Wearing face masks, sanitizing hands and facilities, checking body temperature, and maintaining social distancing are the safety protocols that are still being implemented during the face-to-face classes for this school year of 2022-2023. This COVID-19 pandemic greatly affects socialization among people. This introduced the so-called “new normal”.

          It is a great challenge for us, teachers, to maintain these protocols especially the social distancing inside the classroom. The elementary pupils are very excited about the opening of face-to-face classes. As every day goes on, more challenges arise. Doing activities to enhance teaching and learning requires a large space since social distancing is implemented. However, this is impossible especially for small schools like ours. As a MAPEH teacher, physical activity is a must, and this is associated with better quality of life and health. Though some physical activity is possible, it has a great difference compared to activities done freely before the pandemic. We may not notice but limiting these activities increase the dangers of social rejection, individual growth, and community sense loss. It negatively affects learning and socializing which are fundamental human needs. We are used to working in groups, going to different places, meeting people, and making conversations daily. Thus, what fulfills us the most are the bonds we create with other people. This is an integral part of learning and ultimately affects our mental health.

          But at the end of the day, we are still required to follow these protocols. Above these physical activities, our learners’ welfare is still our top priority regardless of whether social distancing is a hindrance or not.

By: MRS. MARILOU O. DIZON | TEACHER II | OUR LADY OF LOURDES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | BALANGA CITY, BATAAN