The return of school this week after an extended term one break was supposed to restore some routine and semblance of normality for children. But with the state government advising children should learn online for term two if they can as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, education has taken on a vastly different look.
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While teachers are still working, most from home, parents are being thrust into the role of teachers. It's not what anyone expected when the new school year started a couple of months ago. But as our political leaders have said, we don't want 2020 to be a wasted year for our young people.
The lockdown restrictions have made it easier for students of all ages to focus on education. There are no sporting commitments, social functions and overseas holidays to distract them from learning.
Instead of senior school students worrying about impacts on VCE results, they could make the most of situation and concentrate on studies.
Adding teaching to the list of daily tasks for those working from home is burdensome. Absolutely it's hard to juggle work and teaching responsibilities especially with primary school children needing direction, support and supervision.
But again this term could represent a golden opportunity. It could be a chance for parents to strengthen bonds with their children. Students may form greater respect for their parents. Just ask Woodford's Peter and Elizabeth Lim, who are, and have, home-schooled 10 children. They are planning on doing the same for an 11th in the future.
"If you see this time as a time to build those relationships, the education of the children just happens naturally," Mr Lim told us this week. Mr Lim said for his family there was an underpinning feeling that "life is a classroom and we journey in life together". "That's pretty important, it's not that we are teachers, it is that we facilitate the learning," he said.
The switch to home-schooling is not easy but it could be rewarding. And when restrictions are lifted later in the year, maybe we will all have a greater appreciation of teachers.
