Tip #1: Talk to their school or ELC setting
Tip #1: Talk to their school or ELC setting
Even though they’re closed at the moment, your child’s school is still there to help you. Schools and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings are working hard to get information to you but if you haven’t received anything yet, don’t be afraid to contact them. They will be best placed to tell you about the different resources and support that may be available to you. Remember also that these details may be available on the school’s or your local authority’s website.
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Tip #2: Establish a routine
Tip #2: Establish a routine
Although it’s hard to recreate the routine that they will be used to at school or at their ELC setting, structure can be really helpful. You might find it helpful to make a rough plan that includes some time for learning, lots of breaks and other activities each day. However, there’s no magical system that will work for every family, so try different options to find one that works for yours.
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Tip #3: Mix it up
Tip #3: Mix it up
Try to remember that almost everything you do with your child throughout the day will be a learning experience for them. You could ask them to help measure ingredients for baking or cooking, or with gardening or other tasks around the home. This will also have the added benefit of providing you with some help around the house.
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Tip #4: Take lots of breaks
Tip #4: Take lots of breaks
This is a difficult time, and there will be times when you or your child will find the situation a little too much. When this happens, try to take a break and do a fun activity. Taking lots of breaks filled with activities you know your kid will enjoy can help make all the difference.
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Tip #5: Talk to them
Tip #5: Talk to them
Sometimes, the best way to know what to do is just to talk to your child about their experience. If you can, try to ask them what types of activities they are enjoying, or not enjoying and work with them to make the experience more enjoyable – for both of you.
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Resources and support
The great news is that, even in this difficult time, there are lots of great resources and support out there to help make this time a little easier for you and your family. We’ve included some links to organisations who specialise in helping families who have children with additional support needs.
- CALL Scotland provides information and resources to help children and young people to overcome barriers to learning.
- CEN provides a range of educational resources and materials here.
- Autism – Visit The Autism Toolbox for support and resources or download free guides here or the School Closures Toolkit. And remember you can contact The Scottish Autism Helpline on 01259 222 022 for further advice and support.
- Dyslexia – Dyslexia Scotland offers advice for parents and young people – you can download leaflets on a range of topics here. This video made by one of Dyslexia Scotland’s Young Ambassadors has some useful tips for young people on studying at home, and you can find advice for parents on exams here. Their Dyslexia Unwrapped website offers information and support for young people aged 8 to 18+, including advice on studying. You can also call the Dyslexia Scotland helpline on 0344 800 84 84.
- Visual Impairment – Visit here for a wide range of ideas and resources.
- Sensory Behaviour – Find help on how to deal with challenging sensory behaviour here.
- Speech and Language support – you can find support and resources here.
- Reach has information aimed at supporting children and young people during the school closures.
- Flamingo Chicks is offering free accessible dance classes to keep disabled children moving during lockdown. Linked to the national curriculum, the classes are Makaton signed and with adaptations throughout and include ways you can support for children with limited mobility and translate different movements.
Free materials – books, apps and guides
If you are looking for some helpful materials to help you navigate this difficult period then we’ve added a few links below that might be able to help. These include free books and guides for you and your family.
- Click here to get text books online for free
- Click here for visual aids to help your child understand coronavirus
- A range of Wigit symbols are to provide symbolised up to date news stories, resources which support some school topics/and also stories and recipes
- For signed resources visit here.
- Dekko educational comic books are aimed at 8-12-year-olds and teach subjects like Maths, English, French, Biology, History and Geography through funny, colourful narratives. They were created by a young Scottish illustrator who struggled with dyslexia himself at school and developed this method of learning to help other struggling readers.
When are schools reopening?
Schools are set to reopen in August. However, things won’t be the same as they were before the coronavirus outbreak – schools will be making changes to ensure that everyone stays safe. You can find out more on our back to school FAQ page here.