Successful home learning during COVID-19
My neighbor described the COVID-19 pandemic as being comparable to the war times she experienced as a girl in Eastern Europe. For me there is no comparison, and if I attempt to look at the entirety of what is happening, it is overwhelming, surreal and almost incomprehensible.
Yes, the impact and effects of this experience are in many ways, traumatic.
Yes, our routines and ways of doing things have been shut down. We are relearning new ways moment to moment.
Yes, COVID-19 has given our entire globe a inescapable reality check. From the doctors and nurses reaching their breaking points to its effects on every other framework known as “day to day” living, specifically education.
How can parents support a child, with learning differences to learn at home, while in the height of a pandemic? Here are 5 things to consider, and a few resources to get you going.
- A New “Normal”
This is important for children, particularly for those children who have more sensitive needs and really rely on a consistent schedule. It is equally important for the parent or caregiver’s sanity. During these times it is not possible to maintain what was pre COVID, but it is possible to create a “new normal” routine until the imminent risk subsides. In order to do this effectively the caregivers, or parents must first establish what their own schedule will be. It is important to consider the wellness of the whole family unit.
Next, it is of value to have a collaborative meeting, with the child to discuss “what our schedule looks like now.” To increase buy in, allow the child as much autonomy as your schedule can afford them. Bring paper, pencils, colorful markers to brainstorm and visually organize tasks and requirements. To make this session more engaging, add an element of expressive arts, and create an artistic, individualized final version of this schedule and then post it on the wall.
- The Learning Space
Work together to make this a mutual project. The focus is the child’s needs, and the outcome is to build a safe, emotionally sound, comfortable, home learning space to work. It may be valuable to keep the schedule nearby. Start with a brainstorm to engage the child by asking them to come up with a wish list of what their ideal space would look like, feel like for them. Write this list and discuss what is or is not possible. Point some wants as something to look forward to in the future.
Once accomplished, designate as this as “their” learning space only and allow the child to develop a sense of pride by adding their own nuances to actually make it feel like their own. This may also serve to alleviate any feelings of loss of control, that the child may be experiencing. Some things to consider when setting up the space:
- Comfortable seating
- Supplies – pencils, notebook, other supplies including appropriate technology and a stylus for touch screens and a pair of headphones.
- Pre-download any apps that are needed for learning
- Test the wifi, audio and video on the child’s technology
The extreme learning curve COVID-19 has brought with it leaves many unnamed anxieties and effects that we have yet to understand. The effects of the trauma are not necessarily visible yet.
- Mind, Body Breaks
Schedule these in multiple times a day and stick to this schedule. Physical Education is a known stress and anxiety reducer, as well as a brain and immune booster. This is integral for the holistic wellness of the family.
- The Teacher
Once the space and child have been prepared for at home learning, it is time to contact the teacher and advocate for the child’s at home learning. The first purpose will be to note, discuss and prepare in advance for possible challenges that the child may experience. This is particularly true for children who have learning differences, such as dyslexia or suffer from mental health challenges. Prepare in advance with questions, discuss expectations, inquire about any ministry acceptable adaptations, and for any other suggestions that may further support the child’s needs.
The goal is to add enrichment, while removing any known barriers, so that the child will be most successful.
- Specific Tips, for exceptional kids (which is all of them)
These are some suggestions that may support the home learning for children who have learning differences, such as dyslexia.
- Make all experiences teachable moments, by shared inviting experiences i.e. cooking, asking guided questions, and most importantly, waiting for the answer.
- Play more games together that encourage thinking, self regulating and executive functioning skills i.e. Jenga, Scrabble and BLURT.
- Be process focused not results based. COVID-19 is a high stress time, be patient and focus on the process of learning, as well as supporting a confident learner.
- When reading, use as much white space as possible i.e. bigger font and large line spaces, with a reading tracker
- When writing, use lots of white space i.e. flashcards. Do not cram work on a page to “save” paper.
- Use visual images i.e. photographs that match concepts
- Use colors, and drawings as triggers to connect to terms i.e. red for vowels when writing words
- Use video clips to support the visual and/ or auditory instructions or details
- Chunk the child’s work and tasks to make them manageable, as well as to minimize confusion or feelings of being overwhelmed. One step at a time is all we are asking for, don’t throw the book at them.
- For spelling, use manipulative i.e., Lego pieces, dried beans or blocks o represent sounds and letters. The goal is to be as multisensory as possible.
The Coronavirus has, within a short span of time, changed the way that we live our lives day to day. The only option is to adapt towards self-improvement, wellness, health and building stronger connections, both internally, and in our immediate external environments. Perhaps, COVID-19 is the universe’s way of telling us to slow down, or that it may be time to consider a different approach? For now, count your blessings.
For more online support or recommendations for online learning tips or facilitators contact us anytime. Due to COVID-19 there are so many free resources available. Below are a few links to support you and your child on this educational journey.
https://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview