Some key tips on helping students to get the most out of their learning from home.
Term Two has started very differently from every other Term we can remember. The Covid-19 Level Four Restrictions have placed extraordinary pressures on students and their learning, as well as their parents and caregivers. Wednesday’s lessons went remarkably well. We will be able to get through the challenges ahead if teachers, students and whānau/ families work together positively, respectfully and with kindness.
Key tips for helping students to make their learning successful, include:
Having a good routine. We are helping by continuing to timetable our classes as they were at school. The timetable for each class is displayed on each class learning site, and individual student timetables are available to parents and students on request.
Being organised. Have device charged and fully operational, be on time to your classes and mute your screen once you have arrived and signed in. Have what you need for your learning available. Have a good workplace set up, remember you’ll be working there all day.
Being present. If you have a class, please attend. And when you are in class, make sure that you pay attention, do what is asked, and try your best. Your teachers have gone to considerable extra effort to make your learning possible and worthwhile. Avoid wasting their time and your own.
Being respectful. Think carefully about the language you use and the things you say and write.
Being patient. Online learning is new for everyone, internet speed and wifi vary from place to place for many different reasons.
Being kind. Do your bit by showing the generosity of spirit that has been the hallmark of our country’s lockdown, and the envy of many other countries all over the world.
HELP: If you are experiencing connectivity, device or other issues related to learning, let the school know as we may be able to assist in some way. If you need other forms of support, our school guidance counsellor is available to assist and connect parents and students to additional support. Remember: each class has a dedicated learning site which parents and students can connect to.
Useful links: Listed below are some useful links relating to learning at home and supporting students to do the best they can under the circumstances.
Distance learning is a Ministry of Education web page explaining what is available. They have included advice on Helping children and young people while they are learning at home
Online resources: The Ministry of Education is continuing to add resources to two online spaces they have set up to support learning:
These websites have resources for parents and whānau, teachers and leaders spanning through early learning to senior secondary.
TV Channels: The Ministry of Education has set up two educational TV channels that are available on the TV as well as online. The two television channels are broadcasting education-related content – one for English medium and one for Māori medium, including content targeted for Pacific and other communities.
Home Learning | Papa Kāinga TV is free to air on TVNZ channel 2+1, and on TVNZ on Demand, as well as on Sky Channel 502 and Vodafone TV. It will run from 9am to 3pm on school days with programming for children and young people, as well as for parents.
Content is grouped for early learners and students by age range, and include play, literacy, mathematics, science, te reo Māori, fitness and well being. All of the programmes feature highly experienced teachers and presenters, along with well being and movement experts.
Other good advice:
RNZ: Radio New Zealand also has many useful podcasts and good advice to support for parents with children at home. They include:
Parenting on Nine To Noon A collection of stories about parenting issues.
Nathan Wallis has advice on Getting teens to toe the Covid line. Nathan Wallis is a brain researcher, parenting coach and founder of X-Factor Education.
Keep yourself well
Keep things accurate. Keep up to date at covid19@govt.nz for accurate and official information.
Avoid information overload. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Remember, opinions may not be based on facts, evidence or the truth. Try to calmly distinguish fact from opinion.
Sustain yourself. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try and eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep.
Find some joy. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Talk. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Be Kind. Be patient and tolerant of others. Everyone is under stress as a result of the demands upon everyone. and
Call out. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
(Sources: https://covid19.govt.nz/ and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html)