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How will schools be able to go back in September?

shoppergal

Just wondering if anyone can give any insight into how schools could safely re-open in September?

Everyone I'm talking to is saying they won't be back until September but in my head I'm wondering how they'll re-open even in September? The virus will still be there with a vaccine still months away at that stage.

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Sammy2012

gnf_ireland wrote: »

Many parents are trying to balance their own workloads with doing something with the kids - and most are basing it on what the child’s teachers have sent through to them where it happens. The kids school books were sent home with them and once a week we get a list of the pages of each book that is to be done with a few extra projects thrown in for good measure.

I happen to agree with you - but this approach is not what all teachers follow. There is no coordinated approach and everyone is doing different things. The class plan does not work outside the classroom but not everyone understands this.

To all teachers on this - can I ask if any of you have many any contact with the parents in the 3 weeks before Easter and offered a quick call/video call with the child to see how they are getting on ?

I teach 1st and 2nd class. I have been sending out work to them via parents emails since this started. Some parents have been very good at engaging and some have not at all. I sent out an email to all the parent stating if they wanted to contact me they could at anytime of the day or night. I will reply to emails at anytime during the day. Not just during school hours. I am conscious of what work I am giving to try ease stress of parents who are working from home. I can see it from both sides. My husband is working from home and would barely have time to make my own kids lunch if he was looking after them. The work I assign I know the kids can do on their own and I am conscious of not giving too many online resources and using my own parenting knowledge to give tasks that dont require too much parenting input.

But you are right if I had to be available all the time during school hours I would not have time to do everything with my kids but in saying that the school day is shorter than the average working day so I would be able to do lots of things with them. This is one of the perks of my job usually. And I know I am lucky to have this.

Your also right that not all teachers see the bigger picture. I've seen samples of what is expected and it's totally unachievable in my opinion. Also I have fought with my boss over this as they are of the opinion that everyone is at home now so they have lots of time to teach their children which is most definitely not true.

gnf_ireland

SnowyMuckish wrote: »

Teachers like everyone else want life to return to normal, when it is safe and practical to do so. Demonizing teachers here will solve nothing.

Teachers are working hard from home to provide the best support they can for their students under the current conditions.

As for full lessons all day long... yes in a college setting with adults this is practical. With 30 junior infants online all day, how would that work, is someone going to sit beside them at home the entire day to keep their focus?

To be fair no one (or very few) are demonising teachers. Everyone understands the situation we are all in. This is across the entire world, every industry and facet of society.

I have to disagree with you though that teachers are working hard to provide the best support for their students. SOME teachers are absolutely, but a large volume are not. There has been radio silence from a large number of schools and teachers for the 3 weeks before Easter. Others have sent through weekly work sheets and others daily ones. A few (no idea how many but probably 10% based on our school) have been fully engaged. We will see if anything changes tomorrow morning !!

I fully applaud those teacher who are making a genuine effort - but based on the experience of myself and my colleagues & friends, it is the minority. Some colleagues have partners who are teachers and have basically said it allows them to work full time as they have no contact time with students or the school.

So if you and others on here are in the minority - fair play to you and do keep it up. But just because you are doing it, don’t for a second assume all teachers are !!

And no one excepts 5 hours of online lessons per day. But a 10 minute video check in would be fantastic for a junior infant and ask them to write their news or read a few pages or practice their sounds !!

khalessi

gnf_ireland wrote: »

To all teachers on this - can I ask if any of you have many any contact with the parents in the 3 weeks before Easter and offered a quick call/video call with the child to see how they are getting on ?

I teach primary school, I have been online everyday since school closed, uploading work, correcting it, answering quesitons,, a lot of questions and some of them have to do with what we are teaching, chatting to the children explainingm uploading videos from educational sites etc. I would prefer doing this face to face. It has been a lot for 11 and 12 year olds to get used to and I worry about them, school closure, ill family members, what they have missed out on this year in the school community, missing their friends, uploading and downloading tying out answers. We were told no contact with kids to maintain Easter holidays, but I hve checked in everyday in case and messaged the kids who messaged me.

On the otherhand, my children go to a different school, and I was sent an email of work, that was a lot to get through and there have been struggles getting it done on their side and mine, trying to balance it all out. THe contact has been minimal from the teacher and I am hoping it will improve and the workload lessen.

Beasty

Threads merged

Boggles

Harris should stop giving interviews to rags musing some opinion or other.

