A lockdown is a restriction policy for people or communities to stay where they are, usually due to specific risks to themselves or others if they can move and interact freely. The term "stay-at-home" or "shelter-in-place" is often used for lockdowns that affect an area rather than specific locations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made both teachers and students miss the classroom environment. With all the advantages online classes provide, they didn't have the same appeal as a physical classroom setup. While some schools were preparing to offer more space with modular classrooms, most were not. Schools were closed for nearly eight months and underwent radical changes before they reopened to be COVID-free.

It isn't often that people hear the words "I miss school" from kids, but even they seem to be tired of this long break. Ask all the little ones who missed their mother at school last year, and we will tell you how much we have missed our teachers and friends. Attending classes, hugging our favorite teacher, playing outdoors, having lunch with friends, and playing hopscotch during recess are just some things we talk about missing at school. Many students miss their school's library, game room, gym, track, basketball court, etc. Staying at home, they do not always have access to such facilities. The simple memories of walking around campus without a care in the world and their friends by their side have made students miss school more than ever.

I also missed certain things during the lockdown. They are:

Friends And Teachers:

Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship. Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social connections have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). Studies have found that older adults with meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.

On the other hand, teachers not only listen but also coach and mentor their students. They can help shape academic goals and are dedicated to getting their students to achieve them. Teachers have patience with their students and understand when a concept isn't clear.

Therefore, I missed my friends and teachers during the lockdown.

Playground:

Playgrounds are safe spaces where kids develop crucial physical, social, emotional, and imaginative skills necessary to gain self-confidence, improve coordination, and advance critical thinking capabilities. Playgrounds help children learn crucial cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. Playground equipment can help kids use their creativity and have tons of fun. Some of my favorite school playground activities are laying down a sensory path, creating outdoor stages, designing water walls, playing on the jungle gym with my friends, building outdoor playhouses, drawing on outdoor blackboards, painting game boards with my friends, etc.

Recess:

Everyone benefits from a break. Research has long shown that it is more effective to integrate breaks into work rather than work for long stretches. For young children, who tend not to process information, and older children, taking breaks for unstructured play is critical in increasing focus and attention. Recess is the best time to let us socialize by ourselves. Our social skills are developed as we learn to share our lunch. As we negotiate for the swing and more, it gives us a chance to make decisions independently.

Bus:

School transportation contributes positively to reducing traffic. With every student choosing buses for daily commute to school, a reduction in private vehicles comes from the safe environment. Less number of cars on roads results in reduced pollution. School buses are the safest way of commuting for students. Parents can rest assured about the security and safety of their kids. Besides, it saves a lot of time for parents too. On our school bus, we play many games like Antakshari and Dumb Charades.

Due to all these things, I have missed my school during the lockdown.