Teaching tips for parents during lockdown

WITH the lockdown extension, schools remain closed for a further two weeks and parent’s are tasked with overseeing their children as they complete homework. This presents a challenge as some parents balance the role of teacher while juggling their own jobs and more.

Rather than taking on the role of a teacher, parents should simply facilitate by creating an environment that is conducive to learning, said Chelsea Preparatory School Principal, Grant Maartens.
“Parents need to encourage and support their children, and continuously reassure them with positive feedback. Parents need to remain calm and not panic, as children can pick up on a parents’ stress levels,” he said.

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For Kim Petzer, Deputy Principal and Head of Academics at Virginia Preparatory School, maintaining reading, writing and mathematics is a key at senior primary level.

“The most important thing is to remain calm and in control. Have an organised routine when it comes to the schoolwork and if possible, be there with your child to support and guide them. I would also recommend that you break up the task into manageable half-hour sessions so the child can remain focused. In total, cover about three hours of work a day, including reading,” she said.

Setting up an organised, quiet place for school work is also important, added Sandy Williams, Deputy Principal for CPS Senior Primary
“Set goals for the day, in terms of the amount of work that should be completed and offer rewards for good effort with work,” said Williams.

Mother, Lindy Cowan, who is studying to be an ECD teacher, said tackling Grade 5 maths with her daughter, Ruby-Leigh (Chelsea Preparatory School) was a challenge.
“It has been quite difficult, also, starting off, it was difficult getting into a routine and setting out when school time would starts. We have gotten into a routine now and we are enjoying it,” she said.

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Nici Hilliar, Head of Department for CPS Senior Primary, added that preparation would help parents guide their children through school tasks.

“Preferably read through given material together. Discuss it and then task your child to complete the activity in a reasonable timeframe. They may ask questions, but should try to work independently while you get on with your own tasks. Encourage neat layout. Go through answers together afterwards, offering positive feedback wherever you can. Allow them to correct their errors and encourage them to feel proud of their work,” she said.