Experts tell Ballarat parents how to teach kids in isolation

Ballarat has been plunged into lockdown as teachers across the Central Victorian community share lessons for the home classroom.

Ballarat parents are at their wits’ end after the localised lockdown returned remote learning to their homes.

But teachers say there’s lessons, tips and tricks that parents should follow to take the pressure off.

Amanda Gale is a parent to two primary school-aged children and a teacher at Phoenix College Primary Campus.

Ms Gale said it was important for parents to stick to routine.

“We set everything up at the beginning of the day, devices, whiteboards, stationery, bottles and snacks as if they were at school to avoid constantly moving around and looking for items,” Ms Gale said

“The two older kids Mitch and Madi have their own learning spaces, and the toddler has her toys and notebook set up to keep her entertained.

Amanda Gale says juggling at home parenting and teaching is a big ask

“When the work is too much for them, taking a break and revisiting it at a later stage is thoroughly important for their learning and well being.”

Ms Gale said her grade 5 daughter had coped well over the extended lockdown but her son needed to be guided to be kept on track.

She said finding the balance wasn’t easy.

“My teaching work — preparing online lessons — gets pushed to the evening after bedtime,” Ms Gale said.

“The introduction to live videos made teaching easier but it’s still with its challenges. My two-year-old needed a lot of attention, and generally at the same time that I was needed to assist with learning.

“It was not uncommon early in the lockdowns to be recording videos in my car, in my own quiet, child-free place, while their dad took the reins after finishing work.”

Ms Gale said it was tough.

“Home learning has brought everyone’s homes into the limelight. Knowing everyone can see your dishes, washing pile and a mum bun is stressful,” she said.

“It’s bloody tough. Even as a teacher myself, I was not prepared for this. I love spending time with my three children, but teaching them, keeping them engaged, caring for the littlest, playing home and working is a tough gig.”

Tess Steenhuis says remote learning fatigue can be exhausting.

Delacombe Primary School teacher Tess Steenhuis said classrooms, school structure and face-to-face connections were important in education.

“It’s been difficult to be in and out of remote learning continually and teachers are dealing with more than just providing work to students,” Ms Steenhuis said.

“At Delacombe Primary, we’ve worked hard to provide quality education remotely through the use of daily WebEx meetings and regular class check-ins.

“We’ve provided our structured literacy and numeracy programs that offer feedback and support to our students and families daily.

“Having face-to-face connection and time daily with students is something I’ve really missed remotely, and I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom.”

Ms Steenhuis said kids often gave her virtual tours of their homes, pets and younger siblings often wanted to join in.

“Remote learning fatigue is real, and as the days go on, students and families find it harder to keep going,” she said.

Ms Steenhuis said parents didn’t need to be teachers but should rely on their schools for advice and guidance.

“We know you aren’t the teacher; that’s what we’re here for,” she said.

“Limit screen time and ensure kids have regular breaks. Build positive wellbeing through talking about understanding emotions and that tough times won’t last forever.

“Playing board games, reading together, completing puzzles, and learning how to do things around the house getting outside and active.

“Most importantly, reach out when support is needed.”