For millions of South African learners, the academic year has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
To keep learners learning, teachers have had to think creatively and use innovative platforms, such as online learning apps, video calling and presentations, as well as instant messaging to engage with learners.
Just like learners, teachers had to upskill themselves by learning new technology.
“Digital learning taught me new skills and I’m able to implement them in everyday teaching. It helps that we are all in this together and the fact that the kids are also learning with us makes it a little bit easier,” said Alexandra-Jane Wright, a Grade Five teacher at St Martin’s, one of South Africa’s leading private schools in the south of Johannesburg.
Parents and guardians have also been on a learning journey and may be feeling overwhelmed teaching their children from home, and also learning new skills and new levels of patience.
Here are important insights from teachers at St Martin’s to help parents, guardians and learners make homeschooling easier.
• Communication is key
Good and regular communication between teachers, parents and learners is vital to close the distance.
Keeping in touch is also a good way to maintain human connections and to remind you that you are not alone.
Class chat groups are also an effective way of sharing learning methods and troubleshooting with other parents.
• Detailed planning
Planning a schedule can make a big difference and is an effective way of keeping learners engaged and in a routine.
Print or write out timetables so that it is easily visible to keep track of daily tasks. This will help your child stay on top of their work and their deadlines.
• Include lots of breaks
Learners are used to the school routine. A similar structure should, as much as possible, be adhered to while learning from home and should include regular breaks.
This will give learners time to rest their eyes and take their minds off their studies for a while, and come back to their work re-energised.
Teachers at St Martin’s included physical education challenges in their home learning curriculum that tested ball skills, hand-eye coordination and some even tested their sewing skills.
• Be supportive
Lockdown is a very stressful time and everything won’t always be perfect. Be mindful of what works for your child and give them space to figure things out for themselves.
If they need assistance be there, listen to them, encourage them, and find a solution together. Learning from home is lonely, and it’s important for learners to still feel connected to their school, classmates, and teachers during this time.
The holistic approach of St Martin’s also focuses on the personal, mental and emotional well-being of learners.
During lockdown, the St Martin’s teachers started the day with a check-in and even conducted weekly online assemblies with the principle.
“It’s important to connect with the learners, especially with the matriculants who are finding this time very difficult,” said Thomas Hagspihl, principle of St Martin’s about their digital assemblies.
“Some learners are grieving as they realise they’re never going to play netball at school again,” Hagspihl added.
“We’re not just focused on academics, but also the well-being of every learner. That’s what we do well as a school.”
Parents have praised the teachers at St Martin’s for their commitment and their extra effort in supporting their children.
“Definitely proud to be associated with a school whose teachers keep raising the bar on education during these unprecedented times,” said Prisha Naicker, a parent whose child attends St Martin’s.
Homeschooling can be overwhelming and has forced teachers, learners and parents to step out of their comfort zones. Learning from home will not always be easy nor perfect, but you can do it.
Stay connected to teachers and other parents and take it one day at a time. This pandemic will pass and when it does, learners and teachers will reunite in the classroom.
