Wellbeing

As schools have closed due to COVID-19, children are now learning remotely. Although school is different, it hasn’t stopped. Supporting and motivating children during remote learning is central to their success. Both parents and teachers have an important role to play by providing children with psychosocial support, care, encouragement and feedback.

Increased structure and predictability reduces stress. As teachers, we know it is essential to create routines and structures that make the day predictable for our students. It really is essential for families to be doing the same at home. 

Sit down with your child/ren and work out some routines and structures together. Here are some ideas:

• schedule work times (remember kids can’t focus for long!) and regular breaks
• set a timer and keep working till it goes off
• try listening to calming music in the background, essential oils, nature sounds, working outside (have a try of different things and see if any work for your child)
• set a goal (eg, I will write one paragraph and then take break)
• create a checklist
• make a visual schedule of the day (pictures instead of words can help reduce cognitive overload)
• work on the hardest or easiest task first (whichever works better for you)
• work in a different room to your distractions (eg. away from toys, TV, Playstation)
• use headphones to block out the noise of your siblings
• get everything you will need ready before you start the task
• make sure you are fueling your brain with healthy food and regular water
• Set up a Facetime session with a friend and work together online

Following are some links to some great flyers from UNESCO that give some more helpful tips. The UNESCO Global Education Coalition states that over 1 billion students worldwide are affected by school and university closures due to the pandemic. While this is saddening, it is reassuring to know that as teachers and parents we are not alone. The challenges we are facing through remote learning are shared by so many others. We need to work together and use the advice available to keep refining our practices in order to make it work the best we can.

How to Motivate your Children During Remote Learning - Tips for Parents

Quick Tips to Support Your Child in Learning From Home

Take care and please feel free to contact me if you need.

Riaane Comport

Wellbeing Coordinator

riaane.comport@education.vic.gov.au