‘Don’t hit or shout at children’: Education ministry issues guidelines for parents

NEW DELHI: The education ministry has issued guidelines for parents to help children learn during school closure and home-based learning. The guidelines are meant to help parents provide a conducive learning environment. They encourage parents to not hit or shout at children if they don't do well, have realistic expectations and set up a routine. The guidelines are meant to help parents irrespective of their own literacy levels.

For the past one and half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have remained closed and teaching-learning has moved online with students attending classes from home.

Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ wrote on Twitter: “I strongly feel that a home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers. In this pandemic, the role of parent's is pivotal in the growth and learning of children.”

'Guidelines for parent participation in home-based learning during school closure & beyond' drafted for parents & caregivers to provide information on the 'Why', 'What' & 'How-to' of participation in supporting children during school closure, irrespective of literacy levels.(1/2) pic.twitter.com/CnHaPJsdAB

— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 19, 2021

The guidelines say: “It is understood that the role of parents and caregivers besides school. Teachers, community, and volunteers are pivotal in supporting Home-based learning for their children In view of this. Guidelines for Parent Participation in Home-based Learning during school closure and beyond have been developed In this 'new normal' of the pandemic.

It has stated that considering parents' role as pivotal to children's growth and learning, these guidelines aim to provide information on the 'why', 'what', and 'how-to' of participation and engagement in supporting children during the school closure irrespective of their literacy levels.

In the guidelines, the ministry has mentioned various principles which parents can adopt for continuity of learning and children’s well being at home. These are it main prescriptions for parents:

• Create a safe and engaging environment for children by having a daily routine.

• Create a positive learning environment and use positive language for communicating with children.

• Do not hit or shout at children if they misbehave, rather use positive disciplining by telling them about the consequences.

• It suggests improving relationships with children by playing with them.

• It suggests having realistic expectations from the child, praising them when they do well and encouraging them to take up new interests like reading, singing, dancing, drawing, making toys, etc.

• It suggests taking care of health and eating healthy food and encouraging children to do exercise and yoga.

The guidelines suggest parents become aware of the learning goals of their child and sit with the child to discuss what they are learning in school. It has also suggested to refer to PRAGYATA Guidelines and make children aware of privacy issues, cyberbullying, etc.

The guidelines are meant not only for parents but also for caregivers, other family members, grandparents, community members, older siblings who all are engaged in promoting the welfare of children.

The guidelines provide many simple tips for parents and other caregivers to facilitate children in home-based learning and in creating a safe, engaging and positive environment These suggestive activities are in accordance with the various stages of school education.

The education ministry has urged states and Union territories to disseminate the guidelines among the general public and also share various activities which can be conducted at home.

Write to us at news@careers360.com