26 May 2020

Singing to the students

Popstar teachers serenade their students If you think Celine Dion’s ‘All by Myself’ couldn’t be any more tragic, then you haven’t seen the latest rendition by the teachers at Mary’s Mount Primary School in Gooseberry Hill, WA.

The teachers and staff at the school have put together a dramatic and heartfelt videoclip to show their students how much they miss them. Tears stream down cheeks and teachers flop sullenly on the mat as they burst into song, pining for their students. While they might appear formidable when they tell you to put your hat on outside or line up outside, this videoclip is proof that teachers actually like their students a whole lot.

> You can find this tear-jerking clip on the Mary’s Mount Primary School Facebook page.

Tips on teaching remotely

As teachers adjust to distant learning, online educator Sara Tacey notes that the same principles of effective teaching and learning in the classroom apply in the online space.

‘Start simple, make sure all instructions for students are clearly expressed. This is also helpful for parents who will be guiding and supporting students at home. Provide checklists of weekly tasks to complete, linked to learning intentions and success criteria. Break tasks into manageable chunks. Give timely feedback.

Most importantly, she says, teachers should reassure students that they’re there for them.

‘We’re all trying to cope with the implications of the current situations and our students probably feel stressed about that too. My colleagues would remind you that “remote doesn’t have to mean alone”.’

> Click here to read Sara’s full blog post.

Charity starts at home

Decided to do home-schooling with your kids? Or just after fun activities to do with your children at home?

Caritas Australia has put together a collection of learning-based material to keep your kids busy, from school activities to games and craft projects.

The activities are suited to Years 1 to 10, and designed to both educate children and build their awareness of social privilege. Each activity gives the participant a glimpse into lower socioeconomic communities around the world.

> The resources can be accessed under ‘Resources for Virtual Learning – During school closures or at home schooling’ at www.caritas.org.au.

Online retreat for a time of isolation

Jesuit Communications has a 14-day online retreat for people to take during this time of isolation.

The retreat invites you to imagine yourself in different Gospel stories. This is a good way to pray, so worth trying out.

Each day also includes a way of reviewing your day and how your heart has been moved.

This can be especially helpful if you are finding the time of isolation wearisome.

> You can find the retreat here.

 

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