UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => shootin' the shit => Topic started by: andy popp on January 05, 2021, 03:00:02 pm
-
It was totally obvious this would happen; waiting until after Christmas was moronic.
Why should schools be either closing or opening at short notice at all? Wouldn't both be better if planned, and surely it is reopening that needs more planning? I don't buy the idea that planning is almost impossible.
I hate to bang on about Denmark, because there have been mistakes here too (and obviously there are significant cultural differences), but on Mon 7th December a stringent lockdown was announced, including schools closing from Wed 9th (they'd been due to close on Wed 16th). Other measures included closure of all universities and colleges, all cultural institutions, all gyms and other sports facilities, all places of entertainment, all bars and restaurants (take-out still allowed), new rules on gathering etc. At the same time it was announced all malls and shopping centres would close from the 21st and all other non-essential shops from 24th onward. These measures would be in place until Jan 4th. About a week ago it was announced all measures would be extended until Jan 18th. In other words, everyone has known exactly what the score is since early December and when an extension was necessary we had nearly a week's warning. For what it's worth, all Covid decision-making involves all major political parties and the trade unions. Coherent decision-making is possible.
-
It was totally obvious this would happen; waiting until after Christmas was moronic.
Why should schools be either closing or opening at short notice at all? Wouldn't both be better if planned, and surely it is reopening that needs more planning? I don't buy the idea that planning is almost impossible.
I hate to bang on about Denmark, because there have been mistakes here too (and obviously there are significant cultural differences), but on Mon 7th December a stringent lockdown was announced, including schools closing from Wed 9th (they'd been due to close on Wed 16th). Other measures included closure of all universities and colleges, all cultural institutions, all gyms and other sports facilities, all places of entertainment, all bars and restaurants (take-out still allowed), new rules on gathering etc. At the same time it was announced all malls and shopping centres would close from the 21st and all other non-essential shops from 24th onward. These measures would be in place until Jan 4th. About a week ago it was announced all measures would be extended until Jan 18th. In other words, everyone has known exactly what the score is since early December and when an extension was necessary we had nearly a week's warning. For what it's worth, all Covid decision-making involves all major political parties and the trade unions. Coherent decision-making is possible.
I’m sorry, are you suggesting that the Scandinavian, Nordic, Social Democratic systems of government and societal attitudes; actually work better than our tottering, top heavy, idiocracy?
Be serious, you only have circa 80 years of post-war empirical evidence to support your arguments. I feel sure many economists and the think tanks of the Conservative party, can quite lucidly explain why you are wrong and the evidence is misleading.
Edit:
Obviously I meant “meritocracy”, not “idiocracy” , damn auto correct.
Edit:
No. No I didn’t.
-
Why should schools be either closing or opening at short notice at all? Wouldn't both be better if planned, and surely it is reopening that needs more planning? I don't buy the idea that planning is almost impossible.
I hate to bang on about Denmark, because there have been mistakes here too (and obviously there are significant cultural differences), but on Mon 7th December a stringent lockdown was announced, including schools closing from Wed 9th (they'd been due to close on Wed 16th).
Not disagreeing that the UK gov's approach has lacked foresight and that everything's been short-notice... But doesn't the first part of what you just posted basically amount to Denmark changing their mind at short-notice about closing schools?!
The rest of it sounds better planned (than the UK), like you say.
-
Yes, you're right really Pete. I was really trying to pick up on Will's contention that there's some kind of trade-off between closing/opening at short notice, which I don't get. I should have been clearer. At the same time, the December school closure was short notice but still orderly. I guess you can plan to be prepared for a short notice closure to happen (as I know was happening at my institution).
-
The issue in the UK wasn't really the short notice, it was the fact that it's been obvious for about 3 weeks that the schools would have to close, but up until very shortly before the decision the government were not only denying that all schools would close but were actively putting forwards arguments that they should stay open.
-
The point I was trying - not very clearly - to make about orderliness and preparedness.
-
...until very shortly before the decision the government were not only denying that all schools would close but were actively putting forwards arguments that they should stay open.
Don't forget the threatened legal action from the govt forcing them to stay open.
-
@Andy
Yes,yes, yes. Open/closed. It’s a false dichotomy.
Instead of this exercise in keeping everyone outside of cabinet guessing, the government should have set up a forum including teachers, academics and parents to structure a flexible learning strategy so that either/or was never the question. It is not as if schools were 100% open in the autumn had 100% attendance. Far from it.
I can’t believe the administration aspires to an education strategy in response to the pandemic, because all we have seen is short term reactive tactics.
