Top Tips for Learning at Home

We’re realistic about what pupils will be able to do during this period, and we want you to be too.  You're not expected to become teachers and your children aren't expected to learn as they do in school. Simply providing them with some structure at home will help them to adapt.

• Create and stick to a routine if you can. This is what children are used to. For example, eat breakfast at the same time and make sure they're dressed before starting the ‘school’ day – avoid staying in pyjamas!

• Involve your children in setting the timetable where possible. It’s a great opportunity for them to manage their own time better and it’ll give them ownership
• Check in with your children and try to keep to the timetable, but be flexible. If a task/activity is going well or they want more time, let it extend where possible
• Take regular breaks-It’s important to plan in regular breaks and to get some fresh air every day. Decide together as a family what you’ll do! Don’t forget to include healthy snacks during break times to keep energy levels up and brains fuelled!
• If you have more than 1 child at home, consider combining their timetables. For example, they might exercise and do maths together – see what works for your household
• When you receive the work- review it ,plan, prepare and prioritise the tasks.
• Prioritise- Some days may be busier for some family members than others so don’t worry if, sometimes, not all the tasks are completed.  Try to read every day.
•  Designate a working space if possible, and at the end of the day have a clear cut-off to signal school time is over
• Stick the timetable up on the wall so everyone knows what they should be doing when, and tick activities off throughout the day
• Rewards! –consider creating a reward system not only for completed tasks but for effort made and general attitude to learning across the week.
• Take stock at the end of each week. What's working and what isn't? Ask your children, involve them too
• Distinguish between schooldays and non-school days, to separate school life and home life.
• Give them chores to do so they feel more responsible about the daily routine at home
• Ask them to help you cook and bake 
• Accept that they'll probably watch more TV/spend time on their phone – that's ok but you might want to set/agree some screen time limits

Please don’t worry about your children getting behind with learning. Everyone’s in the same boat, and when things get back to normal we’ll make sure we get everyone back on track.