Ask the Educator
We are educators, researchers, specialists and support personnel who are
dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work.
CCE's professional team helps preserve our county's vast heritage,
protect our eco-systems, support families and provide our youth
opportunities for community service and research-based education in
science, technology, engineering and math. (STEM)
Do you have a question for one of our trained educators? Send it in!
Past Questions:
Will my child fall behind due to remote learning?
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Answer by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.
"A recent Newsday virtual forum brought together parents, superintendents, and teachers to address this issue. School is
different, whether it’s all virtual or a hybrid model. Parents are
worried that their children are not learning enough. Parents can breathe
a sigh of relief as educators understand how easily distractible
children are, especially young children, when they are not in a school
setting. It’s difficult for them to stay focused, and they also miss
their friends and having live interactions. Teachers also miss seeing
their students in class and cannot connect as well online. The bottom
line is everyone is more engaged in a school setting than in a home
setting.
Safety will dictate when all children are able to return
to a school building. Please remember that children are flexible and
resilient. Over time, children can make up for any deficits in their
education during the past year. It’s helpful if parents stay positive
and flexible, and act as good role models for their children."
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How is my child’s physical health affected during Covid-19?
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Answer by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.
"A December, 2020 Cornell University symposium addressed this topic.
More than a couple million children have already had Covid. So far, the
long-term health impact indicates a fairly low risk for significant
disease, and long-term side effects are uncommon. A vaccine for children
will take months of trials before being offered to youths. Since none
of the available vaccines for adults are 100% effective, it’s most
important for parents and children to be vigilant about following Covid
safety protocols while in public.
To maintain your children’s
good physical health and development, try to balance their indoor time
with digital learning during the school week with plenty of outdoor
time. Exposure to sunlight is important to regulate everyone’s body
rhythms. Active physical exercise is both necessary and fun. Try walking
together, running, bike riding, or playing ball. By scheduling homework
time in the evening, your children can spend some late afternoon time
outdoors. Dressing appropriately for cold weather, usually in layers,
allows for outdoor play every day. Your child’s mental outlook and
physical health depend on being in the fresh air, breathing, smiling,
and having fun, as much as the time they spend with school learning."
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Last updated February 5, 2021