Middle schoolers struggling with loss of routine during remote learning

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This article was published 27/03/2021 (1663 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Concerned about curriculum gaps, social isolation and irregular sleep, exercise and screen-time routines, families at École Charleswood School want their middle schoolers back in class full-time.

A delegation representing almost 100 parents brought forward this week both their problems with alternate-day remote learning for grades 7 and 8 and a list of solutions to the Pembina Trails School Division.

“Something needs to change, for sure, because I don’t think we’re meeting the needs of the students at all,” said Vicki Burgess, whose children are in Grade 5 and 7 at the dual-track school.

In late October, when public health officials downgraded schools to the restricted level (code orange), Pembina Trails announced grades 7 and 8 students would start learning at home every other day — if two metres of physical distancing was not possible.

Since then, Burgess said her oldest’s frustration and anxiety levels have risen while his motivation has dropped.

“Routine: getting up and going to school, being in class and getting instructed by a skilled teacher, having that opportunity to speak in French and ask questions in the moment and interact with his classmates — that’s what school is all about,” she said.

During a virtual board meeting late Thursday, parents told trustees and senior administrators their children are falling behind peers who attend in-person lessons daily.

Dr. Adena Madison, a parent and pediatrician, told the board it is an “unrealistic expectation” 12- and 13-year-olds can successfully navigate remote learning, citing their developmental stage.

“Many students are struggling to keep up, teachers are needing to repeat lessons — this is slowing the overall progress, and it is going to impact their learning this year and (in) future years,” said Madison, who presented alongside Dr. Kristen Pederson, a fellow parent and pediatrician.

Madison also raised concerns about students’ physical health, given the impact minimal structure and supervision under remote learning has had on sleeping, eating and exercise habits. In her private practice, she has observed an increase in obesity rates, as well as anxiety and aggression in children over the last year.

On home learning days, Kim Renouf said her 12-year-old has a five-minute morning check-in with his teacher and is then assigned independent work until another brief afternoon meeting.

“He’s legally allowed to stay at home by himself, but he is in no way prepared or capable of managing a school day,” said Renouf, who has been juggling remote work with helping her youngest do schoolwork.

When she can’t supervise, Renouf said her son often sneaks back to bed or plays on his iPad or Xbox.

The mother of three added she recognizes teachers are trying their best during difficult circumstances, but it’s impossible they could be anywhere close to covering the curriculum they usually would throughout a school year.

The group of parents has asked the division consider converting the gymnasium into temporary classrooms or seek out space to hold in-person lessons at a nearby community centre, curling club or church.

If remote learning must continue, the families have suggested it become synchronous, administrators promote remote study buddies, and in-person lessons focus on core subjects, among other ideas. They want the school to survey parents and teachers to determine next steps.

“Throughout this ongoing pandemic, Pembina Trails School Division has been committed to re-evaluating and evolving our programs and responses to support students,” division spokeswoman Stacey Ashley said in a statement to the Free Press.

The board is expected to discuss the matter at the next board meeting April 8.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie