As parts of Victoria face tougher restrictions to slow the spread of Coronavirus, many parents are now weighing up the options for their children’s education.
It was good to see the Department of Education acknowledge the difficulties for many families with this model of learning, now providing more choice for parents of children with additional needs.
This time around, parents of children with additional needs can decide whether to keep their child at home and support them in their remote learning or send them to school.
This is a very individual choice for parents. For those of you who do opt for remote learning, we’ve compiled our top tips below, as well as some additional resources to support you in the home learning environment.
DSV’s tips for remote learning:
1. Keep it simple
Use a small number of high-quality resources that you can keep coming back to as part of a weekly routine. This familiarity will help both you and your child to approach the challenge of home education with greater confidence.
2. Structure your day
Consistent routines are important to establish a learning environment. Using visuals and timetables will help support your child’s learning and create a rhythm for home learning.
This video on supporting routines may be helpful.
3. Look for the positives
Celebrate even the smallest successes and praise effort and positive behaviour.
4. Encourage your child to be independent
Break activities into small steps and discuss them with your child before they begin. Ensure your child knows what to do and encourage them to ‘give it a go’.
5. Engage in talk
Encouragement and interest can be as important as direct involvement, especially with older children. Talk to your child about their day and encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.
6. Social connections
Try to keep your child connected with their teacher and friends. If a class meeting is scheduled, encourage your child to participate.
7. Read with your child
Read, read, read with your child and then read some more!
Additional resources:
- Education Endowment Foundation, Supporting home learning routines: Planning the day
- Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education (ACIE), Learning at home during a time of crisis: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Special Education Resource Unit, Supporting Writing at home
- Down Syndrome Australia, Resources and ideas for learning at home