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So we are all home - Dad, Mom, Kids, then teacher at her / his home with Partner and Kids. Schools are insisting on work being taught! We are all in a difficult space.
Here are thoughts about how to enjoy the time, more than just trying to cope
Schools: Reinforce and build on what technology knowledge your teachers know.
Don't introduce to many new things, this may cause anxiety and confusion
Build the teachers confidence and knowledge of how to use the technology.
Schools & Parents: Give children unplugged / offline tasks as well - not everything must be on the computer.
Create task such a pen and paper, following instructions by doing origami, sequencing pictures, for all ages, not just the little children.
Give time to play outside! Climb a tree! Ride a bike! Go for a walk!
Don't do everything on the computer.
Schools: Teachers have regular "face-to-face" catch ups using video conferencing like: Google hangout meet, to have discussions in groups, to listen to reading or to do a presentation
Set times for just your parents to discuss how things are goung and if they need assistance
Parents: Allow your child the time to chat to their teacher online, thereby maintaining that relationship as well.
Set other video conferencing call times with the teacher if you want to chat
Also video call
Schools: For young children - give parents clear instructions. Ask the parents to guide learning and not to do the work.
It's okay if your child makes a mistake
Encourage her/him to re-do the work, by figuring out the problem, developing understanding and then getting it correct. Learning happens!
Parents: No knowing is not bad, we want our children to have persistence and determination, so try and try again. In a non threatening environment, is very beneficial to learning.
Schools: Give time to read,
Parents and children can pair-read, read aloud, create a video of reading and share with teacher
Parents: Use reading as a bonding time. Don't add stress to the situation. Read to your child sometimes too!
Schools: Create tasks for movement
So children are not sitting all day
Schools: Give creative tasks, art based tasks - playdough, art or building from waste material
Enjoy this very different time, and build the relationship further with your children. Remove the stress! Have more fun!
We have organised a weekly online chat about tech, learning and coping in this space.
Complete this form if you want to hop in: http://bit.ly/onlinelrn
Reach out to me if you have questions: info@karenwalstraconsulting.co.za