Beating boredom with online education
In these days of lockdown, it can be a headache for parents to keep children occupied due to the need to stay indoors for long periods. Children aren’t able to go outside and play with their friends so boredom can become a powerful adversary.
There are multiple online resources that are both entertaining, educational or both.
Topmarks is a website that gives children the opportunity to learn online, through safe, fun and engaging games and activities. The website states it features educationally sound online resources and is a safe environment for children because they include trustworthy, reliable educational content. It can be accessed at www.topmarks.co.uk
Nessy.com is another educational resource that has won awards for its achievements in helping children read, write and spell in a fun way. The OxfordOwl website provides free eBooks at home.oxfordowl.co.uk for children to choose from. There are plenty of other resources out there, but these are certainly a good place to start.
UL to study effects of ‘lockdown life’
The idea that ‘lockdown life’ has led to major disruptions to people’s lives and threatens wellbeing, has prompted researchers at the University of Limerick (UL) to research its effects.
A team of experts will explore how children, teenagers and their families are coping during the health crisis.
The study, entitled Co-SPACE (Covid-19 Supporting Parents, Adolescents and Children during Epidemics), will focus on those aged 4-18 and their families.
The researchers aim to track children and young people’s mental health throughout the crisis to identify what advice, support and help can protect mental health.
Dr Jennifer McMahon, lecturer in Psychology of Education at UL, said: “Anecdotal reports suggest that many families and students are struggling with the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 and while general mental health supports are available there is a distinct lack of information about what type of supports could be most effective in the context of Covid-19.”
Keep children active during restrictions says study
Parents should ensure that physical activity is part of the routine for children and families during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to an international study involving the University of Strathclyde.
The study covers 15 nations and found that time spent in places such as parks, beaches and community gardens reduced by nearly a third between February 23 – before the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic – and 5 April.
The researchers make a number of recommendations to families, health professionals, teachers and policy-makers on promoting healthy activity, including taking the opportunity to go outdoors, while observing distancing regulations, incorporating physical activity into children’s daily routines – supported by use of electronic media – and breaking up extended sedentary periods every 30 to 60 minutes, keeping children’s bedtime and rising time consistent and making sure screens are out of the rooms where they sleep.