All the laptops promised last spring not yet delivered. OakAcademy only available via internet - what’s wrong with free view?? The lack of ambition is sad.
-
Schools might be ‘closed’ but over 50% of the children in my kid’s (Junior) school are still attending.
I’d be interested to know what the national average is of continued attendance due to ‘key worker’ parents/vulnerable kids.
And Majestic Wine is open this time around.
Hmm.
-
Schools might be ‘closed’ but over 50% of the children in my kid’s (Junior) school are still attending.
In our Sons reception year - this morning there were 8-12 out of 90.
We also had an email asking if anyone wanted to apply for one of the Government supplied laptops. Our primary is three form entry so approximately 600 pupils (wide mix of social background) and had been provided with 3 (Three) laptops.
-
Schools might be ‘closed’ but over 50% of the children in my kid’s (Junior) school are still attending.
I’d be interested to know what the national average is of continued attendance due to ‘key worker’ parents/vulnerable kids.
And Majestic Wine is open this time around.
Hmm.
Our daughter's school issued their comms saying that you should only request a place if you have keyworker as a parent AND you can absolutely not keep them at home.
Other half is a secondary teacher, but as a WFH IT person I can't justify that so now I have job and childcare / home school juggling fun to contend with!
-
Our daughter's school issued their comms saying that you should only request a place if you have keyworker as a parent AND you can absolutely not keep them at home.
Clearly the situation is not the same everywhere... (which doesnt help....)
-
Schools might be ‘closed’ but over 50% of the children in my kid’s (Junior) school are still attending.
I’d be interested to know what the national average is of continued attendance due to ‘key worker’ parents/vulnerable kids.
And Majestic Wine is open this time around.
Hmm.
Our daughter's school issued their comms saying that you should only request a place if you have keyworker as a parent AND you can absolutely not keep them at home.
Other half is a secondary teacher, but as a WFH IT person I can't justify that so now I have job and childcare / home school juggling fun to contend with!
We received a letter with much the same wording. So whilst we could apply for our son to go in to school, as my wife is an NHS nurse, we both agree it'd be taking the piss to do so, given we only have one child, and I WFH.
-
Our reasoning too. Also have son in nursery who could go (as they are open for some unknown reason) but we've kept him off as it just doesn't make sense to send him in.
-
I am interested in why you made that decision to home school as you both have a legal entitlement to send your child in.
The ‘should’ is a value judgment made by the school, nothing else. Would you have made the same call if you did not feel guilty about the wording in the letter?
-
Our daughter's school issued their comms saying that you should only request a place if you have keyworker as a parent AND you can absolutely not keep them at home.
Our daughter's primary school did much the same except they chose to say 'critical keyworkers' only who are 'critical to the covid-19 response'. Given their actions and communication in the first lockdown I'd suggest they're actively trying to discourage people from sending kids in. (I think about 30% of the school is potentially keyworker status). Hopefully their remote learning support will be better thought through than the minimalist spring effort of four sparse pages of apparently random ideas per fortnight...
-
Licence fee payers alert:-
https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2020/bbc-launches-biggest-education-offer-ever (https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2020/bbc-launches-biggest-education-offer-ever)
-
We could (with some re-arranging) look after ours for two school days a week - and we asked about this today. Our answer was that it really didn’t matter - that he could come in all days no problem. we were given the distinct impression they were glad to have the numbers.
As with other posts - it probably depends on the numbers they have to deal with and how many staff they have etc.. at no point have we been discouraged to send him in.
-
Oh boy, do we have fun.
Four kids, two schools, totally different arrangements.
No.1&3 don’t start until Thursday, are in live lessons on their normal timetable, with registers etc.
No.2&4 will have “work set to complete each day” to be submitted before the start of the next day.
First school sent out a detailed, 11 page guide and teaching notes for parents and a “your children will attend/be online or a swarm of murder hornets will be mailed to your address, First Class” type letter.
Second school sent a paragraph of bumf and a single sentence about how it would work.
-
If our nursery shuts I'm fucked! 1 x 3.5 year old and 1 x 12 month old. I just won't be able to do any meaningful work. Wife is a nurse working in a mental health role so will be doing a bit of home working but also out and about on wards. No idea how the company might react to me telling them that I'm going to be useless for 3 days a week.
-
@Oldmanmatt: Oh my!
