When eLearning started in February, many YCIS Beijing parents were familiar with the method but did not expect it to last for long. From the start, parents have played an instrumental role in supporting our teachers and ensuring students have an effective online learning experience.

With the start of the new school year our leadership team and specialist teachers are gearing up for the first phase – a hybrid of face-to-face instruction and eLearning. To ensure success, Anna Zikou, Secondary EAL teacher and eLearning specialist, has compiled ways overseers can collaborate as the parent-teacher relationship is crucial.

Ms Zikou feels the creation of an effective relationship between parents and teachers involves better communication, consistency, and collaboration. “If parents don't know how their child is doing they may be less likely to get involved,”  she says.

The school will utilise all resources and communication channels in this endeavour. The IT department is always available to assist with any technical issues and assistance may be sought from your child's teachers.

With 1 September here, some students as yet overseas will need to continue with eLearning for now. As parents begin to think about ways to usefully participate, here are some strategies suggested by Anna Zikou:- Identify and set up a comfortable, quiet, work/study space in the home- Begin and end each day with a check on schoolwork

- Take an active role in helping your children process their learning- Always encourage physical activity- Encourage healthy eating habits

This will help students feel supported and excited about seLearning despite the distraction of knowing that some of their friends are already back on campus.

Along with parents playing their part, teachers and school resources are available to provide back-up, be it time or information.

“We intend to communicate when we will be posting new resources and lessons on learning platforms like Seesaw, Teams and Zoom”  says Ms Zikou, adding, teachers “will establish office hours when we are available to have a phone call or join a virtual session.”

The six months of virtual learning have already helped enhance knowledge of online platforms for both teachers and parents.

We look forward to learning together in an exciting collaboration.