Addressing post-covid learning loss

Addressing Post-Covid Learning Loss by Emma Martin

As our worlds slowly open back up and children are in school once again, for many parents a key question will be how they can support their child’s learning post-COVID.

There has been much in the news about children being ‘behind’ and needing to ‘catch up.’ However, just as important is their emotional wellbeing, in particular connection, play, making sense of the world and resilience. By focusing on mental health, we can help our children to be in the best possible place to learn. progress at school.

One way to support your child’s ability to bounce back when things get tricky is to spend quality time doing an activity of their choice with them, whether it’s playdoh, kicking a ball about or playing a board game. By doing so, you are giving them a sense of safety and letting them know you are there for them. Let’s prioritise their wellbeing

Re-build and strengthen connections

Think back to your own childhood and the things you enjoyed – being free to play, being yourself and being with friends. Let’s not give our Children do need to catch up this summer – but to catch up children the message they are ‘behind,’ but instead celebrate with friends and family. Social connections have been their wonderful achievements during this tricky time. hugely impacted by the pandemic, so it is important that we give children the time and space they need to enjoy being social again (and not just By focusing on mental health, we can help Let’s make this summer one of freedom and play by prioritising their emotional wellbeing - the rest will follow. via a screen!). By giving time to rebuilding social connections, parents will be helping their child to our children to be in the best possible place Tips to help children process the pandemic feel good about themselves and to practice all the to learn. Explore your child’s feelings. Recollections like: ‘Oh skills they need to help them get on with others in a I remember, I think you were excited when we first did positive way. home learning’ or ‘Yes, it was worrying when it was time to go Let’s play! back to school and you weren't sure what your classroom might look With opportunities limited during lockdown, by giving children the like, wasn’t it?’ help children notice, explore, process and understand opportunity to play we can help them to develop their social, emotional their feelings, whilst simultaneously recognising them as normal. It also and cognitive skills. Most importantly, play helps children to have conveys that you are interested in their feelings and that talking about positive thoughts about themselves which is exactly what we need to them is a safe and positive thing to do. encourage right now. Focus on accomplishments. Making sense of experiences

One of the most important things parents can do this summer is to help children make sense of the pandemic so they don’t store concerns. We can do this by helping them to share the challenges and successes of their own ‘Covid story’ through conversations, role play or painting and drawing. Nurture resilience

Many people have commented on how resilient children have been during this tumultuous time. Whether your child has ridden the rollercoaster with ease or found it more challenging, placing a focus on problem solving and resilience is a sure-fire way to help your child make Avoid referring to a need to catch up or suggesting that your child is behind. This places unnecessary pressure on children that could be detrimental to their mental health. Instead focus on their accomplishments during the pandemic. Help them put some of their work into a scrapbook or assemble a photo book to remember this key time. Also look forward with them. Embrace their aspirations and desire to learn new things, helping them and celebrating their achievements.

Emma Martin is an educational psychologist employed full-time by E-ACT multi-academy trust. She supports their primary academies in Bristol and is co-author of their national Relationships and Recovery Curriculum.