In this era, there has been a noticeable increase in the adoption of remote and varied learning methods. These methods are considered more adaptable than conventional in-person education.
Currently, the Department of Education has temporarily suspended physical classes due to the extreme temperatures and heat waves we are suffering and implementing blended and distance learning for children from public and private schools. This situation makes it essential to explore alternative avenues for educational delivery. It is crucial to address how educational activities can be effectively carried out in shelters to ensure that children continue to receive quality learning experiences.
During the week-long duration of their stay at the shelter, a structured routine has been implemented to ensure that the children maintain their educational progress and engagement. Customized schedules have been devised for each child, outlining designated times for completing their academic modules and participating in various activities assigned by their teachers. By adhering to these schedules, the children can effectively balance their learning commitments with recreational pursuits, fostering a sense of normalcy and intellectual development despite their temporary residence in the shelter. The structured framework not only aids in the continuity of their education but also serves to uphold a sense of routine and stability during this period of transition and adjustment.
The daily routine of these children is carefully structured to make sue a productive and fulfilling day. Their morning begins promptly at 6:30 am with the gentle call of wake-up time, signaling the start of personal devotions and the refreshing ritual of washing up. By 7:30 am, the household comes alive with the clinking of breakfast dishes and the hum of activity as they tackle their chores, dutifully washing dishes and ensuring everything is sterilized to perfection.
The clock strikes 8:15 am, ushering in the time for group devotions where they gather to start the day on a spiritually uplifting note. From 9:00 to 11:30 am, the children immerse themselves in modules and activities carefully curated by their teachers. As they attend a private school, communication with their teachers is paramount, ensuring that the day’s tasks are aligned with the curriculum and any specific pages that need to be completed are diligently addressed.
As previously discussed, our educational program is designed to accommodate students across a wide range of grade levels, from first grade to twelfth grade. This diversity necessitates a focused approach to teaching, where I will primarily engage with the high school students while the elementary students will play a collaborative role as my co-teachers. It is crucial that we create a structured environment that separates these age groups effectively to minimize distractions and enhance the learning experience for all involved. By dividing the students according to their grade levels, we can ensure a more conducive and productive educational setting.
On the first day of the educational program, the children displayed an admirable level of commitment and industry in completing the modules designated for them. Their collective efforts in working together not only eased the teaching process but also facilitated the effective delivery of vital educational content on various essential topics.
However, there was a noticeable trend among certain high school students who exhibited a tendency to hastily tackle the assigned activities without fully absorbing the accompanying material. This rushed approach gave rise to concerns regarding their depth of understanding and their capability to articulate the learned concepts adequately when prompted for further elaboration.
Their failure to engage comprehensively with the subject matter poses a risk that they might struggle to grasp the fundamental principles being imparted, thereby impeding their overall academic progress and intellectual development. Notably, a tenth-grade student encountered challenges while working on her Language Arts module focused on "Subordinating Clause; Adjective and Adverb." When she candidly revealed her unfamiliarity with the topic, it became apparent that her knowledge of English language concepts was somewhat limited. Upon further inquiry about adverbs and adjectives, she struggled to provide accurate definitions, shedding light on the impact of past traumas and experiences of violence that had negatively influenced her learning process.
As distance learning persists, it serves as a revelation of the myriad possibilities that lie ahead when we transition to homeschooling for the upcoming school year within the confines of our shelter. This situation prompts me to proactively devise and organize various engaging activities for the children, ensuring that they remain motivated and stimulated while confined within the limited space of our shelter. Furthermore, this shift to homeschooling enables us to discern and address any underlying behavioral or attitudinal issues in the children promptly, thus fostering a more conducive learning environment and overall growth and development.
That concludes today's blog post. I hope that you have gained valuable insights from the information shared. Stay tuned for my upcoming blog entries, where I will continue to provide you with engaging content and useful knowledge. Thank you for reading.