I assumed that home learning would be easy, I have over 20 years teaching experience and I thought I would bring out my classroom management armoury and that it would be easy. I can say a big fat NO to that. So my husband and I, who is much more patient than me, have muddled through with lots of learning experiences as I am sure you are. I thought I would share what has worked for us if it gets you through another day.
- Be creative about your rewards. It doesn't have to be a short term (TV/Tablet time), although to be fair, this works a lot of the time. Here's a creative one I thought up, I told my kids that if they did work that is extra special then I would do something really silly. They did, so I ran around the house shouting 'poo poo bum bum wee wee', yes it's immature but actually both of my kids (7 and 9) love it. I am thinking that once we get to teenagedom that this will be a no go but seeing your parent do something silly is a tonic and will also be a tonic for you. Don't feel that you have to be so full on, I am an extrovert by heart so you can obviously do something low key. The point is that being told that you have done something well is far better for intrinsic motivation.
- Have a routine - it is obvious, but we all like a routine. Make sure all the work is time bonded so that you can do some work and that you have set times for helping. Can't say this is my strength but I am getting there.
- Don't do the work for them, they will cotton onto the fact that if they whine enough you will do it for them. We all did it at school right? So if they ask for help, ask them questions that help them get to the right answer. Tell them to wait, read the work again and see if they are clever enough to work it out (reward them for this). Remember the term 'helicopter parenting' if you are watching everything they do, mistakes are healthy, children learn from them and it's better that the teacher corrects them because they listen to them.
- Use relatives or teachers to show off their work. A zoom call to grandma or nanny in my house always gets a bucket of praise and kids love to impress other people.
- Have fun - Sounds a bit condescending this but have a laugh with it. Read stories with funny voices or tell them you're going to complete their work and make it really bad - they won't be able to help but correct it.
- Get them outside and listen. If the meltdown occurs, then go for a walk round the block. Listen to them and wait. It's tempting to give them a solution, but it's better to let them work out a strategy and only ask if they want help. Just listen and repeat what they say. Think about it as an adult - it's annoying when someone keeps telling you what to do about your problems. If they don't want to talk, tell them that's fine but you are there if they change their mind.
- Give yourself a break: telly and games can be educational. Oak national and bbc bitesize have lots of resources. Put them in front of this and get your work done. These are extraordinary times, you feeling guilty isn't helping the situation.
- Kids are social: Above the age of 6, children need their friends. Arrange a zoom call/whatsapp video call as a reward if you can.
- If all else fails - seek help: Tell the school that you are struggling, as a teacher the more you know about a situation, the more you can help. Schools have pastoral care teams who, in my experience are exceptional and will move the earth to help you.
This is all our learning experiences if you have some please add them to the comments and I will pop them on the blog. Happy teaching everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment