Helping children catch up with the learning backlog

PW invited parents of Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana to share their insights on how they are helping their children cope with learning the backlog in the new academic year

“I must first thank my daughter Aiman’s class XII teachers who have worked very hard continuously innovating new learning methodologies and making students and parents’ lives much easier. Despite this, it has been quite a parenting challenge to ensure Aiman is up-to-date in her academic work and projects. I have invested substantial time to supervise her academics, monitor her assignments and syllabus status, kept pace with changing exam patterns, and calmed her nerves by frequently interacting with her and directing her mind towards meaningful things in life.” — Dipti Jain, homemaker

“Navigating school closures, studying remotely and physical distancing never seemed like a real challenge since last March as much as it is now as we grapple with the understanding virus variants and vaccines, as my 17-year-old daughter Gopika heads back to school. In my opinion, accelerated force in the right directions can bring our children out of their slothful routines towards a normal school experience. Lack of direction rather than lack of time, is the problem we are confronted with now. But even beyond school, I believe instilling organisation skills and focus will help our children get through.” — Ripan Makhija, homemaker

“The dynamics of education post-Covid has driven all children, including my daughter Tahira Grewal (class XII), to make continuous adjustments in life. At home, we have supported her by maintaining a positive environment, involving ourselves in her progress through high school, and advising her to remain focused by setting small goals. Her school has been her other pillar of support with teachers being sensitive and patient to her needs. They have worked through the pandemic not only to cover the syllabus but also to prepare children for any change in curriculum. Her learning experiences have made her future-ready.” — Tani Sidhu, educator, Little Kingdom Nursery School, Ghaziabad

“The academic year 2020-21 can best be defined by its trials and tribulations. For my daughter Tamanna (class XII), time management has been the biggest lesson while learning-from-home. Currently it’s all about managing new routines — social distancing, masking, hand-washing — which are time consuming in school days. Teachers are trying to prioritise their own and children’s safety, which is reassuring. They are also helping students cope with psycho-social and emotional challenges. Moreover, they are providing learning material for students to take home and carry on learning which has helped them cope with academic backlog.” — Mannat Kothari, homemaker