South Morang mum-of-four reveals tips for remote learning
This South Morang household had no computers until remote learning was suddenly introduced. The mother-of-four takes Leader inside her homeschooling set up and reveals some hot tips.
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A South Morang family of five did not have a single computer among them before the coronavirus pandemic.
But now life in the Pretty Valley Grove home revolves around technological devices as four primary school aged children are forced into distance learning.
Mother Vanessa Herbert told Leader her family had adapted to the strange circumstances, but not without struggle.
“All I knew were pens and paper,” she said.
“The kids don’t have personal laptops and obviously we needed to connect so my kids could have access to learning tools, their friends and teachers.”
After being supplied with laptops by St Peter’s Primary in Epping, Ms Herbert said her children had become quick learners.
She also said her children, in Years Six, Five, Two and Prep, were helping each other when she couldn’t.
“Just this morning one wanted to interview me, another wanted to run through his spelling with me and then I’ve got a Prep who needs someone to sit down with him constantly — it’s crazy,” she said.
“And my kids are realising this and helping each other — another lesson they don’t know they’re learning.”
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Ms Herbert advised other parents to lower their expectations.
“We tried a strict schedule at the start but we all just ended up getting flustered and disappointed when we didn’t get things done,” she said.
“You just have to have an open mind and think that if you don’t get to some things that you will the next day — it’s a balancing act and requires a lot of patience.
“There is a lot of pressure on parents right now, but we aren’t teachers so just have a bit of fun with this — enjoy the family time together and do as much as possible because this won’t last forever.”