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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why schools are saying they’re not allowed to do live lessons

752 replies

Plinkplonkplank · 07/06/2020 09:39

Because they’ve just started doing them at my ds’s state secondary. We had to fill in an online permission form. So it is possible after all.

OP posts:
Sittingontheveranda · 09/06/2020 21:03

And Smike!

LolaSmiles · 09/06/2020 21:17

Sittingontheveranda
Someone's already posted the national curriculum link, but if you're worried in September then there's a lot of friendly faces happy to help out on the education boards. AIBU tends to bring out the goady posters more frequently.

Something to be aware of is that schools will teach topics in a different order, so one year group might study rivers in term 1 of year 3 but another wouldn't until later/earlier. Not all primary schools will teach the same topics so beyond Maths/English, you might find some of the posters on the home education boards have useful insights in developing the broader history/geography/RE/art/music subjects in a way that interests your child.

Sittingontheveranda · 09/06/2020 21:36

LolaSmiles

Thank you
I will concentrate on English and maths anyway. I find it hard to teach two children at two very different levels esp when the younger one needs one to one every five minutes!

canigooutyet · 09/06/2020 21:57

Twinkl can also be useful for resources and ideas along with Oak park I think it’s called.

And yes anyone doing this should consider the schools do the curriculum differently. To complete this year I used the NC and crossed it with work already done. School were busy elsewhere.

One of the difficulties I have with GCSE years as a parent is that the exams are worded in particular ways. This was something I did and still do get as much guidance as I possibly can. I’ve ordered previous tests to help me understand what the examiners want. It’s so easy to screw up accidentally just like it was back with the phonics.

My teen has calmed down and realised his life isn’t over because home Ed. He said he will study for those he doesn’t need specialist equipment for and deal with those when he can.

Probably change his mind tomorrow and we will be back to I’m doomed why should? Lool

bstokegirl · 09/06/2020 22:33

@TheWashingMachine

If teachers are being paid they should get on with it. I think one of the major issues is the unions.
Lots of teachers have small children at home and no childcare. How are they supposed to teach live lessons in that setting? The fear of being turned into a meme is real. And actually, many schools don't even let teachers take books home to mark now due to GDPR and safeguarding. So why would allowing students into (in my case) a bedroom, be ok? Not defensive, damn angry
LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 22:45

Lots of teachers have small children at home and no childcare. How are they supposed to teach live lessons in that setting?

In every other sector this seems to be the parents problem to solve.

Hercwasonaroll · 09/06/2020 22:52

In every other sector this seems to be the parents problem to solve.

You've obviously not seen the hundreds of threads on here from people in all sectors struggling with pre schoolers at home whilst trying to video call. Some sectors have furloughed staff due to lack of childcare, some are accepting work done at irregular hours. How can I magic up childcare for my 3yo and 6mo? They used to have a combination of grandparents and nursery. Nursery is shut and grandparents banned from childcare at the moment. I am certainly not alone.

If you have a solution please tell me.

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 22:58

You've obviously not seen the hundreds of threads on here from people in all sectors struggling with pre schoolers at home whilst trying to video call.

I have. I’ve been on them. This is my life.

I don’t have a solution, it’s absolutely shit. But in other sectors, if furlough isn’t an option, you get on with it or you’re out.

Hercwasonaroll · 09/06/2020 23:03

Most teachers are getting on with it and trying their best.

Getting in with it doesn't require live lessons. I can't teach with a 3yo and 6mo in the background and there's no evidence to suggest that online live teaching is any better.

How do you do 5 hours of live video calls a day with 2 pre schoolers then?

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:07

How do you do 5 hours of live video calls a day with 2 pre schoolers then?

Shitloads of TV. Bribery. Far too many snacks. Coveted toys brought out in emergencies. Did I mention TV?

canigooutyet · 09/06/2020 23:11

And the online lessons would mean the kids are glued to a screen all day.

Or do the health issues only matter when it involves playing for hours on the ps4/Xbox?

Primary school age cannot remember if it’s 20 minutes a day or an hour.