Our youngest will be carrying on with his 3 days a week at pre-school as they sent an email saying we're open and please keep sending the children. Katherine most likely won't be going to school as my wife is susceptible to the type of guilt-inducing email the school sent us. I would send her in a heartbeat as even 1 or 2 days a week would be a huge mental and emotional benefit to both daughter and wife but as I'm on a boat halfway between the Shetlands and Norway I don't have much practical influence...
-
Will, I think they would just be impressed that you were cutting down the number of days you are usually useless by 40%
-
If our nursery shuts I'm fucked! 1 x 3.5 year old and 1 x 12 month old. I just won't be able to do any meaningful work. Wife is a nurse working in a mental health role so will be doing a bit of home working but also out and about on wards. No idea how the company might react to me telling them that I'm going to be useless for 3 days a week.
Have you talked to YW about furlough? Afaik now it’s more flexible - so you could take 2-3 day’s off and the govt would cover 80% of that cost for your employer?
I may be wrong (check somewhere else) but I know of a couple of colleagues at other universities who are doing this.
-
Will, I think they would just be impressed that you were cutting down the number of days you are usually useless by 40%
:lol:
If our nursery shuts I'm fucked! 1 x 3.5 year old and 1 x 12 month old. I just won't be able to do any meaningful work. Wife is a nurse working in a mental health role so will be doing a bit of home working but also out and about on wards. No idea how the company might react to me telling them that I'm going to be useless for 3 days a week.
Have you talked to YW about furlough? Afaik now it’s more flexible - so you could take 2-3 day’s off and the govt would cover 80% of that cost for your employer?
I may be wrong (check somewhere else) but I know of a couple of colleagues at other universities who are doing this.
I don't think YW have furloughed anybody as yet. I'm sure we'll work something out if it comes to it. I haven't paid much attention to it as it hasn't affected me thus far (wife has been on maternity), and there's no direct comparison in my team as my colleague's kids are all school age, so can at least sit and do their schoolwork without constant supervision.
-
Oh boy, do we have fun.
Four kids, two schools, totally different arrangements.
No.1&3 don’t start until Thursday, are in live lessons on their normal timetable, with registers etc.
No.2&4 will have “work set to complete each day” to be submitted before the start of the next day.
First school sent out a detailed, 11 page guide and teaching notes for parents and a “your children will attend/be online or a swarm of murder hornets will be mailed to your address, First Class” type letter.
Second school sent a paragraph of bumf and a single sentence about how it would work.
I have to retract the statement about school 2. We just received an email with the detailed scheme and a time table for live lesson support. When I say just, I mean 10 minutes ago, so somebody is burning the midnight oil to get on top of this.
-
I am interested in why you made that decision to home school as you both have a legal entitlement to send your child in.
The ‘should’ is a value judgment made by the school, nothing else. Would you have made the same call if you did not feel guilty about the wording in the letter?
In answer to your interest. Several reasons.
I agreed with the sentiment of the letter, regardless of the exact details of the school's motives. I think school closures are necessary and the fewer pupils in school the more effective the measure might be.
I think the keyworker distinction is fairly arbitrary in many instances. My wife, though a nurse, only works three days a week away from home. I WFH all my work days. So compared to many non-keyworkers I suspect our circumstances are fairly conducive to home teaching.
Then there is the solidarity argument. Which in this instance I think has some weight.
-
Will, I think they would just be impressed that you were cutting down the number of days you are usually useless by 40%
:lol:
If our nursery shuts I'm fucked! 1 x 3.5 year old and 1 x 12 month old. I just won't be able to do any meaningful work. Wife is a nurse working in a mental health role so will be doing a bit of home working but also out and about on wards. No idea how the company might react to me telling them that I'm going to be useless for 3 days a week.
Have you talked to YW about furlough? Afaik now it’s more flexible - so you could take 2-3 day’s off and the govt would cover 80% of that cost for your employer?
I may be wrong (check somewhere else) but I know of a couple of colleagues at other universities who are doing this.
I don't think YW have furloughed anybody as yet. I'm sure we'll work something out if it comes to it. I haven't paid much attention to it as it hasn't affected me thus far (wife has been on maternity), and there's no direct comparison in my team as my colleague's kids are all school age, so can at least sit and do their schoolwork without constant supervision.
Was saying just this last night - at least ours aren't really young, and are pretty self-sufficient (though prolonged periods of silence tend to lead to me investigating what they're up to).
My work have been brilliant - message from my boss last night 2 mins after the announcement saying basically do what you need to, we'll make it work.
