HOW TO MAKE LEARNING A FAMILY ADVENTURE
BY : HEATHER WELCH
It is abundantly clear that schools in
the Middle East have been paving the way for the global education system , where learning becomes a family adventure .
The school ecosystem is very complex to navigate , with ; teachers , leadership , CEOs , holding companies and more . As a result , in many parts of the world , parents have become a by-product at an education factory .
The focus to make learning part of family living in the Middle East might be a direct result of the competition for good international schools , which has risen rapidly over the years .
When speaking to teachers in leading school groups in the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), it becomes quickly evident that today , it ’ s not just about the teachers , educational professionals and the immediate periphery , but also the families that build the school community .
Innovations in teaching in 2020
Roll-on 2020 , became the year when homework morphed into the necessity of home learning in the UAE and many countries around the world , with months of lockdown turning into months of school lessons being administered in various forms at home .
Teachers have proved , that if any profession can thrive in these times , it is the educators of the world : they are creative , innovative , passionate and used to working with small budgets to provide maximum results .
In the UAE , there has been a surge of innovation across international schools , with virtual offerings , using new conference calling technologies , video streaming and specialised programs to deliver lessons to pupils and students .
Imagine a meeting with 25 colleagues on video conference trying to get a consensus . And yet teachers have coped with this many children all excited and new to this technology , all wanting to speak , change their virtual backgrounds , jump up and down , show everyone their pet , their room and so much more . How exhausting this must be for teachers . Yes , this has definitely been a challenge many won ’ t forget .
Empowering the parents
The need for students to stay home has put pressure on parents . Let ’ s be honest ; there have been struggles with parents becoming the facilitators of their children ’ s learning .
When home became a primary learning area , parents needed to allow space - and to create time - for children ’ s key development skills , communication , language , creativity , fine and gross motor skills , cognitive development and so much more ( see image ), especially from a social and emotional angle .
After all , it isn ’ t natural for a child to be in front of a screen all day learning ; this can cause adverse behaviours .
Many teachers have found new ways to empower the parents of their children , and we call this learning through play .
Learning through Play
The new school year is well underway , either ; virtually , in person or a hybrid of both , and ‘ play ’ is perfect for helping children feel confident .
Dr Cindy Hovington , the founder of Curious Neuron , gives parenting advice . She told us at Edx Education in an interview , “ School readiness means being able to build relationships with peers and teachers , follow instructions , and regulate emotions and behaviour . But research shows children are struggling with social and emotional skills . These are the skills that will lead to academic success but can be improved simply by playing . Unstructured free play indoors and outdoors with peers and caregivers creates brain connections that will serve children the rest of their life .” And she concluded , enthusiastically , “ So let ’ s play !”
To the untrained eye ‘ play ’ can look meaningless ; however , there is a lot going on . When children are playing , they are engaged , their imagination is sparked , and they are developing key foundation skills .
Top tips for building a family adventure :
From our conversations with UAE based and global educators , and academics , we have identified a few strategies to make learning a family adventure for everyone :
Changing Perspective : This is an opportunity to be with the family , play & learn together . To look on the bright side of life . Children will build resilience , understand the world news , issues , and so much more . Today life is a challenge for everyone , parents ,
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Term 2 Jan - Mar 2021 Class Time