Tips for Home Learning
Advice for Home Schooling
Home schooling and remote learning have become a key part of our education over the last year. During 2021 lockdown we had 55% of children accessing remote education.
Learning at home can be a lot of fun. However, it also has a lot of challenges. At home there are numerous distractions including television, consoles, Wi-Fi, tables, mobile phones and toys. Families also have the pressure of juggling work commitments, family life and home learning.
We have created a detailed dexplanation of what families should expect from remote learning. That can be read by clicking here.
Department for Education have published their advice for families and how you can support your child's education duing Coronavirus. That can be read by clicking here.
Parentkind have also published their advice page.
We have also uploaded some free English and Maths activity books for children in Years 1 to 6. These can be accessed by clicking here
Our top tips are:
- Establish a timetable for home schooling. Try and keep routines that help parents and children. We have established timetables on See-Saw and Google Classroom. You need to consider what routines will help you at home. If you need a break to walk the dog or just get some fresh air; do it. You have to decide what is best for your family. We have set up an advice page for home learning. You can read that by clicking here.
- Ensure that you all have regular breaks.
- Find a good space to work. You need to be as comfortable as possible.
- Get the Resources You Need. Being organised helps. If you need any more equipment at home, contact school and we can help with exercise books, stationery, paper etc. Home learning packs have been sent home but you may need more materials.
- Minimise distractions. Agree times for television, music etc.
- Don’t create too much pressure. You are not a teacher. Let your children have some independence and remember that mistakes are ok.
- Make sure your employer is being supportive. Managing Covid-19 is a national effort. Be realistic with your employer. If you are working from home and helping young children with home learning, you cannot be as productive as normal. ACAS have some useful advice on this:
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https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/using-holiday/time-off-work-to-look-after-someone
- Accept that your child may get things wrong. We believe that effective learning can be secured through making mistakes and developing resilience. Remote learning will be different. Their class teacher is not there in person to support them and they do not have all the resources that they would normally access. What is important is that they do their best. Our RESPECT framework is in school used by children to develop resilience and positive attitudes to learning. You can read more about that by clicking here.
- Reach Out. Although we are really busy, we are here to help. Reach out to us and we will do our best to help and support you and your child. If you need support with mental health, a financial issue or other family support, we have a pastoral team who can help. Signposted support online as well:
- Get help. There are numerous forums online and help on internet for every aspect for learning. For example mathsisfun.com is great for explaining mathematical concepts. We have also set up advice for mental health and well being.
- Keep it fun. Measuring and baking is great mathematics. So is measuring to make simple crafts. Have spelling challenges and try and play games when you can.
- Make sure you are ready to concentrate. Good sleep, hydration and exercise all help.
We have set up lots of links and ideas on the school website. There are lots of companies offering free homelearning packs during the coronavirus closures.
For those of you who would like to know more, the Centre of Excellence Online training course provider have made their Home Education Diploma Course FREE for all families during the Coronavirus. Just enter the code LEARNFREE when checking out on their website. https://www.centreofexcellence.com/shop/home-education-diploma-course
We have also uploaded the Education Otherwise Charity's advice booklet on providing education at home.
Here is a free book explaining Covid-19 and social distancing in a child friendly manner. So many children are feeling worried and anxious right now, this could help alleviate some of their fears.
https://www.flipsnack.com/CSKidsBooks/what-s-going-on.html