Have you asked about "flexible working" Will? Whether that's "I'll be online but it'll be reactive so email or Slack me if you need anything, and I'll catch up in the evenings", or a more formal "I'll work 9-11 while the kids nap but then I'm offline till after their bedtime"?
Few years ago when mine were 12 months ish and 3 ish my other half ended up in hospital for couple of weeks, and I ended up doing a mix of the above.
At the end of the day, if you're offering to make it work / give a solution it'd be in their interest to play ball.
-
Well, we just had No.2 spin out and refuse to cooperate and he’s 14. Since Polly is still working full time, I’m the teacher.
This is going to be hard, this time. Complicated by the fact that I’m not actually his dad, something I forget, because I have been (de facto) since a little after his fifth birthday and his real dad died when he was two. I am fairly certain (afraid) I’m about to hear “you’re not my dad” for the first time.
This is because, last time, we made them do all the work set and then, when they went back after summer; it turned out he was one of a very small number that actually did anything and none of it was actually marked. Then the entire autumn term we made him complete all his homework assignments, but none of them were marked or checked (except the Sparks online maths stuff they do). He just doesn’t see the point and thinks we’re making him a mug, because his mates are all on the Xbox etc etc.
I haven’t got a fucking scooby how to deal with this and being a big scary, bald headed, loud, bossy twunt; who’s used to barking orders and being obeyed, does not help. Not-at-fucking-all.
-
My kids’ school are going to have Google hangouts at 0900 and another one at 1pm to review their work. Register taken. We have to photograph their work and upload it to ClassDojo for feedback/praise etc.
I have to say the Remote Education Plan is pretty impressive, but even I’m thinking a bit more flexibility to work around the, er, parents might be nice. Still, it’s reassuring to know there shouldn’t be anyone falling by the wayside.
My brother’s youngest is 13 and is getting lessons delivered via zoom.
-
I am fairly certain (afraid) I’m about to hear “you’re not my dad” for the first time.
Good luck Matt. I've been on the receiving end of this more than once and it hurts (very similar timeline - she's 14 on Friday, her dad died eight years ago, I've been around for about six years). My only advice is; try not to react, at least to those words.
-
Thanks for your reply Bonjoy. I admire your stance, it is generous spirited. It’s a personal matter, weighing these things, but tricky when the decision puts the burden of solidarity on your child, that’s why I was interested. For some kids it’s no burden at all, for others it’s very difficult.
If the head wants to say that gov guidance is this, but my personal opinion is that you should not take up your entitlement if you can manage, then at least that is honest. It’s the apparent conflating of the government with the personal pov which is questionable.
-
Licence fee payers alert:-
https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2020/bbc-launches-biggest-education-offer-ever (https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2020/bbc-launches-biggest-education-offer-ever)
I think this initiative is long overdue. Pleased they have done this. That, and the reclassification of children without laptops as vulnerable, will help a lot of families who can’t access online lessons easily.
That reclassification on the gov website took place on the night of December 30. Given the failure to provide laptops, Ithink it was the right thing to do. It does imply that at that point Whitehall might have been planning for a lockdown however.
-
Well, we just had No.2 spin out and refuse to cooperate and he’s 14. Since Polly is still working full time, I’m the teacher.
This is going to be hard, this time. Complicated by the fact that I’m not actually his dad, something I forget, because I have been (de facto) since a little after his fifth birthday and his real dad died when he was two. I am fairly certain (afraid) I’m about to hear “you’re not my dad” for the first time.
This is because, last time, we made them do all the work set and then, when they went back after summer; it turned out he was one of a very small number that actually did anything and none of it was actually marked. Then the entire autumn term we made him complete all his homework assignments, but none of them were marked or checked (except the Sparks online maths stuff they do). He just doesn’t see the point and thinks we’re making him a mug, because his mates are all on the Xbox etc etc.
I haven’t got a fucking scooby how to deal with this and being a big scary, bald headed, loud, bossy twunt; who’s used to barking orders and being obeyed, does not help. Not-at-fucking-all.
Perhaps try reframing the idea of learning as getting one over on his mates. While they are killing time he's making progress. This may require restructuring both the teaching itself as well as the reasons for it. If he's not getting marked on it, I assume that means there's scope to go off piste? Teach day-to-day finances, investing, cooking, how to build things out of wood, how to change the oil in the car, etc.
As for the inevitable nasty comments at some point, just remember all 14 year olds are twats. I was, you were and your son is. All of them!
-
Good luck OMM - Hopefully the "its only a phase" mantra is right here too....
