Ludwe Primary School
April 10, 2020
Creative Ways of Keeping Your Anxiety in Check During Lockdown
May 7, 2020
Homeschooling prior to the lockdown has been successful all around the world. Families who homeschooled were able to meet and share. Extracurricular activities were also an indulgence.
With homeschooling during lockdown the absence of socialising can be stressful. To be successful the key is to reach out, share and allow children to connect with friends online – virtual socialising.
The other premise is that homeschooling is not a sprint but a marathon…. So it is slow and steady in the beginning and then confidently gaining in momentum.
Here are some homeschooling tips:
1. BREATHE... BREATHE... AND BREATHE...
It will all be ok!
2. CHOOSE THE WORK STATIONS/AREAS WITH THE CHILDREN:
Allow the children to make the learning space their own.
3. PLAN FOR SUCCESS:
Look closely at the curriculum and reach out to teachers. Work with your children so that they are part of the planning process. Look at links and other online material which are related. Use what is available and print if you can or worksheets can be completed online. Better still create your own material.
4. CREATE A TIMETABLE TOGETHER WITH CHILDREN:
Each child should have a timetable for their daily programme. For pre-school to Grade 3 divide the working day into 7 areas: Good morning, Skills Time, Cognitive Activity, Free Play, Literacy and Numeracy, Creative Activity, Story Time. Adapt the 7 areas for children from Grade 4.
5. BEGIN AND END EACH DAY WITH GRATITUDE, INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS, OR CULTURAL PRACTISES:
This can be done as a family and each member can take a turn to lead.
6. DEVELOP A CULTURE OF ERROR:
It is ok to make mistakes. We learn from making and recognising mistakes. We are safe.
7. OBSERVE, EXPLORE AND EMBRACE LEARNING STYLES OF THE CHILDREN:
One size does not fit all. Adjust material to suit learning styles - visual, auditory and kinesthetic (tactile) learning.
8. MAKE LEARNING FUN:
There are many creative activities that can be included in the learning programme. Integrate the curriculum with household chores, cooking and gardening wherever possible. Use the Creative Arts: dance, drama, music and visual arts together with the curriculum. Develop new hobbies or interests. Work outside if you have space. Use the inductive approach: allow children to investigate, explore and analyse in order to arrive at a concept. Encourage teamwork. Invite children to initiate the learning process by taking responsibility and ownership. Create routines together in order to manage time, tasks and resources effectively.
9. PREPARE FOR THE DAILY ACTIVITIES AND MODEL ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS:
Timetables and work programmes can only be effective if materials and resources are prepared in advance. Give instructions clearly, name steps and set time frames. Encourage consistency.
10. WORK ON A FAMILY PROJECT:
Things like posters, collection of poems or other hobbies. Look at creative ideas to help those children who cannot access learning material and programmes. Share the ideas and resources with relevant organisations.
11. CREATE A PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE FOR EACH CHILD:
File all completed work. Reflect with your child. Celebrate and highlight growth and achievement.
12. ENJOY EVERY PRECIOUS MOMENT:
This is a time we can make beautiful memories.
We hope this helps to keep you and your children active and entertained during lockdown. We wish you health and safety during these strange times.
Written by Sylvie Moodley , Intermediate Phase Mentor
