Learn From Home: Using Feedback

Having completed almost two weeks of Learn From Home, you have, no doubt, learned a lot already - about what does and doesn’t work, what expectations you may have had that were unrealistic, and how your child goes about learning. 

This is all an important part of the process. 

When things go wrong, we might be tempted to throw up our hands and despair, but before you do that, consider this: the missteps, the difficulties, the moments of chaos - it is all just feedback. 

Feedback is crucial to helping us hone in on what we want to achieve. It allows us to see where we need to focus our energy and change what isn’t working. 

So, take a moment to ask these questions:

Is it a Gravity Problem? 

There are certain things in life that we cannot change - a ‘situation, circumstance or fact of life’ that, no matter how much we want to shift it, it just won’t happen. The COVID-19 crisis appears to be one of these. We can’t make the virus go away, we can’t wish away this Learn From Home experience - we simply have to learn to accept it and move on. 

That doesn’t mean we are defeated. In fact, there is one thing we can do, and that is reframe. If we can’t change the situation, how can we change our perspective to see this as a positive? What can we do to make the most of this time instead?

Do you need more information or support?

Take a moment to ask whether there is a piece of the puzzle that is missing. Whether learning or wellbeing related, technological or practical - you aren’t expected to be an expert. 

Have you joined our BHCS Learn From Home Facebook group? We have a regular Zoom helpdesk which you can access from within this group and I’ve been on hand to troubleshoot as we learn how to navigate this new territory. We have been so encouraged by your engagement and sharing of photos and tips during this unique experience. 

Who else might be able to help you find out what you need to know? Do you need to reach out to your child’s teacher? Read over the information in our Learn From Home Support Centre? We also have a dedicated Learn From Home email address for any questions you might have, so please don't hesitate to contact us if the information you are seeking is not on the website. 

What went well?

It is easy to get caught up in the things that didn’t work - they stick in our memories and can overtake the story sometimes. But what actually went smoothly? What would you like to repeat? 

Getting the opinions of your kids here is crucial - perhaps sitting down with the schedule over dinner and having a conversation about what they enjoyed and how you could maximise those moments tomorrow. Talk about the problems too. Perhaps they might have a solution that could improve the experience. 

If you are finding a particular time of day difficult and there is a requirement for your child to be online during that time, speak with your child’s classroom teacher to see if there is flexibility to make it work for you. 

…

This is all new territory and we are forging it together. The more we remain open and talk through what isn’t going so well, the greater chance we have at creating an experience that brings life and growth. 

Courage takes honesty and the willingness to face what needs to change. And the grace to shift towards a better future.