In addition to the strain teachers and support staff are presently under, there is added pressure for parents and carers to ensure children are not only kept safe and educated but kept entertained as well whilst at home. Everyone is doing their absolute best wherever possible, but this unforeseen and unprecedented situation is a real struggle for us all, and there is no clear end in sight.
Most of us now would be on the count down to the Easter holiday, but not this year. This year we are rummaging through drawers looking for long-forgotten colouring pens, and riffling through the back of cupboards for paper and pencil sharpeners, wishing we’d kept that whiteboard that only recently went to the dump and cross with ourselves for recycling those old annuals.
There is no firm plan of action from the Government, but many schools are working hard to provide their pupils with work to do. We’re conscious that not all of our children will have access to a computer or that they will be able to focus without teacher input. In short, we don’t want our pupils or their carers to be stressing about schoolwork.
Some remarkable celebrities and stars of screen and stage are currently offering you and your children free daily to help with education while our schools are closed. Some of these are just incredible and not just for the little ones either:
In addition to assistance from the stars, there is also an abundance of online help available. Money Saving Expert have listed a wealth of ‘paid-for’ that are currently ‘free’ boxsets and audible books. Kidspot.com have some very insightful ideas and planners to assist with the weekly instructive schedule. Mumsnet too have listed some of the best online learning resources. You are not alone. Everyone is feeling the strain, so the best course of action is to simply take each day at a time.
Looking on the bright side, many of you will be blessed with the opportunity to spend time at home with your children, despite the worrying times we are living through. Let’s not bombard the children with our expectations of education, but allow them a little freedom, a little them-time. Let’s allow them to ease into this uncomfortable situation and grasp some small enjoyment of having no alarm clock set or uniform laid out. Enjoy the spring as it emerges and embrace the Easter festival which is commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. Most importantly, please stay safe everyone.
