Online Learning TIPS: What the teachers of Hong Kong want you to know
At Young Folk Therapy we are in the fortunate position of working with a range of teachers in lots of different schools. What do know for sure, is that online learning is really challenging for them too. I have heard repeatedly that they miss seeing and interacting with the kids and while online learning is a great tool it is not even close to having a classroom full of energetic and unique kids. We’ve spoken to some of our favourite teachers who have kindly offered their advice to you during the next phase of online learning.
Here’s what they have to say:
‘iLearning is not the ideal way for students to learn, however the whole school community has displayed creativity, flexibility and tolerance to adapt to this new learning mode. Students’ wellbeing is always our focus especially during this unusual and stressful time. We start our days with a Wake-up Stretch every morning. Our PE teacher leads the 15 minute session. All parents and siblings are welcome to join us in the morning exercise as we feel it really helps set the children up for the day. It is so important that our parents and students know they are back on regular school time. I t is important that they go to bed early so they can wake up fresh and on time. Not seeing their classmates is a concern for us but we try and overcome this by conducting social chats and giving the students the opportunities to work with their friends. If you are worried about your child talk to their teacher or school counsellor who can offer support and advice.
‘Now more than ever we want to be part of your child’s learning’
Jenny, Vice-Principal Wycombe Abbey School
As parents I’m asking you to encourage your child to find time offline to engage in non-device related activities. Whilst, I know many of the students prefer to use computers for fun (gaming, watching YouTube or Netflix, etc), I urge you to support their interest and engagement in other activities. Through no fault of their own, the students now spend 5 hours a day online for school and it really important that they get time away from their computers.
A few suggestions include:
Playing cards (or building card towers),
Investing in a 1000piece puzzle,
Reading,
Drawing, craft, painting, creating a comic
Classic game of charades,
Playing an instrument,
Writing a story or journal
Exercise (indoor or outdoor),
Hiking,
Instead of texting, use the phone to have a proper conversation
‘Non device activities will no doubt enrich their day in a different way, and while they may resist at first, they will in time be thankful for the push’
Aaron, Year 5 Teacher, Australian International School
‘Maintaining a structured routine will be extremely beneficial. Encourage your child to set an alarm to wake up, wash, eat breakfast and get dressed each morning, even though they may not be leaving their home. Sit with your child and make a visual timetable each week so that they know what is expected of them each day - you can have fun with this and make it colourful or add pictures if your child would like to. Don't forget to schedule in time for breaks, a snack and lunch! Make sure that your child's schedule is appropriate to their age and ability and that it is manageable for you as a family.’
‘Don't put too much pressure on yourself or your child!’
Lucy, Special Education Needs Co-ordinator, San Wui Commercial Society, YMCA
‘My top tips for successful online learning:
Make sure to have read task instructions/watched teacher videos PRIOR to Zoom lesson time. This will allow time for any questions to be created regarding anything your child is unsure about. Have the questions ready so that they can be asked on the next Zoom session.
Choose a quiet space for learning to be carried out - this will avoid unnecessary distractions.
Use the class Google Classroom 'stream' (if available) to ask classmates questions.
Email your teacher if you have tried all the above strategies and still have unanswered questions.
Respond to teacher emails so that 'digital conversations' can take place.’
‘Engage in the learning and try your best!’
Diane, Year 4 teacher Kowloon Junior School
‘Learning looks VERY different today from how it did when you were at school! In the classroom your child will spend as much time sprawled on the carpet learning through play as working at a desk. If you've been slogging away at a writing or maths task and everyone is getting stressed, step away and have a play break for 10 minutes or try and find a playful way to tackle it’
‘Your relationship with your child and your child's relationship with learning are much more important than one perfect assignment.’
Zöe, Play Therapist & Year 1 Teacher, Bradbury Primary School
‘I’m a mom too, so I know firsthand that online learning can sometimes be difficult to manage. What I want you to know is that we are here to help. You are not alone in this. Chances are, we’ve encountered similar problems at school and have developed strategies that helped your child. So please get in touch. Together we can create solutions that will make online learning more manageable for your child (and you!)”
‘No problem is too big or too small’
Anne-Julie Berube, Learning Enhancement Teacher, Kowloon Junior School
‘During home learning, being physically active is a challenge for all of us but it is critical that we plan ways to be active and reduce our sedentary time.
There are many benefits to encouraging your child to have regular movement breaks -
Activates your brain - Exercise promotes brain plasticity by stimulating growth of new connections between cells in the brain.
Makes your feel GOOD - the body releases Endorphins and Dopamine which trigger a positive feeling in the body.
Reduces stress and anxiety - this is heightened with the unexpected and increased changes in our daily lives.
Helps you sleep - It gives you increased energy during the day and gives your the POWER to sleep.
Improves memory - Exercising daily has shown clear improvements in memory.
‘Although our movement around our city and the world might be restricted, it remains vital that we all move more and sit less’
Ally, PE Teacher, Bradbury Primary School