New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for parents to help children who have remained confined to their homes for long periods of time during school closure. The guidelines have been drafted to provide information on various aspects of their participation and their role in supporting children during school closure.

“It is understood that the role of parents and caregivers besides school teachers, community and volunteers is 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,” the official release said.

Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ took to Twitter and said: “I strongly feel that a home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. In this pandemic, the role of parents is pivotal in the growth and learning of children.”

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 the literacy levels of parents and caregivers.

The guidelines provide simple tips and suggestive activities in accordance with the various stages of school education — Foundation stage (age 3-8 years), preparatory stage (age 8-11 years); middle stage (age 11-14 years); and secondary stage from adolescent to adult age (age 14-18 years).

Separate sections have been given on using art as a therapy for children under stress or trauma, assessments, parent partnership and supporting parents with low literacy levels and children with special needs as well as the role of schools and teachers in facilitating home-based learning.

The guidelines lay significance on improving children’s learning by monitoring and addressing their learning gaps.

The guidelines also advise the schools to involve parents by providing information and ideas on helping students at home with homework and other curriculum-related activities, decisions, and planning, and involving them in school decisions. Resources like sending newsletters, emails, memos, etc. will be provided to parents.

Resources have been made available for children with special needs which may be explored by the parents. They can approach teachers for guidance in this regard. There are other agencies, and organizations that provide facilitates information about such avenues that could be sought from SMCs/Gram Panchayat, school administrators etc.