Just back from drop off - yesterday 8-10 kids, today I counted 28 (year size is 90). They split them into two classes (I understand they limit them to 15). From July times, I seem to remember weds were busiest as its the day when most PT workers were working.
-
Well, we just had No.2 spin out and refuse to cooperate and he’s 14. Since Polly is still working full time, I’m the teacher.
This is going to be hard, this time. Complicated by the fact that I’m not actually his dad, something I forget, because I have been (de facto) since a little after his fifth birthday and his real dad died when he was two. I am fairly certain (afraid) I’m about to hear “you’re not my dad” for the first time.
This is because, last time, we made them do all the work set and then, when they went back after summer; it turned out he was one of a very small number that actually did anything and none of it was actually marked. Then the entire autumn term we made him complete all his homework assignments, but none of them were marked or checked (except the Sparks online maths stuff they do). He just doesn’t see the point and thinks we’re making him a mug, because his mates are all on the Xbox etc etc.
I haven’t got a fucking scooby how to deal with this and being a big scary, bald headed, loud, bossy twunt; who’s used to barking orders and being obeyed, does not help. Not-at-fucking-all.
Perhaps try reframing the idea of learning as getting one over on his mates. While they are killing time he's making progress. This may require restructuring both the teaching itself as well as the reasons for it. If he's not getting marked on it, I assume that means there's scope to go off piste? Teach day-to-day finances, investing, cooking, how to build things out of wood, how to change the oil in the car, etc.
As for the inevitable nasty comments at some point, just remember all 14 year olds are twats. I was, you were and your son is. All of them!
First day, first lesson. No2 child already whinging before starting. Open google classroom. Work set. Un-fucking-known file type. Cue backwards and forward messages with teacher and form tutor, plus texts to classmates and 45 minutes into first lesson they convert file. No.2 currently sat at dining table, wearing a hoody with hood up and muttering under breath about “adults” whilst one finger typing.
No.4 finds no work set for maths. Texts her mates, they decide to get on with Sparks while they’re waiting. I’m busy trying to get No.2 going , I ask if everything is ok and shes busy with calculator etc, she just says “fine”. Then she gets up to find her big sister, I said “ hey, you’re supposed to ask me, she yells back “nah, No,1 knows best”, then reappears having messaged teachers off her own back, screen capped blank classroom page “as insurance” and is ploughing away at “optional” Sparks, because she did all the “compulsory” for the week last night.
Actually, as an Engineer and used to quite “hard” maths, I’m apparently unable to explain simple stuff, without their eyes glazing over...
-
Actually, as an Engineer and used to quite “hard” maths, I’m apparently unable to explain simple stuff, without their eyes glazing over...
Its because you're their parent... our 4.5 YO does that with me already - though he may just be copying his mother :D
-
I am interested in why you made that decision to home school as you both have a legal entitlement to send your child in.
The ‘should’ is a value judgment made by the school, nothing else. Would you have made the same call if you did not feel guilty about the wording in the letter?
In answer to your interest. Several reasons.
I agreed with the sentiment of the letter, regardless of the exact details of the school's motives. I think school closures are necessary and the fewer pupils in school the more effective the measure might be.
I think the keyworker distinction is fairly arbitrary in many instances. My wife, though a nurse, only works three days a week away from home. I WFH all my work days. So compared to many non-keyworkers I suspect our circumstances are fairly conducive to home teaching.
Then there is the solidarity argument. Which in this instance I think has some weight.
Same here really.
a) Solidarity / "doing our bit", plus my other half is a teacher so we are well aware of the strain this situation is putting the profession through generally.
Through the various news stories over last weekend I've seen comments on social media from people who I considered to be intelligent / educated people along the lines of "of course teachers want the schools closed, all they ever want is an easy life".
I don't think they realise that actually, having the schools open as "normal" is way easier than having to pivot at the last minute, replan lessons, and that's before the logistics of teaching remotely via video conferencing.
b) Not in the same boat as BonJoy re: time, but lucky to have a really understanding employer / job type where I can flex my time around doing home-schooling.
-
Any chance of a thread split?
I think this is a useful topic for many, in it’s own right and there’s a wealth of knowledge and experience on the forum.
It’s 10:20, first day. No.4 has finished and submitted all the work set for the first three lessons of the morning, is just about to submit the first assignment for this afternoon’s lessons and has completed both compulsory and optional Sparks for the entire week.
No.2 is still on first lesson, first task, though the muttering has stopped...
-
Hat off to you for having such a supportive attitude. It's not an easy decision.
-
Any chance of a thread split?
