Tips for Blended Learning

DISTANCE LEARNING TIPS

1. Establish routines and expectations

Routines are very important so make sure that your child follow their school timetable to access their learning. Make sure that they dress appropriately and have all of the resources needed to make a positive contribution to their learning.

2. Choose a good place to learn

Make sure that they have a quiet place to work with limited distractions. This is not always possible but it is important that they have a chance to concentrate on their learning experiences.

3. Stay in touch

Pupils can communicate with their teachers through Google Classroom. They can send messages to the class in the 'Stream' or private messages to the teacher for an individual chat. Communication between pupils and staff is very important.

4. Help students ‘own’ their learning

We do not expect parents to become teachers during this lockdown. Teachers will always provide support and encouragement. Try to make your child more independent. This is a difficult skill to develop but it is a perfect opportunity for them to own their own learning. Try to encourage and push them in the right direction. Hold back from helping too much.

5. Begin and end the day by checking-in

Check in with them. Ask them questions relating to their learning. You could ask:

What lessons do you have today?

How did the lesson go?

What did you learn in the lesson?

Do you know what you need to do next?

Can I support you with anything?

How would you do things differently tomorrow?

These brief conversations will help to reinforce routines and will help them to get organised and prioritise work set by teachers. More importantly it will encourage independence and reflection.

7. Encourage physical activity and exercise

All work and no play is not positive. Encourage a session of exercise or physical activity. This acts as a break from the work and develops good wellbeing.

8. Manage stress and make the most of an unusual situation

If your child does appear to be stressed or struggling with the blended learning experience then it is important that you contact the school. We have many ways of supporting them.

You can contact digitallearningsupport@glanymor.cymru for help with any aspect relating to online learning. Pupils also have the opportunity to speak to their head of year and form tutors every morning during registration. 8:30 am- 9 am.

9. Monitor time on-screen and online

Blended learning does not require your child to stare at a computer screen for 5 hours a day. Variety of tasks set is important. Encourage them to have regular breaks and an opportunity to get away from the computer screen. Exercise and fresh air is important!! A healthy lunch break and plenty of water is a must!

10. Connect safely with friends, and be kind

We want to build a an online society that allows pupils to thrive and make the most of their learning experiences. Pupils miss interaction with their friends and they will probably have contact with them through social media platforms. Remind your child to be polite, respectful and appropriate in their communications, and to follow school guidelines in their interactions with others. Report unkindness and other problems so that everyone maintains healthy relationships and positive interactions.