A guide to kids, COVID-19 and schools

A special newsletter on COVID-19 and children US Edition - Today's top story: Here's how to help your kids break out of their pandemic bubble and transition back to being with others [View in browser]( US Edition | 13 April 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Kids across the country have been going back to school, signaling something of a return to normalcy. After more than a year of living in fear and confusion, this is a big step – not only for kids but for their parents and teachers as well. The Conversation wanted to offer useful, evidence-based information from experts about how to make the transition, from helping kids overcome anxiety about going back to school to arming parents with safety information, as well as the latest on kids and vaccination. See our series of stories on going back to school during the pandemic below. Lynne Anderson Senior Health + Medicine Editor Whether just comfortable at home or nervous about leaving, kids may need extra support to get back out there. Imgorthand/E+ via Getty Images [Here’s how to help your kids break out of their pandemic bubble and transition back to being with others]( Dominique A. Phillips, University of Miami; Jill Ehrenreich-May, University of Miami After more than a year of isolation and empty schedules, some kids might be apprehensive or anxious about interacting with the outside world. Psychology experts provide tips to ease the transition. In-person learning can start as long as schools operate safely, says the CDC. Jon Cherry/Getty Images [How can all schools safely reopen?]( Brandon Guthrie, University of Washington In-person learning can safely resume as long as schools take steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. High school water polo player Cami Rowan gets to work out in the home pool in Corona, Calif. on Feb. 18, 2021. Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty images [Why student athletes need a new playbook to stay safe in the COVID-19 era]( Tamara Hew-Butler, Wayne State University Kids want to play sports again, and who can blame them? An exercise scientist and physiologist explains why adhering to safety protocols is imperative. - [When can kids get the COVID-19 vaccine? A pediatrician answers 5 questions parents are asking]( James B. Wood, Indiana University School of Medicine Early test results look promising, and Pfizer has asked the FDA to review and authorize its vaccine for use in teens. That doesn't mean putting away the face masks, though. - [Building trust among parents and teachers is key to reopening schools]( Sherman Dorn, Arizona State University With distrust for school officials prevalent during the pandemic, an educational historian calls attention to the need for officials to have more positive relations with educators and parents. - [Going forth with standardized tests may cause more problems than it solves]( Erin Marie Furtak, University of Colorado Boulder; Lorrie Shepard, University of Colorado Boulder; William R. Penuel, University of Colorado Boulder Despite the disruption and challenges of COVID-19, standardized tests for America's students are expected to proceed this spring or fall. But what will the tests really show? --------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s graphic [A bar graph showing US COVID-19 cases by age range.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451