Local teacher adopts enthusiastic approach to lockdown learning
Masupa used the advantage of the schools shutdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 to rebuild a curriculum for her learners amid remote learning by tapping into their artistic and creative sides.
Thabi Gladness Masupa (53), a Norkem Park resident and acting deputy principal of Maphutha Secondary, has worked as a full-time teacher for 30 years and she has never looked back.
Masupa used the advantage of the schools shutdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 to rebuild a curriculum for her learners amid remote learning by tapping into their artistic and creative sides.
She also shared materials and resources they can access online to create masterpieces to help manage what’s happening in the world and remain positive amid a world pandemic.
As teaching shifted to remote education Masupa found ways to keep in touch with learners.
Her lesson planning includes creating costumes, objects and sculptures from household material and her goal is to give learners the opportunity to feel connected and open to speak out when they experience mental health issues.
“My favourite aspect of lockdown learning has been the time to send messages of support to children and their parents, which we don’t get the chance to do in school as much as we’d like to.”
The principal also told learners that she’s there to support them and is available to talk anytime they want.
“We keep up the phone calls, the emails and the home deliveries of food parcels to let them know they are not forgotten.
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“I’m interacting with learners through the use of art, but due to the pandemic I challenged learners to be creative or find new creative ways to do art. I plan to also initiate online programmes for our learners to keep them engaged in a positive way.”
Her concern with lockdown is that there are limited material and educational resources on hand for many families.
“Lockdown gave at-risk children few or no opportunities to escape from mental health particularly for children in less fortunate communities,” she said.
She encouraged her fellow teachers to remain in contact with learners.
“Communicating with parents is important and the child’s best interest should be at the centre. Help your learners adhere to routines and join an educators group to connect with other teachers,” said Masupa.
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