by Melanie Lennon
Families and students everywhere have been impacted by COVID-19. From prom cancellations and graduation postponements to learning how to transition to online classes – the changes are definitely taking their toll.
On April 6, online classes began for elementary students across Ontario, Canada. This change has taken a lot of getting used to and the Zack family in Ajax, Ont. is still coming to grips with the new approach.
Grade 5 student, Jacques Zack and his father, Malcolm, are taking things one day at a time.
Do you know why schools have closed?
Jacques: Schools closed for COVID-19 because it’s spreading. It started in China and now other people brought it back and they went into a lockdown…Everybody’s staying home to stop the spread.
How do you feel about school moving online?
Jacques: I like it better in school. Online is still good, I learn lots of things. But I’d like to go back to school.
What are you missing most about school?
Jacques: My friends and my teacher.
How are you doing your schoolwork at home?
Jacques: I do [work] from 9-3:30 p.m. We do a regular school day like we were at school. We do math, French, science. We do Google Classroom and Gmail and use math sites.
Besides your schoolwork, what are you doing to stay busy?
Jacques: Reading. I play with my sister, we go out and go on our scooters. We go outside biking. I play a bit of video games and that’s it.
And Malcolm, what do you do for work?
Malcolm: I’m an engineer.
How has it been working from home with the kids home as well?
Malcolm: It's been a bit more difficult because we're trying to still work at the same time as helping the kids out with their schoolwork. So, running around a bit more than usual and the fact that they're home always distracts you.
Have you been able to find that balance between work and parenting at home?
Malcolm: It's been getting better as the kids know what to do on a daily basis with the homeschool schedule. We don't have to be involved as much, and I can then do my work without as many disturbances.
What are the biggest challenges that have presented themselves lately?
Malcolm: Just keeping everyone busy. Socially, not being able to do as many fun things with the family and with friends, as well as keeping everybody’s spirits up.
Have there been any positives that have resulted from being at home?
Malcolm: Yes! Our opportunity to spend more time together as a family and focusing on simpler things. Staying at home more and not being as occupied and busy throughout the weekdays.
How do you make sure the kids stay on track while they’re doing their schoolwork?
Malcolm: Our kids are pretty well disciplined. They understand that if it gets done in the morning, as the day progresses, the schoolwork lessens and then they have gym in the afternoon and then they get this free time for themselves. So, they really enjoy the structure.
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