Learning in a Crisis
These are challenging times and providing a sense of stability and safety to our children can seem like an impossible task. At first, it seemed like creating routine and possibly providing structured learning was the order of the day. But as our new reality crushes in on us, parents are left wondering how to recover that which has been lost.
As an educator, I know that a large percentage of educating our children takes place outside of schools. Teachers and curriculum provide structured learning but emotional learning and the exploration of new ideas and situations with caregivers, family members, peers and neighbours is critical learning as well.
The pandemic has created a situation where learning is imperative for all of us and this does not involve an imposed curriculum. Learning for families right now involves learning to be patient with each other and understand our children may feel fear and confusion. Learning means trying to figure out how to accept the loss of a way of life that may not come back any time soon. It is the ability to guide ourselves and our children to think about how we are safe, how we have people and institutions we can rely on, how we are on a journey together and will learn what it all means slowly but as a family.
Finally, learning means observing humour and delight every chance we get as we slowly adapt and find stability. There are many small and lovely ways to seek out and comment on the good in the lives of our children. It is an opportunity to demonstrate learning that taps into the lived life of our children and celebrates discovery of a funny story, a new cookie recipe, the way the plants are popping out of the soil, or a parent working less! This learning will teach patience, observation and delight and carry the day as we move forward.
Go gently and learn together.