Due to Covid-19 all children received home schooling as schools were closed. Primary schools in certain countries (partially) open in May. Not all children will go to full school immediately. For example, elementary schools halve the group size in the classroom. About 50 percent of the children go to school all the time. The other half of the time they attend homeschooling. Schools are now deciding how best to organize it and parents will be informed afterwards.
Tip 1. Keep it Reachable
Learning at home should also be fun so that it is sustainable for the children, but above all for you as a parent. You do this by keeping it relaxed and not increasing the pressure.
Fixed rhythm
A steady rhythm helps make it fun for everyone. You can spread schoolwork throughout the day, alternating it with relaxation, moments of eating or drinking, and outdoor games. Don’t be too strict with the schedule. If children are wandering or getting restless, it may be good to start another activity.
The relationship between parent and child—as teacher and student—can create tension.
Be aware of the changed relationship. As a parent, you are not trained to be a home teacher and you must combine this with work. If things don’t work out at first, try to find relaxation in other activities together.
Tip 2. Alternate work and exercise
It is important that all children move during the day. Some children have a great need for exercise and sport. It’s good to encourage movement.
Fortunately, many sports clubs are open where you can train outside. This means that many children will find their rhythm again in their weekly (sports) activities.
There are tons of fitness videos for kids and teens on YouTube. In ten minutes, these videos offer a small workout. Running or cycling is of course also an option.
Tip 3. Use classroom materials from school and beyond
Many digital teaching materials are now available. Primary and secondary school teachers usually assign assignments online. The work that children have to do is ready for them. This gives support and structure.
Of course, the teachers make sure that the material corresponds to the level of the child. If you also use extracurricular teaching material, you should pay attention to this.
Tip 4. Talk to others about how things are going
Make sure everyone has space to share how things are going and to ask questions. Everyone does their best and tries things to see what works. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes not. It helps to share these experiences with others. Get advice if things don’t go so well.
It’s nice when kids chat after a few hours of work. For example, ask what they learned. Not to control them, but to show that you take your schoolwork seriously and that you can finish it well together.
Tip 5. Organize help in good time
When homeschooling or receiving is not going well, it is important to get help. Sometimes distance learning is not successful because of tensions at home or because there are no resources such as a computer or the internet.
Even now that classes are partially starting up again, it can be difficult to organize activities during the week. Younger children may be able to go to school and older children may not be. It is possible that some of the children are being educated at school and some still need home tuition. If you have difficulties, contact the teacher or another person from the school.
Thanks to Jackie Tay | #Tips #Home #Schooling #Covid19
