UK Schools Lockdown: Helping Children Adjust to Learning at Home
As a result of the UK lockdown, schools across the country are once again closed. We find ourselves in a similar position to that of March 2020. With primary schools closed (except for the children of key workers) and primary assessments cancelled, parents are left with no choice but to support their child through learning remotely.
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How British mum Dania Jasem is coping with the UK schools lockdown in 2021
This may come easy to some but will be overwhelming for others. Parents across the UK are struggling to juggle working from home, supporting their child’s continued education, and keeping up to date with everything else. As a working mother of a primary school pupil and a 1-year-old, I find myself in the same situation as many of you.
We have lived through this before, but it does not make it any easier. If you are like me, feeling confused and overwhelmed with multi-tasking, then you know the struggle. It’s challenging, to say the least.
However, first things first, I am not going to bore you with toxic positivity. It’s natural to have questions, and it’s ok to be frustrated. Angry? Well, that’s ok too!
It’s important to try and pick yourself up because eventually, we’ll all have to face this head-on. For our children’s sake, the learning must go on.
Your child’s primary school is closed due to the UK lockdown. What should you do?
The key to facing this head-on is schedule and routine. The school will have already put a draft schedule into place. Follow that schedule, it will help in the long run. Children thrive on routine and will help them excel in education. You’ll also need your own routine in place. Making sure that learning starts at the same time every day, and that your child still gets to enjoy regular breaks and a full 1-hour lunch. If you have a garden, try to let them get some air just as they would at school.
As a primary school parent, my child, like many others, will struggle with the idea of sitting still alone so you may need to assist them frequently. Now, this may be difficult if you are a working parent or if you have other children at home, or in my case, both!
How to help your child learn at home during the lockdown
Let me tell you about my child’s schedule. In the morning, the class has a “registration” session. During this time, I log my child on and attend to the other. Allowing your child to sit independently with their teachers and peers, albeit online, will help them feel as though they’re still at school. They may feel reluctant at first, however, with time they will sit more independently. With consistency, your child will fall into the routine of sitting independently for ‘school’ more often.
The idea behind this is to understand that it is ok to leave your primary school child at the computer to have some independent time. They are at school after all. With that said, make sure to check on them at regular intervals as you can never be too careful when it comes to the web.
This also goes for the independent videos that schools may have set up. You are there to set up the video and deal with all technical issues. However, the teacher is there to give the lesson.
Do not feel guilty that you are not there to always hold their hands and guide the learning. When they have finished the video, you can ask them what they’ve learnt what and look at the assignment that usually follows.
The importance of UK primary school education
Your child’s education is vital, but don’t let it harm their mental health, and yours. Learning at home is tough so don’t try to keep up with everything. Sometimes it is okay to let go of things. I am going to give the advice that my child’s teacher gave me. If you want to focus on anything, focus on maths and English. Try not to worry about every single subject.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to focus on these subjects in your home learning routine. Focusing on less, but more important subjects will help your child not to feel overwhelmed by schoolwork.
Our mental health is important and is a priority over all other factors. I’d like to share something that I read the other day:
We, as parents, are not designed for this. The reason there is a stay-at-home parent, working parent and part-time working parent is that we cannot be two people at the same time, much less three people. We cannot function as parents, workers, and teachers all at the same time.
With school closures and the UK on lockdown, where can you find resources to help your child?
The good news is that schools are more prepared for lockdown this time around. Lessons were planned for lessons online use. Additionally, schools are now able to offer online resources, even those that are already paid for. It is worth checking these resources as they can help you throughout the lockdown period.
The BBC announced it will show curriculum content on TV every weekday from Monday, 11 January:
- Primary-school programming, including BBC Live Lessons and BBC Bitesize Daily, from 09:00 to 12:00 on CBBC
- At least two hours of programming to support the GCSE curriculum on BBC Two
Don’t feel bad about letting your child watch TV. This is educationally nutritious for them. Use this time to get some work done or take a well-deserved break!
The Department for Education is currently running a scheme for disadvantaged children who do not have access to a home broadband connection, some internet providers are also helping out.
Additionally, Think Academy UK has prepared home learning study packs for Years 1 – 6 pupils that you can download and print for free! Please see the list below:
Finally, if you still feel like you’re struggling, always remember that you can reach out to your child’s school for additional resources and guidance.
From my family to yours, stay safe.
Dania
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