Hello Kawans,
Did you know that in “Normal” time, nearly 260 million children don’t go to school? In indonesia with the covid-19 pandemic, nearly 60 million children are no longer in school!
Most of these students do not have mobile phones, computers or televisions. Some teachers take the initiative to visit their students’ homes one by one, sometimes taking the 22-kilometre route through difficult routes that these big-hearted teachers sometimes go through three times a week. Just to help with homework and review homework in advance.
ONE OF THE TEACHERS WHO WROTE ON HIS FACEBOOK ACCOUNT DIDN’T LEAVE STUDENTS UNHAR HELPED… I LOVE IT!
On the other hand, other parents reported a lack of help for their child during the current school closure, especially for children with special needs. A mother of an autistic child says she doesn’t know how to support her son’s education. Teachers only provide homework without providing adequate learning tools or materials.
Other parents have complained about learning materials in schools that are difficult for children with disabilities to understand.
SO THERE ARE SOME IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS THAT CAN HELP PARENTS AND CHILDREN ANYWHERE AND FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS TO CONTINUE LEARNING DURING TIMES WITHOUT SCHOOL.
Idea #1 | Plan a shared routine
Try to establish a routine that considers age-appropriate educational programs that can be followed online, on television, or over the radio (If available, that’s for sure). Also, consider play time and time to read. Use daily activities as a learning opportunity for your children. And don’t forget to put this plan together if possible.
Although setting routines and structures is very important for children and adolescents, in these moments you may notice your children need some degree of flexibility. Change your activity. If your child appears agitated and agitated as you try to join an online learning program with them, switch to a more active option. Don’t forget that planning and doing homework together safely is great for the development of smooth and rugged motor functions. Try and stay in tune with their needs wherever possible.
Idea #2 | Organize fun activities with and support nature
Nature is an endless source of knowledge. Flowers, trees, animals, birdsong… Have fun feeling, hearing, and recognizing names, types, races with your kids.
All forms of non-digital activity are also important. Drawing, painting, playing music, talking about living together as a family is often much more important than school. This is what we call “school of life”.
And then, while appreciating social distance, participate in collective efforts in terms of ecology, waste management. You parents need to set a good example, don’t you? So go and collect tons of plastic on the beach, in the fields, around your house. It is also an important educational activity for children and that will ensure a better world and a better future for all.
Idea #3 | Have an open conversation
Encourage your child to ask questions and express their feelings to you. Keep in mind that your child may have different reactions to stress, so be patient and understanding. Start by inviting your child to talk about the issue. Find out how much they already know and follow in their steps. Discuss good hygiene practices. You can use everyday moments to affirm the importance of things like washing your hands regularly and thoroughly. Make sure you are in a safe environment and let your child speak freely. Drawing, stories, and other activities might help open up discussions.
Try not to minimize or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it is natural to feel scared about these things. Show that you are listening by paying their full attention, and make sure they understand that they can talk to you and their teacher whenever they want. Warn them about fake news and encourage them.
Idea #4 | Use your time
Adapt to your children’s rhythms… With the social rhythm in which you live. A child from East Java applies a different way of learning with a child from Switzerland for example!
I believe it’s important to start with shorter learning sessions and gradually improve them. Otherwise, you will get bored quickly and it will also annoy your children. If the goal is to have a session for 30 or 45 minutes a day, it might be good to start with 10 minutes and move on from there.
In one session, combine exercises: Nature, Song, Talking, Online if you have internet, and offline even if you have Internet access. Nothing beats mom and dad’s words sometimes!
Idea #5 | Protect children online
As I said, most kids here don’t have access to the Internet, but! However, for those lucky enough to access dedicated digital platforms, this can offer children the opportunity to continue learning, participating in online education.