Make the decisions, announce them to everyone with ample time and planning and just STFU in the mean time, it is just causing more confusion.

gnf_ireland

Sammy2012 wrote: »

There are lots of ways to educate children. I was brought up with this attitude. So I try to instill it in my own kids and into the kids I teach. I fully believe if you have a good attitude and personality you'll go far in life. I'm reading posts online about parents trying to get kids to sit at the table from 9am until 2pm. There is no way my kids would do this and it is not how things are done in school. For younger kids alot of their learning is oral language based with pics. Sitting at a table making them do worksheets for hours on end is not going to teach them anything. Except put everyone in a bad mood. Go out and go walk, practice some fundamental movement skills (which are seriously lacking in some kids now), talk to them and answer questions, read with and to them. These are all far superior to doing pages in a workbook but somewhere over the last few years these have all been forgotten about!

Many parents are trying to balance their own workloads with doing something with the kids - and most are basing it on what the child’s teachers have sent through to them where it happens. The kids school books were sent home with them and once a week we get a list of the pages of each book that is to be done with a few extra projects thrown in for good measure.

I happen to agree with you - but this approach is not what all teachers follow. There is no coordinated approach and everyone is doing different things. The class plan does not work outside the classroom but not everyone understands this.

To all teachers on this - can I ask if any of you have many any contact with the parents in the 3 weeks before Easter and offered a quick call/video call with the child to see how they are getting on ?

gnf_ireland

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Great post Snow Garden and so true. I'm loving being home with my kids, going for walks with them, talking about nature, baking with them, teaching them to make sandwiches and do things around the house. There is alot more to education then sitting in a school building.

I agree here to a point. It’s great you are at home and have the ‘free time’ to do this. Others are at home working full time and trying to balance childcare with working full time and also keeping on top of the workbooks sent through by the teachers on a weekly basis.

I am wondering if teachers had to be engaged on video calls for the 5 hours 40 minutes a day, whether you would also have the time to do stuff like this with your kids.

And before you think I am picking on teachers - I am not. It’s just you need to understand that most working remotely and balancing childcare barely have time to say hello to each other never mind do other stuff with their kids. Most/all employers are flexible and understand the situation - but still except the full workload to be done.

Sammy2012

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

The amount of people who don't realise this is frightening. I always tell my parents at parents night that academic stuff is secondary when it comes to school for me. If they come to school they will pick up bits and pieces but the social side is so so important in primary. Enough time for pressure when they go to big school.

There are lots of ways to educate children. I was brought up with this attitude. So I try to instill it in my own kids and into the kids I teach. I fully believe if you have a good attitude and personality you'll go far in life. I'm reading posts online about parents trying to get kids to sit at the table from 9am until 2pm. There is no way my kids would do this and it is not how things are done in school. For younger kids alot of their learning is oral language based with pics. Sitting at a table making them do worksheets for hours on end is not going to teach them anything. Except put everyone in a bad mood. Go out and go walk, practice some fundamental movement skills (which are seriously lacking in some kids now), talk to them and answer questions, read with and to them. These are all far superior to doing pages in a workbook but somewhere over the last few years these have all been forgotten about!

gnf_ireland

wirelessdude01 wrote: »

I can imagine my principal if I or any other members of staff tried that. We have no money as it is in the school.

What do you need money for to have a lesson online ? Zoom is free for 40 minutes per call and Google Hangout is free also. I doubt there needs to be military grade secrecy for the material.

gnf_ireland

scooby77 wrote: »

Haven't access to full article, but would guess he's thinking aloud/kite flying. However it does indicate they're aiming for some sort of reopening this year.
With one day a week (for children obviously-staff be in 5) one could keep children apart, in effect dividing each class by 5. Difficult logistically, but we'd manage it...needs must.(Primary)
Educationally would be better than nothing.
However it wouldn't be of huge benefit to working parents (I referenced childcare aspect in an earlier post).
Alternative thinking is required though, and it's good that they're putting options on the table.
As teachers ( and principals) we should be constructive in analysis, and suggesting our own ideas ( I've suggested regional opening here, and elsewhere, previously)

I 100% agree that alternative thinking if required and maybe we need a coordinated plan that applies to all teachers equally and not just on the goodwill of some.

