COVID-19:Tips to Stay Positive
Helpful tips for life in Isolation
Working from home and having kids not at school can be a challenge. With a couple of simple rules, we can make life easier and support learning at home.
Rule 1: Set a routine
Having a daily routine helps give everyone a structure. Right now, our kids are having to organise themselves in a way they have not really done before. Setting a timetable and fixed routine will help them focus.
For example, having a set time for breakfast gets the day started right and ensures that our kids have checked the lesson plans on Compass and are ready for their classes.
If you are working from home, it is important that the rest of the household understands that you are at work and can’t be disturbed.
If you are at home but not working, it is equally important that you keep your routine. As much as possible our kids should be focusing on their lessons during the day. Apart from recess and lunch try to maintain your daily routine and allow your kids to stay focused on classes.
If you are working away from home, school is open and there are teachers there to supervise students whose parents are at work. Though some of the normal routine of school drop-off is the same, many other things are very different – so it is still good to have a conversation about these.
The routine you choose is up to you. If you are working from home, you might decide to have lunch at the same time as the school lunch break. Or it may be more suitable to wait until you have finished to get together as a family. Have a conversation as a family to build an understanding of what you all need to do; then figure out a routine that is going to enable everyone to be focused and engaged.
Rule 2: Talk about YOUR day
Sharing your own experience will be helpful for your kids to manage with the big changes.
Talking about some of the challenges you might be facing helps kids understand that everyone is in the same situation. This helps reduce stress or anxiety.
Look below for some links to help talk to your kids about the current situation.
Rule 3: Talk about THEIR day
An easy question to start the conversation is “What did you learn today?”
This is an open question, but it specifically asks them to think about their learning.
Reflecting and talking about learning helps with recall and comprehension. It is great to also ask your kids to explain concepts, or topics. If they can explain or demonstrate ideas, methods, or topics to you – then they have a good understanding. If they struggle, then that is an opportunity to review the learning again.
Talking about challenges they may be facing with their learning is always helpful, as then they can raise them with their teacher, or mentor group teacher. For I.T. issues you can contact our I.T. team via email support@southoakleighsc.freshdesk.com
Useful Links
Talking to your kids about the current situation + advice on how to manage:
Video and Facts sheets to help talk to your children
CECFW resources to support parents and carers in dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Solid Go-to enrichment or exploration for time between when school is done, but you are still at work:
ABC iView is packed with engaging viewing, including many study resources to support homework and assignments. There is also the ABC TV Education channel, with programming linked directly to K-12 learning standards
NRich Maths has a range of maths activities, including a handy guide for parents
ABCme is a source of engaging entertainment available via Channel 23 on free-to-air, or via the website
Audible has made access to audio books free – you can also listen in different languages
ABC reading eggs – an award-winning reading program is now free for 30 days
Explore as a family galleries, national parks, live performances, and museums from around the world:
The Louvre Paris
Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
British Museum London, also has an interactive timeline to explore how ideas and people have been connected through time.
Metropolitan Museum of Art New York
Musée d’Orsay Paris
Natural History Museum London
The Metropolitan Opera is streaming free performances of some of its most famed shows
The Globe Theatre in London is streaming Shakespeare on demand
Google Arts and Culture has virtual tours from sites around the world
Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Enjoy an interactive visit to The Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough
Zoos Victoria has several live-streams of animal (and keeper) antics
For more animal cuteness, head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary