HIGHVELD – Most local schools, both primary and secondary, have begun with self-study which includes activities for parents and learners to do together at home during the lockdown.
Although there are limitations for some, concerning data and resources, all schools have taken this into consideration.
“We need to keep in mind that not every school and not every learner has the technology available to practice self-study at home.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that when schools open again, that time is spent with learners to work through the curriculum and assist our learners so that no child will be left behind,” said Mr Danie Heese, principal for Laerskool Kruinpark.
While much uncertainty lies ahead, most schools are preparing themselves for a change in school hours and the school calendar once they resume after lockdown.
“This will be done to accommodate learners who were not able to keep up with the work whilst at home and to ensure that teachers spend time in person with learners to work through the curriculum.
All work done during the lockdown will be reviewed with our learners to make sure they understand the content and to get back on track,” said Mr Heese.
Parents are advised to go “like” their children’s school Facebook page if they have not already done so. Here you can see what websites and apps the schools are working on, as well as helpful educational study guides, tips and videos.
Most schools are on the D6 Communicator system.
The D6 School Communicator can be downloaded from the App Store.
It is a stand-alone application designed to simplify school-parent communication.
The D6 School Communicator includes all the information an engaged parent would need at the touch of a button, including news, calendar events, homework, useful resources, gallery and contact lists.
Some other apps used are WhatsApp, Google classroom, Wolkskool, Worksheet Cloud and Zoom.
The Department of Basic Education’s website also offers a selection of study materials, multimedia platforms and reading materials.
On their page there are also tips for parents on creating a routine for studying, space and time. You can view this page by going to www.education.gov.za.
The Department also has a list of broadcast support such as DBE TV on Channel 122 OVHD, Lockdown Digital School and radio stations covering Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
“Parents and guardians have the change to engage in their children and young people’s education journey and to support them with compassion and empathy.
They can assist by providing guidance, assist with a routine for learning, playtime for breaks and rest, as well as encouragement in practicing physical activities and meal times,” said Ms Carin Olwagen, psychological counsellor.
“It is also important to be there for the child or young person to discuss their feelings of frustration without blame or criticism and to feel safe in their environment. When they feel supported and heard, a lot of the overwhelming feelings may decrease and in this way tend to their overall well-being, body, soul and spirit.”
“Find time to learn, laugh, play and see it as an opportunity to foster and nurture our children and young people in their learning process with understanding and empathy.
Healthy relationships between parents and children may foster motivation and inspiration for learning, and although it is not an easy process to adjust to the necessary routine, support goes a long way in assisting our youth to grow and also gain resilience in the midst of the challenges,” ended Ms Olwagen.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has also kicked off with the Dial a Tutor programme on 6 April.
This is to assist learners who are experiencing difficulties with subject content. This initiative is an effort to bring the classroom situation in the comfort and secured home environment to learners and to unlock challenges about subject content.
In order to be assisted, learners are advised to call 087 203 3033.
Calls to this number are at no charge. Whenever a pupil calls, the system terminates the call automatically and initiates a call back immediately.
The learner is then guided on options to choose with regards to their grade.
The options will eventually lead to the relevant subject specialist (Tutor) who will engage with the learner and assist accordingly.
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