Who would have known at the start of this term, that teachers would’ve had to go into overdrive to prepare educational packs and possibly switch to online teaching?
I’m sure nobody would’ve thought that parents would be tasked with educating their children from home. It is an unusual time, something I could’ve never imagined as a teacher or a mum!
Across the world, and in Botswana you hear various stories from parents who have been at home with their children for some days already. Various suggestions are being made to parents on how to deal with this situation. My little piece of advice…
Be realistic and look at what works best for you and your child(ren).
Some suggest to keep your child(ren) to a strict schedule and there are various templates out there. See the image on Family Gems article on schedules. This is a great solution for some families and by creating the schedule together with the child they manage to keep the routine and the learning as much as possible going. If you are a working parent during lockdown this might not be easy to maintain, and it can be stressful for some.
I read an interesting blog of a mum who chooses to work with a checklist rather than a time table or schedule. Her children are in their teens and they need to complete the list by the end of the day, ensuring their day is meaningful and their work gets done. I love what was on the checklist on top of school work such as:
– Do something creative
– Do something helpful
– Do something using brainpower
– Do something social
– Do something intentional with the family.
To read the whole blog go to www.TheBehaviorBuzz.home.blog
You know your child best. It might take some trial and error and it won’t always be easy. I’m sure you will find a way to make it work for you and your family.
Support
There will be times where you might need support with your child’s work and you might not know the answer. Many teachers are reaching out on social media offering their support should you need it. Send them a message, reach out! We are all in this together.
Do be mindful that many are still in full teaching mode online and also need some time adjusting and therefore maybe not respond instantly. They will get back to you as soon as they can. Do go online as well if you have an internet connection at home. There is so much out there.
Go to For Kids at Home: A Big List of Online Resources For Kids for a list of educational companies who are offering free subscriptions during this time.
As I normally do holiday programmes during the school holiday, I do know the need and importance of entertainment for children. Although to some kids this might sound like a lovely long holiday, they too will get fed up and bored.
There is nothing wrong with a little boredom from time to time, pushing them to use their imagination and creativity, but they will need some ideas for crafts or (facilitated) play opportunities. During this time, I will regularly post some ideas for fun activities on my Facebook page Dibini that don’t need anything you can’t find in your home or might just involve basic craft supplies.
What I’m Doing
Try and make the best of this unreal situation. Enjoy the small things with your children. I have decided to make more time for reading at home, as normally this feels rushed at the end of a long (working) day. There is reading in Dutch, reading in English and I have even convinced my staff at home to let me record them read stories in Setswana. That way I can play them for my children whenever I want. (I will share these as I have recorded them on my page). I’ve put these recordings on their phones too, so they can play it for their children at home. I realise how privileged my family is with all the resources we have at home and I want to share them.
If you are looking for books, you can find many books online. It is also good to note that REWA Seva Community Library is open on appointment to borrow books.
All the best and good luck to all parents and teachers during this time. We’ve got this!!
‘The only secret behind a good day is a good attitude’ – unknown
- Teaching From Home: A Teacher’s Perspective - 01/04/2020
