Kirkcaldy mum on homeschooling

Thousands of Fife students have been told to stay at home due to the coronavirus as schools nationwide shut their gates last week to help stop the spread of infection.

School children of all ages have been told to continue their education at home, and have been issued learning packs alongside daily online tasks to complete while studying at home.

With the possibility that schools may not open again until after the summer, many parents may find it difficult to keep their children engaged with homeschooling – so, they are being encouraged to break up the learning process with fun tasks.

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Meagan Hill, from the Gallatown, has been with her children Rhys (10) and Macie (8) since being furloughed from her job at Stephens the bakers.

She said: “It has been a big change to our normal routine.

“My kids were doing really well at school. Macie loves school, and, after struggling for a little while in previous primaries Rhys is doing amazing now.

“They are both missing school and all their friends, especially since they can’t get out to play.

“We have a garden but they aren’t out in it for long before they come back in, I don’t think it is the same without their pals.

“To tell you the truth, I was a little bit shocked when Rhys told me he wanted to go back to school.”

The primary that Rhys and Macie attend have set up online programmes for them to continue their education at home.

“All the school work that Rhys and Macie have is online.

“Rhys has a Glow account and Macie is doing Stepladder.

“Rhys’ teacher has been setting tasks like measuring things around the house to help with maths, quizzes and other learning tasks. He can also interact online with emails and calls.

“Macie loves Stepladder.

“Her teacher sets tasks and when they are complete Macie gets a star.

“When she collects enough stars she can upgrade her avatar and spend them on other different things. It is like a game – and a good idea as it keeps her engaged with learning.”

Keeping children focussed out of the classroom is a challenge for many parents.

Meagan admitted: “It has been a little bit harder to keep Rhys focused on his school work. He is a typical pre-teen – if it is not Xbox he is not interested.”

Meagan has been breaking up the home school day with different activities that she has seen people sharing on Facebook.

“There are several groups that share different ideas that you can do with your kids.

“Macie really likes the Believe in Rainbows page, and has been painting loads of rainbow pictures. She is planning on sending them to everyone that she knows.

“We have been watching live streams from Edinburgh Zoo as well as other live nature streams.

“I have a cousin who lives in Texas and she has been sending us links to lots of different animal parks and wildlife sanctuaries all over America as well which has been keeping the kids occupied.

“I know that we might have to pretty much stay indoors until the end of the summer, but hopefully it won’t affect us to much.

“The school has been sending plenty of resources and there are lots of ideas to keep the kids busy on social media, it is just trying to keep them busy.

“I am not putting loads of pressure on myself and it is a lot for the kids to take in, especially as their routine has changed so drastically.

“We are all usually rushing about getting ready for work and school, and the kids are always out playing with their friends – everything has changed so much.”