Everyone has had to adapt here. We need education to do the same. For younger primary kids maybe a simple 5 minute check in twice a week and ask them to read a story to them, do some maths with them etc to show some engagement would be a big start. Focus on the 3R’s and what they know the child is weakest at. If the parent does not wish to share details so be it - they have tried. But most are reasonable in this regard

The problem as I see it in general is too many teachers have been radio silent in the 3 weeks prior to Easter and another term of radio silence is an issue for lots. Not taking away from the good work some are doing - it’s not universal even within the same school and too much down to teachers.

I would love to see the teachers (unions) come out with solid proposals on how they can teach somewhat effectively for this term for all classes if the schools cannot open as a counter measure for the 1 day a week proposal. Then there are alternatives to discuss rather than saying the Dept one will not work.

And teachers not having broadband is not an excuse - most schools have it and they can go to their classrooms if required and allow other teachers from schools that don’t have it access facilities as necessary.

wirelessdude01

beggars_bush wrote: »

Bill the school

Anyway, I don't think schools going back is feasible

Teachers going into school and sending work out and possibly doing video lessons is more realistic

I can imagine my principal if I or any other members of staff tried that. We have no money as it is in the school.

wirelessdude01

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Great post Snow Garden and so true. I'm loving being home with my kids, going for walks with them, talking about nature, baking with them, teaching them to make sandwiches and do things around the house. There is alot more to education then sitting in a school building.

The amount of people who don't realise this is frightening. I always tell my parents at parents night that academic stuff is secondary when it comes to school for me. If they come to school they will pick up bits and pieces but the social side is so so important in primary. Enough time for pressure when they go to big school.

gnf_ireland

R11 wrote: »

But then we teach the same thing 4 days a week and make very little progress. Plus both my kids are in primary also and my childminder will not be taking kids until there's a vaccine or anti viral medication.... So how do I look after my kids on the days they're not in and both of us are working??

Yes you make very little progress and you have to repeat yourself a few days a week. I think all of that is understood. The question is more the alternative and how much progress will happen if the kids have no interaction with the school between now and September ?

I appreciate some teachers are making an effort, esp at secondary level. Others are making no effort at all. My school we have one teacher making a reasonable level and another sending a list of homework on a Monday and radio silence the rest of the week. A friend of mine with 4 kids in different classes (different school) heard nothing from school or teachers since they closed - except a request for voluntary contribution payments !!!

Regarding you children and who will mind them - this is not a teacher only issue. This applies to every person with kids who are working. Teachers are not special here and a solution needs to be found for everyone to get back to work. But it’s not a reason not to return to school - it’s just another factor in the overall discussion

wirelessdude01

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Some of our staff dont have broadband. And also I've heard of some principals telling their staff to "sort that". So some principals are not very understanding either.

Funny you should say that. I've just moved Into a new build house and we can't get fixed broadband or even that imagine service. Only option is mobile data and the coverage is pretty hit and miss when it comes to that ass every one in the estate is in the same boat. During the working day it is unusable (can't even stream YouTube without buffering) as everyone that is WFH and children trying to access school stuff are on at th same time in a very condensed area.

gnf_ireland

khalessi wrote: »

You mean teaching online? We are doing that but video lessons have as I have been told by those above a GDPR issue.

With all due respect to everyone, GDPR is used as an excuse for everything these days. GDPR is a regulation around data protection and privacy and the use of data for its intended purpose. It’s about consent - not about anything else.

If someone provides consent to use their personal information for a purpose they can do that. For example you provide a doctor with personal data and medical history to treat an illness - but not to sell it to a 3rd party to sell you other goods or services.

GDPR is used by many as an excuse not to do things. In reality all that is needed is to get consent from those interested to do something, and the others can do without.

gnf_ireland

flynny50 wrote: »

Big problem with this idea is who would mind the children on the days that they are not in school & parents back at work!?

If this happens it’s not to allow parents back to work full time. It’s to put a bit more structure on the home schooling initiative and allow kids some levels of social interaction with people their own age group. It’s very difficult to home school without some level of school participation - and most would say it’s been very lacking to date esp at primary level.

Normal work patterns for most are unlikely to return until September and beyond - whatever the new normal will be !!

khalessi

beggars_bush wrote: »

Bill the school

Anyway, I don't think schools going back is feasible

Teachers going into school and sending work out and possibly doing video lessons is more realistic

You mean teaching online? We are doing that but video lessons have as I have been told by those above a GDPR issue.

beggars_bush

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Some of our staff dont have broadband. And also I've heard of some principals telling their staff to "sort that". So some principals are not very understanding either.

