online learning

[Allynyaan]

Hey there everynyan

I am wondering if there are other parent's here dealing with online schooling due to the pandemic? Here in Canada were calling it distance learning
We started a Lockdown the day after Christmas. My DS is only 5 and in SK so it probably shouldn't be as stressful to me as it is but I can't wait for him to be able to go back to school and socialize with other kids again. It is still very unorganized and My DS is not very easy to work with on schoolwork at home. Anyone else relate?

[DeletedAccount53]

My twin sis Julie and I used to do online distance learning since wed were 14-15, but were taken out of Monaco's state school and put on an open university degree course for a Bachelors (Hons). We've just done our finals and are waiting for the results, though we have a shared job which will become a tremendous career. it'll be a few weeks yet.

Distance learning is tremendous, but can be hard going. However, the standard of education often is outstanding, and I wish you and your boyfriend well. Hope you two get together again. It must be so difficult being separated. But having been together for 5 years is a tremendous testament to the both of you. I hope the time comes quickly so you can meet again.

Take care when the snows come! And covid, extra care.

[BackingErlking]

Distance learning is quite okay but the hardest part about distance learning is the constant distractions around you. Some of those distractions always exist at home, such as family, electronics, and etc. However, in my experience, the main distraction is a coronavirus.

[Celyn]

I don't have children but I have seen from other parents that it can be stressful trying to engage their child in distance learning.

I'm wondering if your DS' school has sent out any information to help with distance learning- what do they recommend, any particular resources or structure?

Young children may get bored easily and it must be difficult for them going from a classroom with friends and classmates to being isolated at home and having to learn at home too. It might help to find a quiet/calm space in your home where you can spend some time with your DS learning. You can use a computer or a tablet to access educational websites (we have some resources here) and apps. You could use traditional workbooks or perhaps get creative and use whatever is around you, for example, if doing mathematics, use objects such as money, beads, sweets or fruit (real or plastic or even playdough) to help use when teaching and learning. There may also be educational television programs that you can watch together. Perhaps try and make learning fun such as giving 'quizzes' and offering rewards when your DS has done well. Remember to take plenty of breaks too and get exercise as well- in school, your DS may be running around during play times so, depending on the rules in your area, perhaps go for a walk or a play in an outdoor area, such as a garden or a park.

Don't forget that learning isn't just about school subjects- other things like cooking, cleaning, maintenance etc can be taught in an age appropriate way and still counts as learning.

Importantly, look after yourself too. It's hard being in a pandemic and it's understandable that, even though you love your son, you can't wait for him to go back to school. Try and find ways of enjoying your time together and look after yourself too. Things will go back to normal, eventually

[Ennui.]

My niece is distance learning with my parents. It’s tough for her to focus sometimes. Honestly sometimes we have to take everything off the table except for the stuff she needs to work. For example no crayons, no extra paper, sometimes not even any paper towels or anything or she plays with them. Then we check in sometimes to make sure she’s doing what she needs to.

Maybe it will help to set a specific time to do any homework and you sit down with your child and help them when they need it? It may help keep them on track to have some sort of routine.

Watch for eye strain too. My niece’s schooling is all online so it helps to have a tech break to not have eye strain.

I also like Holly’s suggestions!

[Allynyaan]

My biggest problem with distance learning is the teacher wants us to do school work 6.5 hours a day like they normally would. We live in a small apartment so it is difficult for me to get anything done without distracting him and he needs help almost constantly because he doesn't know how to use google classroom as he is only 5. The teacher also wants to do a 15 to 30 minute video call with the entire class at the start of each subject so 6 times a day we switch back and forth between classroom meetings and independent work. Also the work they are doing is very boring and repetitive. I hope the lockdown ends soon so he can go back to school and play with his friends.

[Ambedo.]

Oh man, I can definitely relate to you here. I have two kids and we've been doing distance learning since the school year started in August. It's definitely been rough, especially on my younger kid (she's 9). It's just really unorganized and, up until about a week ago, she was only in class for about an hour and a half and expected to learn the rest on her own. That's a lot to ask of most people, but even more to ask from a 4th grader. It's definitely been a challenge getting her to stay motivated and engaged. It's also really given me an even higher respect for teachers because, man, getting kids to understand material and not have a meltdown when they don't understand something is SO HARD.

I also completely agree with you about their socialization. I can definitely see where my kids are starting to slip when it comes to social interactions, maintaining friendships, etc.

Fingers crossed this all ends sometime this year so they can eventually get back to normal school.