Schooling during COVID-19

Today's current climate has many of us missing our usual schedules of school runs, working, demanding deadlines not to mention seeing co-workers, friends and family.

Not only are some parents faced with working from home, but they also have the daunting task of helping their children keep on top of the schoolwork that is being set by their teachers via video links or via web platforms. This is overwhelming as many of us haven't looked at the school curriculum since we were the students, now you have your darling children asking what things mean and the pressures of trying to explain tasks can become intimidating.

You need to remember that us teachers are not expecting you to become experts. (A little secret - we are not experts either!)

The following tips are just to remind you of your role in this COVID battle;

1. Give yourself a little credit

Firstly, before your beautiful children started school, they learnt everything from you, yes that's right YOU!

Crawling, walking, talking, toileting they learnt this from you, so you know how to "teach."

2. Home is not the classroom

You and your family are out of their usual routine. You cannot expect the same outcomes and concentration from your children as if they were in school. Some parents may look as if they are winning with the whole colour coded routine chart, set out subjects and specific learning breaks and that is great, but it doesn't set the bar for everyone!

You lead your tribe by modelling the very fact you are not comparing yourself to others.

3. It's ok if you don't understand

Many of us can remember the feeling of picking up our exams, realising we don't have to endure the Maths lessons or memorise facts for Science etc. Now it is time where you are faced again with the dreaded feeling of not understanding. Guess what? THIS IS OK! Schools are not expecting you to take over and teach the topics as if you are on mastermind! Remember the subjects that you enjoyed whilst at school and share that love with your children, be it woodwork, or food technology.

4. Let them choose

As routines have changed why not tip the balance and allow the children to lead their learning. Let them choose what and when and maybe you won't have that much of a fight getting them to complete tasks sent home from school.

5. Allowing screen time isn't a sin

Our children are the future and the future is rapidly evolving every day. Allowing electronics during the day can help give you a much-needed break. Not only will your children thank you for giving them their electronics, but they won't feel as if they are learning. There are endless educational sites with games to suit all ages.

6. Communication is key

Remember that anything you do no matter how big or small the main point of all this is to communicate with your children. Let them explain how they feel. We are all out of our comfort zones and so are they, if not more so. They cannot see their friends; their learning areas and relaxing zones have merged suddenly, and the last thing they need is you stressing about them falling behind with their learning. Anxiety is normal, learning how to deal with it is a tool for life!

The very fact you have read these tips is proof that you are already doing the best job possible.

Stay safe and make memories, you are living through history!