The temporary school closure due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has forced parents to adjust to new routines and childcare arrangement...
The temporary school closure due to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has forced parents to adjust to new routines and childcare arrangement. Schools have also taken approaches to help students to review lessons at home during the school days off.
Family routine and childcare plans adjusted
Schools in Khanh Hoa are scheduled to remain closed until the end of February in an attempt to prevent Covid-19 outbreak. Mother-of-two Nguyen Thi Huong, Phuoc Long Ward, Nha Trang City says she has to reshuffle her family routine to take care of her two children, one in grade 8 and the other in grade 3, who is in special care with specific nutrition and therapy due to her kidney failure. The mother has made her own childcare plan during their days off. They don’t have to get up early for school as usual but they are asked to finish some chores. She also gives them awards, including story books or games to play for a definite period when they do the work well.
|
Dang Van Tan, Phuoc Hai Ward, Nha Trang has sent his two kids, one in grade 2 and the other, 5 years old, to Binh Dinh Province to seek help from their grandmother. In the evening, he makes Zalo calls to check his oldest daughter’s lesson revision.
A few children are asked to write essays, read books and make discussions about the book contents. Some parents also spend more time playing and making toys with their children, helping them to discover the world, build and practice soft skills.
Nguyen Tuyet Van, Phuoc Dong Commune, Nha Trang City, says, “I have taken my 12-day leave, plus Saturday and Sunday, so I have 16 days off in total at home with my children. I also help some of my neighbors to take care of their children. They seem to be happier when having friends to play with. After the period, I will send my children to some of my friends’ homes. In spite of difficulty, I still think it’s necessary to keep children off school to assure safety and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”
Information technology application
Besides assuring a safe and healthy learning environment for the back-to-school day, some schools have applied information technology in helping students to review lessons. Phung Thi Tuyen, Chairperson of the Trade Union of Lam Son Junior High School, Nha Trang City, says the school regularly sends messages via VnEdu to remind children and their parents of Covid-19 prevention and control. E-learning training has been also provided during the school closure period.
Le Thi Thanh Huong, Principal of Phuoc Dong Primary School, Nha Trang City says, teachers send assignments to students to do at home via Zalo. Parents are instructed to take photos of the assignments when finished and send back to teachers for getting remarks. The school work has been applauded by most parents.
In addition, the school regularly sends notices and warning of Covid-19 prevention and control to parents; requires teachers to closely cooperate with parents to monitor children’s health; and remind parents of asking their children to take precautions to protect themselves when contacting others.
During the temporary school closure, Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training has suggested parents take measures against COVID-19 at home and in the community in accordance with the guidance given by the educational and health care sectors. School leaders have also maintained frequent contacts between schools and parents, between teachers, especially home teachers and students.
Many schools have implemented lesson revision and self-learning approaches, using advanced information technology applications such as SMAS, VnEdu, Zalo and Facebook. VNPT Khanh Hoa and Viettel Khanh Hoa have recommended their support in E-learning solutions for Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training.
Hoa Ngan
Translated by N.T
