Covid19 and Learning

Look below for resources for yourself or to keep your children learning over this challenging time. 

I know everyone around the world is dealing with an unprecedented situation with the Coronavirus (Covide19) throwing everything into a bit of a spin.

I hope you are all taking the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.  These precautions tend to vary from place to place and from hour to hour, so I am not going to get into the details too much.  Of course, “Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently” is a motto for everyone these days.

What does learning have to do with Covid19?

Well, quite a lot actually, and I am not talking about what the scientists and doctors want and need to learn about the virus, and many other viruses, circling the globe.  I am talking about learning in general and for all of us. 

In many places, schools have shut down and movement is extremely difficult if not impossible, but that does not mean all learning stops.

With today’s technology, you can learn anything from almost anywhere! There are numerous platforms that allow students and instructors to see one another, talk to one another, work on whiteboards together, collaborate, and keep the learning going.

Not only that, but you can teach yourself using many of these resources, too.

Learning can help keep you calm.

The stress levels for many people are at an all-time high.  Spending more hours than usual at home, cooped up, and staring at all the other members of the family at home, cooped up, staring back at you! 

Who are these people? 

I’m just joking, but I’m sure that many are struggling with the restraints.  Any change can be disconcerting; and, for many people, Covid19 is causing major disruptions to their lives and routines.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to continue to have a routine. You cannot do everything you did before or, at least, not in the same way; however, that does not mean giving up everything.

 Keep enjoying the things you normally do when you need to relax.

If you enjoy reading, read.  It might take a few moments and a cup of tea (or three) to calm down enough to focus, but you will find yourself slipping back into the calmness you normally feel when you have time to read.

If you enjoy knitting, sewing, cooking, listening to music, creating something, whatever it is that you would normally do to find your calm space – do it.

I argue that learning should be part of your routine.  (I’m sure that comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me, has read my blogs, or watched my videos in the past.)

Learning can help calm the nerves and reward you in so many ways.  The simple fact that your mind is completely engaged with something can free you from worry.  It can take you away from the things you cannot control and give you the opportunity to improve yourself – something you truly can control. 

Also, think back to a time you conquered a learning challenge.  It might have been a particularly difficult algebra question. It might have been getting an A grade on a history test.  Maybe it was something that wasn’t academic, like finally staying upright while riding a two-wheeler!  The feeling of accomplishment when we succeed at something is amazing. 

So, don’t let anything get in the way of your learning and discovering.

Once you start “diving in,” some of the everyday stress and anxiety will shrink back and leave you alone at least for a while.  The more you do, the more you will find anxiety disappearing more often and for longer periods of time.

If you are a student, go back over some of the notes and work you have done so far this year.  Review and test yourself on the material to make sure you have understood it fully. You might look up videos online to help solidify what you have learned about various topics.

If you are not a formal student, think of something you would like to learn and begin searching!  There is no limit to what you can do if you put your mind to it – along with a little effort, of course. 

Make a schedule

If you are a parent, set specific times of the day for your children to do some learning.  You will find that they accomplish a lot more if they have a dedicated space and time to do the work.

Check out my blog and video called Space to Learn.

Do not be afraid to set up a schedule and stick to it!  Learning at home can be fun, but it is more productive if given the respect it deserves.

Resources

There are so many free resources available online these days.

I like commonlit.org, readingvine.com or readworks.org for texts and stories with questions and writing opportunities.  They have grade levels, subjects, vocabulary activities, and many have “read aloud” options. 

I also like braingenie.ck12.org, khanacademy.org, and themathworksheetsite.com.  I use these primarily for math.

Khan Academy has set up a schedule to help students, parents, and teachers.  It looks like a great resource.  You can adapt it to suit your needs.

Khan Academy Schedule

Looking for more?

This site has a very long list of resources.  Many of them are free, too!

Amazing Educational Resources

Don’t be afraid to keep learning!  In fact, it might be the very best thing you could do for yourself and our children at this time.

The best resource? (I might be biased.)

Oh, I would be remiss if I did not remind you that one of the best resources is an experienced tutor. 

I will continue to do my best to support my students and you as you continue on the learning path.

This week's video:  Covid19 Won’t Stop Our Learning!