The words “learning gap,” or “achievement gap,” continue to be circulated in the education community and beyond. While much of these challenges have been prevalent during and will continue after COVID-19, a more pressing and delicate matter has unraveled over the past 10 months: the social and emotional wellbeing of our children. Learning gaps can be mediated through extended time, individualized study plans, and summer school. Mental health is not as easy. 

When students begin to filter back into our schools for hybrid and in-person learning, the look and feel of the classroom will be different. They may be asked to continue to social distance, wear masks, and reduce collaboration. There might be temperature checks and COVID-19 rapid tests as they walk in the door. Finally, and most concerning, are the emotional consequences of being isolated from their peers and others for such a long time: paranoia, depression, and anxiety as it relates to being in social situations with large groups of people. 

Part 2 of KCI’s Distance Learning Adventure Bootcamp eWorkbook is designed to gameplan some of those struggles that will be seen now. This resource is a follow-up to Part 1 of KCI’s Distance Learning Adventure Bootcamp eWorkbook which focused on four proposed scenarios for students going back to school presented by California’s Department of Education (CDE). In Part 2, we provide information on the CDE’s Guide to SEL for Re-Opening Schools. From there, readers explore the four critical practices of SEL Intervention based on the CASEL Roadmap for Reopening School and a series of thought-provoking reflection questions to follow as you are facing the challenges related to them.