With no advance notice, children and teachers were thrust into using online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis that is far from over. Those who are self-isolating face the prospect of distance learning for the foreseeable future; for others, positive COVID-19 test results or COVID-19 symptoms combined with the absence of testing will mean significant periods of time away from school. And as we face a second wave of the disease, many schools could close for long periods yet again.<\/p>\n
What do child development scientists have to say to parents who are tackling the issue of learning at home? We asked members of the Scientists\u2019 Alliance for Communicating Child Development Knowledge<\/a>, who provided a wealth of insights.<\/p>\n Parents are the main influence on learning<\/a>, writes Jennifer Lansford on the Child & Family Blog. \u201cDemonstrate to your children the value of education \u2013 that\u2019s one of the most important ways a parent can encourage their learning.\u201d But, as Suniya Luthar writes on our blog, the pressures on children at home are great<\/a>. \u201cIn our research, by far the most important factor predicting anxiety and depression in children was low quality of relationship with parents. Following this was lack of structure to the day (separating time for leisure or fun), and high levels of distraction or inability to focus on schoolwork.\u201d<\/p>\n Communicating with your child and allowing them space to feel at ease whilst studying at home has shown to increase academic performance – Photo: ADR<\/a>. Creative Commons.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents may feel pressure to teach children in traditional school-based ways. Yet there is nothing wrong with learning in playful ways that keep children\u2019s interest and invite them to have fun at the same time. Numerous studies suggest that learning is a fundamental part of what occurs during play: Playing and learning are inextricably linked<\/a>. For children, playing with adults is likely to be even more enriching.<\/p>\n Play helps children explore a wide variety of emotions, and not just pleasant ones like excitement and joy<\/a>. These experiences help children grow emotionally and cognitively. What\u2019s more, children are aware that they are learning through play<\/a>, and a study of 400 children showed that many of them thought the worlds of play and learning overlap in many ways.<\/p>\n Lockdown learning through play can help build on children\u2019s natural ways of learning<\/a> by building on their curiosity and self-direction. Play with family members could also be essential for mitigating the loss of learning related to the pandemic<\/a>, particularly for disadvantaged children.<\/p>\n At the same time, playing with children is important for reducing stress<\/a> and improving mental health among parents and caregivers.<\/p>\n Playing with their parents and caregivers outdoors has shown to relieve stress for children and allows them to form a closer relationship – Photo: Zach Lucero<\/a>. Unsplash.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The Internet features great material advising parents what to do. Below is a guide to it all. Another good place to start is asking children what was good and bad about the lockdown from March to June because, as Roberta Golinkoff and Marcia Halperin explain, children have insights on the benefits and challenges of remote learning: Just ask them<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of our favorite resources is Jelena Obradovi\u0107<\/a>\u2019s tip sheet for parents supporting online learning at home<\/a>. The sheet covers the themes of learning spaces, daily schedules, routines, goals and progress, as well as managing frustrations and ensuring closeness and connection. We have reproduced this sheet here:<\/p>\n You can download the tip sheet<\/a> in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese <\/em>here<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n Online devices have allowed children to access numerous learning resources at home which has revolutionised home schooling – Photo: David Brookes<\/a>. Creative Commons.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n \u00a0<\/em>Another great on-line resource is from Mental Health America<\/a>,\u00a0 How to cope with the stress of home schooling (for parents)<\/a>. This recommends three steps:<\/p>\n Our search found other good top tips on-line.<\/p>\n If possible, dedicate a specific device to learning. (NPR, How to turn your home into a school without losing your sanity<\/a>)<\/p>\n Plan the day together, including when to do activities. Engaging children in creating a schedule helps build their self-awareness and motivation. (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Have a good shake at the end of the day! (NPR, How To Turn Your Home Into A School Without Losing Your Sanity<\/a>)<\/p>\n Be a good role model: Parents should stick to their own routine, too! (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n When children aren\u2019t motivated to learn, parents and caregivers can make it more fun by incorporating documentaries, or changing the topic and giving children the choice to return to the work later. (Catherine Tamis-Lemonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n It is important for parents to manage their own emotions because children can\u2019t learn in high-stress environments. In doing this, adults provide the conditions necessary to learn. (Catherine Tamis-Lemonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Schedule time with teachers, both to clarify what is expected of your child and to make use of available teaching resources. (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Consider if your child can join meetings with the teacher. This can help children feel more motivated and closer to the teacher. (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Be specific with questions when meeting with teachers. (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Break down tasks into bite-sized pieces. (APA, Recommendations on starting school during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>)<\/p>\n Friends and family can help with teaching, especially if parents don\u2019t feel comfortable with certain topics. (Catherine Tamis-Lemonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n When parents aren\u2019t sure about something, they can model problem solving with their children. By working out something together, they help improve children\u2019s practical problem-solving skills, which shapes the way they approach future challenges. (Catherine Tamis-Lemonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\n Make learning meaningful. If children don\u2019t understand why they\u2019re learning something or why it\u2019s important or useful, they can easily disengage from the material. Other ways to make information applicable to students\u2019 lives are to include material relevant to students\u2019 race, culture, and ethnicity. (APA, Recommendations on Starting School during the COVID-19 pandemic)<\/p>\n Allow children to use a variety of approaches for completing tasks and solving problems. The strategies they have been taught may not be the only or best ways to answer a specific question or solve a particular problem. (APA, Recommendations on starting school during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>)<\/p>\n By asking your child to teach you the content he or she has just learned, it will be easier to identify gaps. Parents can then work with teachers on these gaps. (Catherine Tamis-LeMonda & Erin Bogan, The science of learning and teaching at home during Covid-19<\/a>)<\/p>\nParents are the main influence on learning, but the pressures are great<\/h2>\n
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Children learn through play and curiosity: an opportunity for parents<\/h2>\n
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Top tips for parents on home learning<\/h2>\n
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Learning Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Daily Schedule<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Predictable Routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Goals & Progress<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Managing Frustrations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Closeness & Connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Learning space\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Schedule and routine<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Managing frustrations\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Working with teachers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Doing things with your child<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Learning style<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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