Learning in lockdown
Assembling bicycles, skipping rope challenges, turning dining rooms into mini sporting arenas … Trinity students and their families have been adapting to the challenges of lockdown and remote learning in typically positive style.
They’ve also been making the most of something that in normal times can be in short supply – each other’s company, as indicated by these reports.
Year 10 mum Virginia Valiozis told how her son James managed to assemble his own bicycle at home despite, rather than because of, the manufacturer’s instructions.
“Having exchanged his Trinity school uniform for a more relaxed looking oodie-form, James used his problem solving skills to decipher the not so clearly written instructions.
“Parts were laid out and checked for missing components. Tools and equipment needed to assemble the bike were carefully selected and neatly laid out.”
Though he felt like swapping the instructions for less conventional help such as a rabbit’s foot and healing crystals, the bike was eventually completed.
“Final inspection took place to ensure student expectations were met and the bicycle was roadworthy,” she reported.
“Assessment competency included third-party certification (by way of an older sister) to ensure the bike had been built to specifications.
“It was then taken out into the local area for testing.
“This authentic learning experience challenged our expectations that learning can only take place inside the classroom. It taught us that learning can also occur through experience – by doing, rather than by listening or observing.
“Every day, in both our personal and professional lives, we come up against unfamiliar situations in which we have to solve problems, adapt our behaviours and make decisions.
“We were heartened to witness our son discover his capabilities through doing – a habit that will hopefully stay with him for life.
“Learning beyond the classroom is possible for our students if we continue to encourage them to learn through authentic, real life experiences. This practice of focusing on the good in any given situation helps to rewire our brain and avoid the negative feelings associated with lockdown fatigue.”
Year 2 Prep school mum Nivey Govender said her son had been having fun with the Jump Rope for Heart challenge.
“Some wins we’ve had are:
– spending quality time with each other (in particular with siblings without distractions);
-creating things in Unit of Inquiry that spark curiosity and create joy;
-learning how to navigate different systems and understanding the value in them.
“Thanks for being a wonderfully nurturing and supportive school and giving us amazing staff to interact with, we are most appreciative.”
Another Trinity mum, Sarah Buultjens, reported a plus from repurposing part of the family home.
“Our family has been playing table tennis on the dining room table during breaks. It’s been fun!
“Thanks for your encouragement.”
For the Junior School’s 6J, they shared in the excitement of Olympics watching Ariane Titmus win gold.
The AHL library team also jumped into remote learning encouragement, from shared story time, encouraging our Kindergarten readers, and even setting up personalised Spotify playlists for our staff too. We look forward to sharing more of your stories next week. Don’t forget you can email them to us via TRLnews@trinity.nsw.edu.au
