Homeschooling help and heart to lift the spirits in a crisis
A mum stuck at home with three kids at different stages of learning launched an online group that has become a forum for sharing ideas, resources and support.
As parents in Australia begin the daunting task of homeschooling their kids amid the escalating COVID-19 pandemic a frustrated mum sent out a rallying cry to her community.
And it went further than she could have imagined.
The Facebook group set up by Tracy Caganoff Fischl, 44, with the straightforward title ‘School@home-resources, ideas and support during school closures’, has gained over 15,500 members since its launch two weeks ago.
Among them, sportspeople, teachers, musicians and artists sharing ideas, support and a host of innovations to keep kids engaged and entertained in these extraordinary times.
“It was irritating that people were hoarding these ideas,” said Caganoff Fischl. “I just thought I would set up this group to put all these posts into one place.”
The mother of three, who lives in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, said the group’s rapid growth has been “crazy” and “overwhelming”.
“People are unbelievably engaged with what’s happening on the page. They’re grateful that the posts have been recommended by others,” Ms Caganoff Fischl said.
Having worked as a teacher previously, Ms Caganoff Fischl said it’s been intense managing her three children, stepson Harrison, 14, Toby, 5 and Libby, 3, at home with each of them at different stages of learning. She said the group hasn’t only assisted others but has also helped her “normalise the experience and realise that everyone is in the same kind of way.”
“It helps keep you grounded and in perspective. Home doesn’t have to be like school, you don’t have to have a minute by minute schedule,” she said. “Everyone is learning, and a lot of parents have been very supportive in having that kind of mindset.”
“A lot of good will come out of this situation and for parents to be able to engage with their children in a different way has been great to see,” Ms Caganoff Fischl added.
Unsure she will keep the group running once everything returns back to normal, Ms Caganoff Fischl shared her favourite pieces of advice and activities from the group with The Australian, all catering to varying learning stages and age groups.
Routines for students of all ages
‘She doesn’t take no for an answer’: Hollywood icon Salma Hayek Pinault turns to philanthropy
The actor, businesswoman and activist redefined the film industry, now she’s rethinking philanthropy.
The next big style brag for men? ‘It’s not cashmere. It’s yak’
Yak wool is menswear’s new luxe material – rarer and funnier to talk about than cashmere. But is it softer too? Our writer compares a pair of shirts.