The coronavirus pandemic has put the whole world in lockdown mode. With schools shut, it is a challenge for students to stay indoors and keep themselves occupied at the same time. Parents are having a tough time too as they are at a loss to understand how their children can make use of this time in a productive manner.
These are some suggestions given by Philo Benjamin, a former Principal of St. Columbans A.I. Higher Secondary School, George Town, Chennai.
- Students can spend time reading books and novels to improve their general knowledge and language skills.
- They can get involved in extra curricular activities like painting, drawing, singing, dancing and maybe even get some music lessons online.
- Girls can make use of this time to learn cooking, embroidery, knitting, crochet etc from the elders in the family.
- They can keep their minds sharp by working on mental activities like quiz or crossword puzzles
- They can improve their computer skills.
- They can try out some hobbies like gardening and do some physical exercises.
- They can watch some good movies to kill boredom.
- They can also pray, spend time with God, read the scriptures and even do a bit of meditation.
She says that by engaging in all these activities, they can try to lead a disciplined life and avoid being idle as the saying goes ‘’ An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’’.
Suneera Samuel who is the Principal of C.S.I. Ewart Mat. Higher Secondary School at Annanagar feels that this Covid -19 Pandemic came like a bolt from the blue. She is happy that Class 12 exams have been completed but is worried as the exams for Class 10 and 11 are yet to be completed.
According to her, many parents are concerned that their kids are getting addicted to mobile phones and the television. This may have a psychological impact on them. The schools on their part are sending worksheets in the core subjects to the students on a regular basis on Whatsapp. Some schools are also conducting online classes. Students are encouraged to do a lot of reading and DIY craft activities. In fact the teachers of her school are sending meticulously planned stay at home selfie contests to the students. They have even planned out some virtual vacation activities. Suneera says that there has been great response from both students and parents for all these initiatives taken by her school. She is hopeful that this bleak and unpredictable lockdown period will end soon and with blessings of God, we will start afresh with a cleaner, greener, less polluted environment.
