environment, if possible silent, in order to guarantee serenity. All family members should keep their nerves, because the situation is hard for everyone, even for those who are doing well.

Moreover, the greatest responsibility concerns individual work: students must, in the first instance, give themselves time of study without distractions. But, even more, they must carry out school tests without help. That means without consulting the computer or asking a parent.

It is very difficult, of course. Looking for help is too easy, but giving it up is one of the most relevant objectives of this period. We are in very delicate times and it is possible to request and demand the best in terms of behaviour and respect for the rules and respect for others. If this is the case, these months will turn out fundamental for the growth of our children.