ITonyah · 09/06/2020 23:13

And the online lessons would mean the kids are glued to a screen all day

They are definitely very tiring although dd has a long lunch break.

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:14

And the online lessons would mean the kids are glued to a screen all day.

Well surely getting some semblance of an education while they do so is preferable to just watching tv/playing video games?

Not that I think full time live teaching is the be all and end all, but I do think it should have some role.

Hercwasonaroll · 09/06/2020 23:15

TV would work for 3yo for an hour.

6mo less so.... Currently still BFing too.

Sorry you are having a shit time. But bashing teachers for not doing live lessons isn't great. There are lots of reasons why they aren't ideal, for staff and students. Some schools have been crap. Many haven't. Many teachers have had to retrain overnight. I love being in the classroom, I wish I was back with the students. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

However I am not doing 5 hours a day of live lessons, which would be watched by approximately 4 students*, to satisfy teacher bashers on MN.

*our schools 'tune in' rate per lesson. Pre recorded lessons get 20+ views.

Hercwasonaroll · 09/06/2020 23:17

I also want to meet pre schoolers that would remain quiet for 5 hours a day with TV and toys.

Mine get bored!!

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:19

Sorry you are having a shit time. But bashing teachers for not doing live lessons isn't great

I don’t think it’s ‘bashing’ teachers to point out that in other jobs ‘i can’t because I have kids’ isn’t an option for people.

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:20

Mine get bored!!

Oh I’m not saying it’s easy or even works. We’re all constantly on edge trying to pull it off.

TriangularRatbag · 09/06/2020 23:22

Many many reasons against it. Safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, human rights, fire regulations, data protection, national security, etc

ITonyah · 09/06/2020 23:24

Many many reasons against it. Safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, human rights, fire regulations, data protection, national security, etc

Human rights? National security? Really? How come private schools don't have those concerns?

Hercwasonaroll · 09/06/2020 23:25

Most people in other sectors with kids are having a much easier time. They are flexing hours and the people without children are taking the video call stuff.

What sector are you in?

Live lessons aren't just a no 'because I have kids'. They are a no because :
I have kids
Students don't have access to devices at a set time.
Pre recorded lessons can be accessed at any time.
There is no evidence they are better than a pre recorded lesson.
The most important thing in students learning is them getting feedback. If students aren't getting feedback on their work, by all means contact the school.

Bflatmajorsharp · 09/06/2020 23:30

LaurieMarlow

Not many 6 month old babies are into TV. They don't really get bribery. Snacks tend to be under the t-shirt of the person trying to work or necessitate this person making up a bottle. They've not been on the planet long enough to covet toys.

Sorry not to have more of a 'can do' attitude about it all.

Has it occurred to you that lessons also require planning and marking in addition to actually teaching them (that's often the quickest bit)?

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:31

Most people in other sectors with kids are having a much easier time. They are flexing hours and the people without children are taking the video call stuff.

That’s not at all accurate I’m afraid. Haven’t you seen the many threads where those without children have been arguing that they can’t be expected to pick up the slack of those who have and they can either figure it out or take unpaid leave?

I work in consulting. So I’m in meetings, presentations, interviews a large chunk of the day.

Lots of people are in similar positions. Medical types doing virtual consultations. Lawyers. Some corporate types spend their whole day in meetings. It’s widespread

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:33

Has it occurred to you that lessons also require planning and marking in addition to actually teaching them (that's often the quickest bit)?

Well if course it does, so does everyone else’s presentations / meetings.

In fact I’m supposed to be preparing mine now for tomorrow. I shouldn’t be getting distracted on here.

I get that babies are difficult. Six months, that’s a short mat leave.

Bflatmajorsharp · 09/06/2020 23:34

LaurieMarlow well, why are they all working at home if it's perfectly safe to go to work?

It's allowed to have nannies, use childminders or a nursery.

LaurieMarlow · 09/06/2020 23:35

Human rights? National security? Really?

I was most puzzled by fire regulations.

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