Done
-
From the otherside.. I am a specialist teacher in charge of a group of young people with Autism in a small unit of 8 within a mainstream secondary school. This time around our school is delivering live lessons on Teams and following the normal timetable. I have 6 of the 8 in the unit and 2 remaining at home. We are 2 lessons in. There are of course teething issues with logging in, links that don't work, glitching etc.. However, there have been some really well run classes. Our pupils have settled in well and are quietly getting on with it. Meanwhile, staff are buzzing around and getting stressed. It's going to take a few days for everyone to get used to this and figure how to do live online effectively. It will of course improve. Everyone is mucking in and supporting each other with this. Please bare in mind that school staff have been arsed around massively.
At home child no 1 was sluggish yesterday and didn't get much done, still in holiday mode! I think we'll all settle into this is due course and things will be smoother. Teachers/school staff could definitely do with some of that solidarity at this time.
-
Not that I've any idea about teaching in lockdown (or teaching or children using online learning for that matter)...
Would it not be possible to just live-stream lessons? I.e. teacher in the classroom (even if it's empty) and have kids connect in from a home desk. Perhaps with parents to help as a teaching assistant or something?
I'd guess it would be logistically hard to pace the lessons right, help students out etc and not let some get left behind. Or even have key lessons (e.g. maths, science, english) pre-recorded so that the parent could help play/pause and help out in set intervals when work gets done?
Edit - kind of what Brutus just posted.
-
Cheers for the split!
Brutus, No.s 1&3 start “live lessons” tomorrow. Google Hangout I think. So I’m going to be able to directly compare the two approaches over the next few weeks.
No.s 2&4’s school are pretty responsive. It’s little things, such as No.4’s maths assignments are all on a spread sheet, with weekly topics and classroom/vid links etc etc (on top of Sparks work), but the assignment box for week one (calculators, she yr7) is blank. So a glitch, like the file type for No.2’s D&T stuff.
Anyway, here’s some useful resources, for parents, on line.
Won’t help much, but did help me shift from “Aaarrggh!” to “Oh well, we’ll get there”, today:
https://twitter.com/Scarfolk/status/1346755715441025024 (https://twitter.com/Scarfolk/status/1346755715441025024)
-
Ok.
Just discovered the underlying reason for the different approaches.
Demographics.
School 1, the live online school, have managed to/ have a catchment that has almost universal laptop access. The school is 30% selective “Grammar” and 70% catchment in a relatively affluent area.
School 2 (which is a good school) has a substantial catchment from one of the local deprived areas. They were a long way from universal access to laptops and internet, particularly in families where more than one child needed simultaneous access. Their entire program is replicated on paper and in workbooks for those without laptops, so the whole thing is geared around a weekly work submission. There are scheduled “live” sessions, which can be joined on a phone, for each subject, each week, for teacher/pupil interaction and for explanations beyond the printed/on line material. They learned from their last attempt.
Even the lack of marking, last time, was to prevent those unable from joining, from feeling disadvantaged. They tried to compensate those who worked hard, with merit points and prizes (merit points that can actually be traded for prizes and vouchers).
-
Any chance of a thread split?
Done
Could be tacked onto the thread I started early last year
https://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,30549.0.html
-
Would it not be possible to just live-stream lessons? I.e. teacher in the classroom (even if it's empty) and have kids connect in from a home desk. Perhaps with parents to help as a teaching assistant or something?
Lots of schools are doing this. I'm not teaching at any more, but I would expect it to be very hard for many reasons. Obvious ones are that kids might have access to a laptop, but it's often going to be shared, so they can't be there for the live lesson. Even if they are many of them won't show up and will need work set, which can't necessarily be identical to the lesson work, so that's more workload. My lessons also involve constant feedback to and from pupils as we go, directing them to different tasks and assessing understanding.
It's often very hard to step back from the way we do things and ask "Is this still the best way?" Even harder with limited planning and resources (we hear a lot about kids not having laptops, but there's no guarantee a teacher has one, and if they do they don't necessarily have the right software. E.g. I would be unable to open/edit many of my resources on my home computer).
As a maths teacher it would probably be a better use of time with many groups to have feedback/office hours as the expectation, there are already loads of good resources for video teaching, which many schools will have access to. I'm just unconvinced that live teaching should be the default, because it's a massive time-sink for a teacher and can't/won't be accessed by an awful lot of pupils. I would prefer to have a mix, with some time freed up to contact those pupils who will lack resources/guidance at home.