Bill the school

Anyway, I don't think schools going back is feasible

Teachers going into school and sending work out and possibly doing video lessons is more realistic

flynny50

Big problem with this idea is who would mind the children on the days that they are not in school & parents back at work!?

BanditLuke

Gerianam wrote: »

Denmark did it last week. Classes divided as teachers will be in every day but children will be in one day a week.

Average class size Denmark 19. Ireland is nearer 30

BanditLuke

Higgins5473 wrote: »

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/back-to-school-partial-re-opening-to-be-examined-by-health-authorities-simon-harris-1.4232636

Schools potentially re-opening one day a week, yet no mass gatherings and social distancing directives to remain in place. Is every school in the country not a mass gathering event every single day they operating and how could any classroom in any school facilitate a social distance measure of 2 meters with 25+ children?

What am I missing here?

Primary schools not all schools. I'd give it a one in five chance.

Gerianam

Denmark did it last week. Classes divided as teachers will be in every day but children will be in one day a week.

Ace2007

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Great post Snow Garden and so true. I'm loving being home with my kids, going for walks with them, talking about nature, baking with them, teaching them to make sandwiches and do things around the house. There is alot more to education then sitting in a school building.

Some parents don't realize this - your kids are lucky to have you.

Higgins5473

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/back-to-school-partial-re-opening-to-be-examined-by-health-authorities-simon-harris-1.4232636

Schools potentially re-opening one day a week, yet no mass gatherings and social distancing directives to remain in place. Is every school in the country not a mass gathering event every single day they operating and how could any classroom in any school facilitate a social distance measure of 2 meters with 25+ children?

What am I missing here?

Sammy2012

Snow Garden wrote: »

It's far from a write-off. There is so much we can teach our kids and so much times to do so. Stuff that might be very useful to them e.g. cooking, fishing, lighting a fire, growing food, yoga, understanding nature etc etc. All better than some boring Irish poetry or dodgy religion 'lessons'...

Great post Snow Garden and so true. I'm loving being home with my kids, going for walks with them, talking about nature, baking with them, teaching them to make sandwiches and do things around the house. There is alot more to education then sitting in a school building.

Snow Garden

whatdoicare wrote: »

TBH most parents, including myself, are not
realistically expecting to be sending kids back to school before September at the earliest. This year is a complete write off.

It's far from a write-off. There is so much we can teach our kids and so much times to do so. Stuff that might be very useful to them e.g. cooking, fishing, lighting a fire, growing food, yoga, understanding nature etc etc. All better than some boring Irish poetry or dodgy religion 'lessons'...

starbaby2003

tabby aspreme wrote: »

What about the broadband, there is none in vast parts of rural areas

I understand there are logistical issues there are very few areas that wouldn’t have 4G. If there are areas like that they will usually in very rural areas and if in primary be attending small schools where social distancing could be implemented. For secondary schools those that do not have access to internet could be brought to specific buildings that have been taken over for this where social distancing could also be implemented.

starbaby2003

SnowyMuckish wrote: »

Do you know what, I think it’s time to just stop feeding the troll.

Are you referring to me ? A troll, of course I am. Poking holes in your stance. You tell a lovely tale of zoom classrooms etc ... I nor any of my friends have had any interaction with their children's teacher since this started. This is across multiple ages and locations. Sounds like you are a trailblazer in this. Maybe you should reach out to your colleagues and help them get it all sorted out. I really hope you are better with getting your pupils involved in critical thinking than you are portraying on this forum.

Sammy2012

tabby aspreme wrote: »

What about the broadband, there is none in vast parts of rural areas

Some of our staff dont have broadband. And also I've heard of some principals telling their staff to "sort that". So some principals are not very understanding either.

tabby aspreme

starbaby2003 wrote: »

If parents don’t want to engage that is their prerogative. With regards the laptops implement a scheme where parents can buy them at cost and people who normally get the back to school grant are provided one for free. The point I have been trying to make is- all teachers seem to be providing is what they can’t or won’t do. If anyone questions it they are ‘demonising teachers’ Businesses all over the world have had to adapt and in many cases are making it work. Why not try thinking about what you could do and bring it to your union. Wouldn’t that be a much better help to our children and our economy?

What about the broadband, there is none in vast parts of rural areas