Being able to learn at home is critical and part of this is being prepared by forward planning and managing distractions.
The biggest challenge that pupils will face is not their ability to learn but the items set out below. Parents and carers have a crucial role to play in helping young people navigate this type of learning especially in the early days as they adapt and manage their way around their changing learning activities and environment. Taking 10 minutes each day to discuss the points below will give your child the best chance of maximising their learning in this environment and give them a skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives
Planning their Learning
Pupils should use the learning grids as a guide for what to work on each day. This will help with their planning and help them to track what they have done. Younger pupils will need more support with this and this is a good opportunity for parents and carers to talk about learning with their child. If possible, it would be good to sit down with your child each evening to discuss what they have done.
Managing Distractions
The home is full of distractions – Playstations, Xbox, Netflix, phones – the list is endless! Part of planning their learning for the day ahead is about creating a space that is away from these things and will enable focus and time for your child to learn uninterrupted. Putting a phone on silent, or even switching it off, for a wee while would also be a good idea.
Researching and Seeking New Information
Encourage your child to find out answers for themselves if they aren’t sure. The internet has lots of relevant and useful sites that will provide information and knowledge so please encourage your child to ask Google and to remember to check multiple sites and not just accept the opinion of one.
What will Teachers Do?
Whilst teachers will not be in constant contact online they will respond to questions as quickly as possible. Email admin@ferryhill.edin.sch.uk and your query will be forwarded onto the relevant member of staff.
Teachers will post the intended learning that reflects the planning agreed upon at each stage, developing skills and knowledge relevant to pupil’s age and stage of development.
Teachers may also set deadlines for some pieces of work that take account of the flexibility and different circumstances each family will need in these challenging times.
Support and Guidance
During the period of closure, there will be many layers of support that people require. If your child needs support or you wish to contact the school about anything else please email admin@ferryhill.edin.sch.uk. The most appropriate member of staff will be in touch with you.
Online Safety
With children likely to spending more time online accessing learning activities, it’s important to bear in mind the importance of staying safe online. ThinkUKnow, the online-safety education programme set up by the National Crime Agency, has created downloadable packs with 15 minute activities for parents to do with their children. There are different activities for school ages and they will be updated every fortnight.
You can access them on the page link below:
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/
Ferryhill Primary School 