Elementary News
‘Mid February’ was the answer Nicola Sturgeon provided when discussing the timings for Scottish schools to return to in-person learning. The First Minister added her government would review the policy on February 2. This continuation of online learning for longer is not welcome news, but neither is it surprising. Lockdown is frustrating and such news is disheartening for all of us who want a return to ‘normal’. I was really hoping for snow this week. The need for variety and outdoor activity is important and so is the chance to feel something new, especially when every day can seem like the day before. I hope all of our families are finding ways to ‘shake up’ your routines with stimulating activity.
Some schools across the UK require students to wear their uniforms during online learning. Several head teachers believe wearing the uniform helps students to make the 'mental switch' they need to get into a work frame of mind. To motivate high levels of student focus and commitment at ISA we rely on consistent routines, interactive communication and live meets that are planned to maximise the potential for meaningful and stimulating learning experiences. We also emphasise personal responsibility.
While the priority is always student well-being, we recognise that progress is driven by feedback. ‘Doing your best’ shouldn’t change because the effort takes place at home. Of course it’s harder for teachers to push student achievement through a screen, but worth the effort. Completing a task successfully is one of the best ways to raise anyone's spirits. As parents you are the world’s authority on your own children. Your encouragement is more vital than ever during this lockdown. When presented with a piece of work at home, ask your child, “Does your work show off your best effort and does it meet the requirements of the assignment?”
To further assist students to do their best at home there are a number of further suggestions:
Students should:
• have an appropriate and comfortable location to attend lessons
• show up on time
• contribute to discussions
• dress appropriately, (no pyjamas),
• avoid eating during lessons (plan their meal times)
• avoid using screen backgrounds or anything else that provides a distraction to learning
• come to each Meet with a positive attitude
We have now past the midway point in our school year. As teachers, we will strive to make these next few months as productive as possible for our students. In their home learning environments, we want the children to be comfortable with their routines, aware of how to make the most of free and study time, be willing to ask for assistance, and hopefully gain confidence in how to succeed. It’s a lot to expect, but that’s the point of ambition. We, of course, continue to be very understanding of personal circumstances. We prioritise the well-being of each child. (Missing assignments or lessons should be discussed openly with the relevant teacher.)
This Friday I got to write and play master of ceremonies for the third grade quiz called 'Mrs Cheyne versus Mr Coutts'. It’s one of many activities planned in the elementary school to give an event feel to our time together and to keep everyone smiling. Happy faces beaming through our screens are the best type of uniform I aspire for everyone to wear!
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