There's so much to learn from this worldwide pandemic. And the questions multiply faster than the answers. One of the more prominent topics, is how to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe, when disease-spreading is at risk. Mask-wearing and social distancing were concepts we hadn't considered even one year ago, and now they are commonplace. We're all doing our best to help young people understand these strange new "norms." When learning must go on and education isn't confined to the classroom, educators may be searching for creative ways to help students understand the WHY behind our current precautions. And you may also be looking for ways to reinforce these precautions within your school buildings.

In a year seemingly ruled by "Murphy's Law" - you're looking at supplies for your school that you've never had to before. And when you think about using precious funding dollars on tools you'll need during a time of a global pandemic, you might also wish they'll have longevity in use for the years of (hopefully) normalcy to come. Safe school elements you might be looking at would include capabilities to make posters, floor markers, personal protection and property labels, wipe-clean surfaces, and cleaning supplies - but how do you translate this need for now, with your needs for learning - both distance and in-person? Let's take a look at 3 "now and then" solutions for your school that will be a great fit whether you're navigating a pandemic, or not.

As adults, we've had many years to learn and grow in processing our feelings of worry, doubt, fear, loneliness, sadness, anger, and all the other emotions brought up by the isolation and uncertainty during this pandemic. But our students have had far less experience in learning about those feelings, and it's our responsibility as role models in their lives to help them through. As educators, we teach our students to use the tools they're given to work through problems and find solutions. Giving them resources to develop traits of kindness, courage, respect, and cooperation is just as important in equipping them for the real world as reading, writing, and arithmetic. And now more than ever - they need these tools. And you could use the help in providing that for them.

Students sometimes lose interest in lecture-style presentations, particularly those that lack the element of interactive teaching. Through interactive teaching styles, information is presented in an interesting and exciting way that garners attention and participation. At VariQuest, we offer a wide range of learning tools to help enhance classroom teaching and learning experiences. Our interactive learning tools for teachers and kids are designed to help children enjoy a more fulfilling and successful educational experience.

by Cathy Henry, Guest Blogger

It's the word everyone is tired of hearing: unprecedented. And yet, it seems to be the only word that can accurately describe the challenges educators have faced thus far this year. No one could have predicted that distance learning would become full time, graduation celebrations would be cancelled, and the only face-to-face interaction you were allowed with your students was via a drive-through car parade. It has been a strange, strange time. But our world will keep turning, and we will welcome students back into school buildings soon. With changing CDC Guidelines and plenty of measures being recommended to keep our communities safe, you'll need ways to create pieces on-demand - and we're here to help.

It's hard to describe this school year without using the words unprecedented, unexpected, chaotic, and strange. There just aren't the right words for the emotions you and your students are feeling about losing their "previously normal" routines. As this school year begins to wind down, there are some things you can still do to celebrate their achievements and remind them that the role models surrounding them with love and support are there for them, even in times of social distancing.

At a time when a majority of our social interaction is being done online, we have to be more aware than ever before of the things we're posting, sharing, hosting and baring. So imagine our students, who were born into a world where the internet was already accessible on a mobile phone. They're Tik-Tok-ing, Instagramming, and Snapchatting all day long to stay in connection with their friends during this time of social distancing. And as one of their biggest role models outside the family, what kinds of things are you talking with them about, as it relates to posting content on the internet?

Sensory paths are often used in school building hallways or classrooms to help students release energy, enhance focus, learn, and of course - HAVE FUN in the process. In this time of virtual and distance learning, we thought - what a great idea to give the project to students to create their own "math path" - combining STEAM methodology with kinesthetic learning! Knowing that not all students have access to sidewalk chalk and pavement, this activity can be recreated by cutting out paper shapes for the floor, placing tape on the carpet, or playing "architect" and designing their sensory path with just pens/crayons/markers and paper.

We're talking a lot about virtual needs and resources these days, but what about needs for those who NEED to be in-person? We at VariQuest are corresponding (from a distance, of course) with friends and family who are on the front lines of fighting this pandemic in healthcare facilities, and a common need at these places was around mitigating confusion via signage. People showing up to schools and hospitals need to know where they can and should go, to get the essential food pick-up and emergency care they need. And we thought - we can help with that!