What have people been sent about schemes of work? That would be the first thing I would send to pupils and parents, and I usually had it to hand with references to page numbers in a textbook and/or online resources, often it was stuck in their books already, at least for the next half term or so.
-
In HE, we’ve (been told) to change from giving a 1-2 hour live lecture (face to face - but recorded for catch up) to 3 15-20 min chunks of lecture totally ore recorded. Then face to face or live via Teams etc.. discussion / small group exercises about the content of the lecture.
The idea being to break it up into smaller chunks. I’ve no idea if this is backed up by any science, but this model seems to be largely sector wide.
The interaction is the hard bit - getting people to engage - and a face of black boxes is hard to do this with.
-
James - That is pretty much what our school is doing. Live online classes direct from school with some teachers being at home doing their classes from there because they are shielding. Lessons are functioning slightly differently because having the class there in person is very different. So getting pacing right, modelling tasks, giving feedback and turning in work is something most will have to adjust to. For our IT department their lessons are set up using online systems so only need a wee tweak but for some it is a new way of working.
The general feedback from our pupils having experienced set work previously, is that live is much better. They like being able to ask teachers questions and being able to interact. We've also already had messages in from parents saying it is much better. For young people that can be very anxious in big groups it is actually a less stressful and pressurised way to access their learning. We're just supplementing it with some more social activity and outdoor activity. Just got back from a pre-lunch walk with a couple of them.
-
My other half's been told that all the staff need to do into a (largely empty) school to teach lessons from an empty classroom, remotely via Teams.
I gather the question of working from home was asked, but this was denied "because professionalism" - or rather it would only be allowed if the person could guarantee they wouldn't be interrupted while teaching.
Total contract to my work, who are perfectly accepting that this is life. Both my kids make regular cameos on work Zoom calls and everyone's fine with it, make for a much less stressful working from home life.
-
I gather the question of working from home was asked, but this was denied "because professionalism" - or rather it would only be allowed if the person could guarantee they wouldn't be interrupted while teaching.
I don’t see how they can square that with the clear government stipulation “everyone who can work from home must do so”.
-
My partner is a secondary teacher. Her school have given everyone the choice as to whether they do the remote lessons at home or from school.
Personally seems sensible to me. It's hard enough getting a class of kids to do anything let alone if you're at home and have the dog barking / parcels arriving / me shuffling in for a cup of tea / etc. Much less forgiving than Teams meetings with other adults. And from a Covid perspective there's not much of an issue her going in as the school is empty without the kids there.
-
Day Eleventy-twelve and eighty of home schooling four teenagers. Polly (at work) decides to order Mc Donalds Breakfast for kids as a treat. She texts them (not me) to get their order. We haven’t even got to morning break time yet and we are discovering new and unexpected avenues of learning:
(https://i.ibb.co/G74hQw8/181-A7629-6-E75-4-B1-E-BDA6-8-B07-FD046-FF5.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Fmwvj4c/201-FE39-A-D598-4-BA5-8-BC2-DCE13-E39-C84-D.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/k2wX2jd/B3-E3-BE5-C-64-B9-401-B-B1-CD-0-AE93-C260327.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TM7tM6C)
-
:D
-
Our Teams system collapsed one hour in. Kids are writing stories.
-
My twins (middle of four) are in mainstream primary but both of them have asd to differing degrees. It's been a nightmare to get them to engage in any remote learning. It was their first Google Meet class lesson today, and the chaos drove them both to tears and back to YouTube..
-
My son has Aspergers, struggles too.
-
My twins (middle of four) are in mainstream primary but both of them have asd to differing degrees. It's been a nightmare to get them to engage in any remote learning. It was their first Google Meet class lesson today, and the chaos drove them both to tears and back to YouTube..
Ah man, sheesh! My youngest two, are three weeks different in age (known until recently as “The Dominions” after some sadly mistaken elderly French lady described them as “Deux Mignon/Mignonne” in a restaurant as toddlers. Two little blonde, blue eye, children of the fucking corn).
They exist in one of two states, absolute synchronous plotting of evil or total unrestrained warfare.
Getting them sent to different secondary schools, was not only a huge relief, but had been mandated by the United Nations Security council.
Now they are working, at cross purposes, at the same dining table.
I have doubled my Fluoxetine dose.
