The pandemic has had a profound effect on education in the world. It’s estimated that about one billion children will be behind in their education due to the pandemic.
Many schools have had to close their doors, leaving students and teachers struggling to adapt to a new reality. Some students do not have access to the internet or a computer at home, making it difficult to participate in online classes. Others find it hard to focus on their studies when they are away from the structure and routine of school. And for many children, being away from their friends and classmates is just as big of a challenge as the actual academic material.
As a community, it’s your job to improve children’s education during the pandemic. Here are various ways you can do that.
Parents supporting their children
Parents need to be supportive of their children’s education during the pandemic. You can do this by helping them with their homework, providing a quiet space to study, and checking in with their teachers. You can also set up a daily routine that includes time for learning.
Some communities are setting up virtual homework clubs where parents can get help from tutors and other parents. These clubs can provide children with the support and accountability to stay on track with their studies.
Provide distance-learning opportunities
Many organizations are providing distance-learning opportunities for children. These can include online courses, tutoring, and even summer programs.
Some communities are also setting up learning pods. These are small groups of students who learn with a teacher or tutor. The pods can meet in person or online, depending on the group’s needs. These options are great, especially if you want children to learn the same way they did before. However, your concentration shouldn’t just be on children.
A decent amount of college students are at risk of graduating late because of the pandemic. Therefore, you should also urge local colleges and universities to provide online courses for these students. This is to keep them on track of their perceived graduation dates. It’s also an excellent way to support them in their learning endeavours.
Local businesses should offer online internships
If you want to support college students in their learning further, you can ask local businesses to offer online internships. This will allow students to gain work experience and learn new skills.
It will also help businesses by providing them with extra manpower during these difficult times. In addition, internships can be done remotely, so there’s no need for companies to worry about the safety of their employees.
Provide online Resources
If you want to help children learn, you should provide them with online resources. This can include websites, apps, and even e-books.
There are many websites that offer free or low-cost resources for parents and teachers. You can also find a lot of free educational resources on the internet.
Some communities are also providing Wi-Fi hotspots for children who don’t have access to the internet at home. This way, they can still participate in online classes and do their homework.
Encourage social and emotional learning
It’s not just academics that children need to focus on during the pandemic. They also need to focus on their social and emotional learning (SEL). SEL is important because it helps children develop skills like empathy and problem-solving.
You can encourage SEL by organizing activities that focus on cooperation and communication. You can also create opportunities for children to share their feelings about the pandemic.
It’s also important to provide support for children who may be experiencing anxiety or depression. You can do this by connecting them with mental health resources in your community.
Libraries can offer virtual programs
If you want to provide children with educational opportunities, you can ask your local library to offer virtual programs. These can include storytimes, book clubs, and even STEM programs.
Libraries can also provide resources for parents and teachers. They can offer online courses, e-books, and even research materials.
Museums can post online content
Museums can also help children learn by posting online content. This can include videos, games, and even virtual tours. Museums can also offer resources for educators. They can provide lesson plans and even curriculum materials.
These are just some of the ways that communities can keep children learning throughout the pandemic. By working together, we can ensure that no child is left behind in their education.
Conclusion
The pandemic has had a big impact on education. As a community, it’s your job to help children learn during this time. You can do this by supporting their parents, providing distance-learning opportunities, and giving them access to online resources. You should also encourage social and emotional learning. By doing these things, you can help ensure that children are able to get
