ReadyZone H1N1 Be Prepared and Keep Learning

BE PREPARED

In the spring of 2009, the swine flu pandemic interrupted learning in many school districts due to school closures and a large number of absent students and educators. Combat possible interruptions this year by arming yourself with essential tools and resources to help you ensure the continuity of learning under a variety of extraordinary circumstances.

All educators are encouraged to review the U.S. Department of Education's recommendations to ensure the continuity of learning, as well as their Q&A regarding H1N1 for this school year.

Review materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about flu prevention, common symptoms, and typical treatments. Set a good example for your students by talking about and practicing good hygiene in the classroom. For example, prepare students for lunchtime by allowing extra time to wash hands.

In addition, the CDC has released a helpful flu communication toolkit featuring fact sheets, template letters to send to parents, and more.

Using grade-appropriate language, be sure to talk to your students about emergency situations and your school's plan to prepare them with the knowledge of what will happen if the school must close for a period of time. Also, become familiar with your school's continuity of learning plan and evaluate the options and resources available to you to incorporate distance learning. Make sure you know how to use each piece of technology or form of communication included in the plan and seek training if necessary.

Create a set of emergency lesson plans you can quickly access and implement to continue learning should you get sick or your school close, or if a large number of students are absent for a long period of time. Browse our library of free lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school students to complete a unit of study or provide inspiration for your own lesson plans.

Finally, locate resources to keep your students engaged in learning or help with homework while at home.