EDUCATION in the time of Coronavirus

USEFUL TIPS FOR PARENTS TO ASSIST THEIR CHILDREN IN A NEW WAY OF LEARNING

The international COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications, impacting almost every aspect of our lives. This includes education, with thousands of schools closed around the world. Following President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a national schools closure from March 17, 2020 and the subsequent national lockdown, classrooms have stood empty and the sound of children is absent from halls and playgrounds around South Africa.

Classrooms have stood empty and the sound of children is absent from halls and playgrounds around South Africa

At the time of writing, it is uncertain when schools might be allowed to open again. In the interim, those schools with the relevant skills and infrastructure have implemented online programmes to continue their students’ learning. Schools use a range of digital platforms and structure their content differently, but the goal is the same – to maintain the connection between teacher and learner, and keep our children engaged in their education.

This is particularly significant in Grade 12, when students are all too aware of the importance of every day in the run-up to their final examinations.

For everyone, this experience is different and, for many, the burdens are real. During this time of great uncertainty, though, what a blessing it is to be able to celebrate the relationships we have with our loved ones, to embrace opportunities for personal growth and to identify ways to change our lives and those around us for the better. Let’s model positive behaviour and help our children to develop character traits such as bravery, resilience, adaptability and understanding.

We are all in uncertain territory and doing the best we can. Let’s show each other grace, practice patience and use this time to appreciate the value of human connection.

Tips for parents

1. You are not expected to replace the teacher, with all his or her skills and experience. Use this time to support your child, to care for their emotional well-being. Be the healthy snack-maker, the exercise partner, the comforter.

2. Ask for help – there is a support network available at your child’s school and online.

3. Be realistic. Every child is different and will respond to this challenge in their unique way. Don’t expect perfection.

4. Structure is important – make sure your child has a quiet, clean and tidy place to work and a balanced timetable. They should be awake, dressed and ready to start on time, and take regular brain breaks. Fresh air and sunshine do wonders.

5. Make time for fun and connection every day.

6. Exercise is vital for their physical and emotional well-being.

7. Monitor your child’s screen time out of school hours. It is easy for them to overdo it.