-
For those of you with children with a diagnosis of Autism. Your children are entitled to be in school assuming they have an EHCP (at least this is the case in England). Understandably you may wish for them to be at home. I have 6 of 8 pupils at school today getting support with their on-line lessons most of whom would not be engaged at home. Some may starting working from home next week once they have got into the routine and know how to use the systems better. Meanwhile we are able to remotely support those at home and ensure they are following lessons. Presuming the schools have extra capacity and are not over loaded with 'key workers' children I think it would be reasonable to allocate staff to give extra online support to those that need it. It would also be reasonable to request it.
2nd week in, no staff or pupils that are still attending have been tested. :slap:
-
For those struggling at home, bbc have put programmes onto BBC2
https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p015pksy
CBBC have things to watch/access
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc
BBC bitesize is absolutely first rate for junior and secondary, very interactive:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
and Horrible Histories is possibly the best thing on telly:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00sp0l8/horrible-histories
Personally, I would view any engagement as a win to start with. Hope you can get them involved in something they can enjoy.
-
Fortunately both boys are bright enough to coast into year 7. It's their socialisation that's lacking. That and refusing to do anything that doesn't capture their interests.
It's early days, we'll see how this week goes.
-
It's their socialisation that's lacking.
Our concern too. He's meant to be going to local academy next year, and he was going to get enhanced transition, so buggered if we know what is going to happen with that.
-
So we run enhanced transition for all our pupils transferring in from year 6. Last year that whole process was completely scuppered. For our new intake we managed to give a virtual tour of our unit and the main school. Regular online contact to introduce our staff. Then a phased start of term building to full time by half term... Some children may well be enjoying the lack of social pressure that being at home gives. Some of our cohort have to work really hard to be a part of social groups or even 1 to 1 relationships, it's like a 2nd curriculum of learning on top of everything else. So having a break from the school environment can be beneficial for well-being and academic learning. Although it is important to be able to function socially.
-
I mentioned that youngest two are “Children of the Corn”.
I’ve been meaning ask about this for years. When they actually get close too or touch corn, their eyes turn into matt black orbs of un-fathomable, demonic, depth.
Is this normal, or should we talk to an optometrist about it?
(https://i.ibb.co/3v6FbGB/4-BC0398-C-8586-4823-A96-D-B10-A96-A64013.jpg)
-
Sounds serious. Trip to Barnard Castle for that.
-
:lol: I feel for you Matt, send the back to school!
-
The BBC clearly think it's a cert that nurseries will close from the headline "Covid: How long will nurseries stay open?" :lol:
I wonder when the government's view will catch up with the journo's?
I'm doomed!
-
https://planetearth.imascientist.org.uk/parents-and-carers/
Worth a look maybe?
-
Rumours of primary parents to test their own kids before they go in...
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/parents-test-children-primary-covid-19623872
-
Well now this is interesting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has refused to approve the use of lateral flow tests in school.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/regulator-refuses-to-approve-mass-covid-testing-schools-in-england
The view against their use in this way is here: https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4848 Notable (for me) is the stat that
A false positive result occurred in two of 2981 PCR negative people—a specificity of 99.93% (99.76% to 99.99%). But lateral flow tests missed 23 of the 45 PCR positive participants, giving a sensitivity of 48.89% (33.70% to 64.23%).
I have had one of these. Had it been positive, I'd have taken that as gospel. I took the view that since negative is only marginally less accurate than tossing a coin if you are not displaying symptoms, it told me nothing. Continue to allow for the possibility you are infectious.
https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/01/12/covid-19-government-must-urgently-rethink-lateral-flow-test-roll-out/
More :devangel: https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n81
-
When No.2 Son (3 of 4), decides he’s going to “put a suit on”, to “go to work”, today.
(Yes, that’s his wedding suit, not uniform).
(https://i.ibb.co/MRSGFSP/7-C23-AAE4-33-EB-4827-B0-BA-491315960-AAA.jpg)
-
F me, but that kid’s on a roll today.
He’s just doing RE.
Class is asked to submit the first word that comes to mind, when they hear the word “God”.
Several answers, along the lines of “Kind”, “Allah”, “Good” and even “Shiva” (that sort of school).
Scroll down to his contribution.
“Genocide”.
You know that movie “The Accountant”?
I have concerns.
-
He's even wearing a Mormon Elder's traditional dress for door-to-door "sales".
-
He's even wearing a Mormon Elder's traditional dress for door-to-door "sales".
Indeed. Just needs a black backpack and a shiny name badge.
-
He's even wearing a Mormon Elder's traditional dress for door-to-door "sales".
Indeed. Just needs a black backpack and a shiny name badge.
Do Satanists go door to door?
-
Why don’t you ask them? They seem very reasonable tbh
https://twitter.com/ChurchofSatan