Remote learning during Canberra’s second lockdown: what’s different and how do we get through it?
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For Canberra’s school-aged population, a second period of remote learning may come as a blow, particularly if their first experience did not go smoothly last year.
We talk to two experts about how the challenges may be different this time around and how to best navigate the next few weeks.
Denise Riordan
Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for Canberra Health Services
Have we learnt anything over the past year in terms of more effective at-home education strategies?
I’m sure most parents and carers will have reflected on what ‘worked’ last time they did home schooling—and what didn’t—so that will be a really good starting point. It will be different for everyone, but I think keeping it as structured and routine as possible, not having unrealistic expectations, and working out what works best for your particular child is the way forward. Trying to separate out your work from your child’s school needs, and talking with your employer if you are working at home to get a balance between what can and can’t reasonably be done, is also important.
Schools, of course, are now more organised at providing home-based learning—so linking in with them is good. Kids will inevitably have good days and not-so-good days, and so it is important that each day is seen as an opportunity for a reset—and looking to build on what works for a particular child.
The other thing we should I think be mindful about is not getting drawn in to ‘showcasing’ what our children are doing. I heard a few reports last time of parents feeling overwhelmed by seeing what other children had been doing whilst home schooling on social media…I would certainly encourage people not to feel under pressure by seeing what others are doing to be displaying your child’s work. Things are challenging for all at the moment – so being kind to ourselves and others is really important!
Dr Denise Riordan. Photo: supplied.
Are there new stressors around?
Parents will no doubt have mixed reactions to re-commencing remote learning. In addition, they are likely to be more stressed this time in relation to their children’s health. When we went into a COVID lockdown last time, we knew that children were not as likely to be impacted by COVID as adults—but obviously that has changed with the Delta variant.
Children may also be worried about this, so it is important that parents talk to their children about this if they ask.
Some school communities have been particularly affected and some children may themselves have become sick or have friends who have. Talking about COVID with them, in a way that is suitable to their age, will be important to address any concerns or worries they may have. Listening to their concerns, and at a time where it seems that much is out of control, reassuring them of the positive things they can do to keep safe—hand washing, wearing masks, socially distancing—is important, and role modelling these things to our children.
The other really important message is to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. The more people in our community who are vaccinated, the safer all of us are. Given that there is no vaccine available at present for children, one of the best things we can do to protect them is to be vaccinated.
What is the range of responses to remote learning? Do some kids thrive? Do some fall apart?
Kids will have very mixed responses. Some may be initially quite excited as they see it as a break from school. Some kids adapted really well to online learning and used it as a time to catch up, or spend more time doing things they were interested in. Some kids will have dreaded it from the outset.
School can provide a safe structured approach to the day, and online learning does require a lot of discipline and organisation. Those kids who are very organised and who have access to good support at home may feel quite positive about it. Those kids who need help and support to structure their learning may feel that they will be left behind.
For a lot of kids, school is the place where they have most connection with their friends—school and after-school activities.
Also, some children and young people struggle much more with change—change of any sort—than others and this presents another set of changes, which will change again, so yes, overall a lot of mixed responses will be evident.
Carla Crossman
Educational and Developmental Psychologist
How can we help our children and ourselves manage the extra stress that this lockdown may bring?
Firstly, limit the news. Taking in news 24/7 can be extremely overwhelming, especially in a stressful situation like lockdown. It’s tempting to check the numbers again, or listen to all the press statements, but we can easily overload ourselves with information all day. This can also be very stressful and confusing for our children, especially those who may not be old enough to fully understand what is going on. Try limiting yourself to checking in with the news once or twice a day to keep yourself updated rather than having a constant stream of information coming through.
Secondly, and most importantly, have fun! Play is not only an essential part of our children’s learning and development but is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play, fun and laughter are great ways of managing and reducing stress. Being immersed in play has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This increases our body’s ability to manage stress.
We can make a routine here as well by ensuring there is time for play and fun each day, even adding a fun ritual each day of lockdown. Have a home “happy hour” with mocktails, a daily obstacle course or set up a gaming tournament. Play and fun are vital at any age and help release tension and build connection. So go on, go start a pillow fight!
Psychologist Carla Crossman. Photo supplied
Why is routine so important for families at this time?
Creating routine is such an easy and important way to help keep ourselves healthy and engaged, and it can minimise some of the impact of lockdown. Each family’s day is going to look different. Some will be working from home, others going to work. Some will be taking kids to school/daycare, while others will be trying to manage with everyone at home.
Whatever your situation, what can we look for in a routine?
Get dressed
Staying in our PJs is tempting (and comfy!) but getting dressed is really helpful, even if it’s into trackies.
Food
Try to keep a structure to mealtimes. Sticking to regular meals helps ensure everyone is getting enough to eat and also tends to increase our intake of nutritious foods. It also prevents hanger: the big feelings that erupt when we’re hungry. (This is a real issue in our home!)
Family connection
Family time is even more important during lockdown. Although we’re all at home together, it can be easy to slip into habits of isolating in separate rooms or doing our own things. Family meals are a great way of keeping the connection and conversations open, so try to aim for one family meal a day.
Get outside
Vitamin D is not only important for your physical health, but getting outside is extremely important to prevent you going stir crazy inside! Keep the family active and get your daily dose of outside oxygen.
Sleep
Try to keep to your normal sleep schedule. While it’s easy for bedtimes to slip, when we’re all sleep-deprived everyone struggles and tensions rise.
The ACT Department of Education has also provided a wellbeing guide for students and families in lockdown which you can access here.
