As more schools close due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, the government of New South Wales has announced more support for primary school students learning from home with the introduction of new guided learning packs.
In a statement, the state’s Department of Education said that the guided learning packs are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts to “ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents, and carers.”
“The packs are not mandatory but provide a great way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them,” the department said.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the packs can help teachers keep their students engaged and connected.
“The packs are easy to use and cover all the essentials for teachers and students,” said Mitchell. “They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.”
“All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.”
Mitchell said the department was also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
“Teachers are committed to providing the best possible learning from home experience for their students, and thousands of teachers have engaged with the available professional development resources and webinars,” said Mitchell. “Teachers have told us that the support has been incredibly useful, helping to guide their students while learning from home and providing additional support for parents and carers navigating online systems. I know that learning from home can be challenging, and I’m incredibly proud of the work our principals, teachers, school staff, and the department are doing to make this period as instructive, engaging, and supportive as possible.”