There has been much said and written about re-opening of schools from September 1,2021. There are educationist and academicians raising concerns about re-opening of schools- seating arrangements, transport guidelines – will schools be really able to run on shift basis with rising petrol prices. There are articles and warnings of rising Delta variant, the third wave around the corner.

Amidst all this what do parents feel? I was thinking : Are our children better-off at home or would they be worse-off from prolonged online classes?

In families were providing a digital pack / devices for learning for their kids are far from reality – re-opening of schools is definitely welcome. On the other hand, there are many families were devices can be provided to students, and to them as well, re-opening of schools is still a welcome. Why?

As a parent, I would rather have my son writing and reading from books and notebooks rather than watch him helplessly switch from one screen to another – small screen for online classes and big screen for binge watching. What is more painful – is to notice that social skills wane away, disinterest to write, depending on calculators instead of doing quick mental math. Wonder if students still have team spirit and interest in sports ?

Though, the above statements are one-sided, , I think re-opening of schools is something zillions of parents are wishing for. It is easy to get students vaccinated (at school) before the third wave arrives- that is, if the vaccinations are available. Let’s go to school.