3 minute read
SCHOOL READINESS
from Schools
Coping with the new
fortunate that children are highly adaptable, this may work to their detriment – children may come to view the current way of socialising, with masks and from a distance, as the norm.” Mostert is particularly concerned with the loss of opportunities to practise social interaction that has come about with the current structure of school days, noting that it may give rise to insecurity. “Children don’t express themselves primarily through conversation as we do, so spending break in a circle, rather than playing, may feel very strange.” He says that the best way to help school day Lisa Witepski looks at what preparing your them prepare is to, first of all, remind them that school – and learning, in particular – is intrinsically fun. Then, allow them to make
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School drop-offs look decidedly child for “big school” looks like today up for all that they’re missing at school by spending time outdoors, getting dirty, at home. Joining in their games, from different this year – if they are hide-and-seek to dolls, will also help. happening at all. Where once there with the school. If you have a full-time job or Mostert advocates helping your child were hurried hugs and calls of “wait children in different grades, home schooling grow their communication skills by asking for me” at the gate, now children – never easy – is bound to be even more them questions and getting them talking stand in sombre queues to have their bags difficult, but if your child’s teacher knows so that those “sitting in a circle” situations sanitised and their temperatures taken. what your typical day looks like, they may feel less awkward. For instance, instead of
If there is a plus side to this situation, says be able to assist. asking, “how was your day?” ask, “what Rebecca Pretorius of Crimson Education, it made you happy, excited or scared today?” is the fact that first-time schoolgoers have no SOCIALLY DISTANT Build your child’s confidence by teaching preconception of what school should be like. While you’re bemoaning the challenges them life skills through basic chores, like For them, this is normal, no matter what we you are facing with this new-look education cooking. “And help them cultivate a positive as parents think – and we should capitalise system, spare a thought for how your child attitude by being deliberately optimistic on that by acting as if they’re right, rather may be feeling, says Dr Jacques Mostert and creating a gratitude list to encourage a than lamenting what things “should” be like. of ADvTECH’s Abbotts College. “While it’s happy outlook.”
Of course, there’s still the strangeness of online learning to deal with and the fact that many children feel uncomfortable raising HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR ONLINE LEARNING their hands or trying to forge a connection Optimi’s Louise Schoonwinkel suggests readying your child for their online over a Zoom classroom. Pretorius’ solution school day with these tips. is to help them become familiar with these • Ensure you have a dedicated learning space at home; one that’s neat and platforms by engaging with friends and tidy (as this helps develop discipline) and, ideally, is different from where family online. Then, if they verbalise their they relax. misgivings, you can remind them that talking • Consider purchasing a good pair of headphones, it helps with background to their teacher online isn’t vastly different noise and staying focused. from talking to Gran. • Set up a daily routine and structure, including regular breaks. Plan other
Still battling? Spark Schools’ Bailey Blake activities too, like going for a bike ride or a walk. says it is important to discuss your context • Make sure the device you are using is charged and connected to the internet.
