The lockdown in England and resulting closure (or only a handful of pupils attending schools) meant that suddenly schools were expected to be skilled at providing teaching and learning remotely. Luton schools are rising to the challenge in so many ways, so we wanted to celebrate some of the very helpful things we have heard that Luton schools have been doing and thank you all!
Some of the key ways that parents have felt supported include:
Contact:
Daily or weekly contact using video calls, speaker phone, home visits (with appropriate social distancing) to wave, say ‘hello’ or even celebrate achievements, birthdays with cards and presents, Easter packs.
Conversations with parents to talk through any concerns (e.g. educational, financial, parenting and socio-emotional and mental health) and supporting and referring to relevant services. For some parents the social interaction with school staff is proving to be the only opportunity to talk to another adult.
Structure:
Helping parents to set realistic timetables of activities so that children have the right balance of work, exercise, active learning and fun. Parents are finding comfort in knowing how much work is expected from their child (as this will vary dependent on needs and circumstance) and to know that schools are not expecting them to become full-time teachers.
Support:
When children are finding it difficult to remain motivated, staff are talking and working with them to reassure and find innovative ways to personalise learning so it is motivating for them. For example, listening to Steve Batchwood answering wildlife, biology and conservation questions on Facebook at 9.30am and engaging in exciting science experiments by watching videos of their teachers performing the experiments. Parents have reported that their young person has felt energised by speaking to staff. Staff report that after their conversations there is often an increase in the amount of home learning being completed.
In the younger years, parents have been encouraged by tips to help with reading and comprehension skills, such as switching on subtitles whilst watching TV, BBC Bitesize, to use the ‘paired reading approach’ to read with their children and ask them scripted questions to encourage their active listening skills. Children are also encouraged to stay connected with their teachers by watching pre-recorded videos (accessible via their class pages on the school website) of their class teachers reading some of their favourite books (e.g. the Gruffalo and Owl babies).
So on National Thank a Teacher day, the Educational Psychology Service want to say thank you! Thank you for reaching out and supporting our community in this very strange time.