Tina Said:

What are the basic principles of teaching and learning?

We Answered:

ok this is a massive question, and I think maybe it's not the question you need to be asking.

Firstly, your kids need emotional support to help them adjust to all that's been going on in their lives, and the transition - what an incredible list of stressors they've had to cope with. That should probably include counselling. this is probably available through the school, although it might be quicker to pay someone privately. When they're happier, they'll be able to take things in better. Nobody learns well when they're stressed out and at a low ebb. Even listening skills are affected directly by stress - this might be why they're not picking up on the homework details. So that's gonna take some time to improve.

You must talk to the school principal - you need to make it clear to him/her the difficulties your kids have been through, and that you as a family are committed to your kids' educational success, and that you are ready and willing to work at it - this is very heartening for teachers to hear, as so many parents just aren't interested. The principal will then be in a position to speak to the other teachers involved and ask them to put in a bit more effort to support your kids. Concrete support like checking if they've understood the homework requirements, and emotional support like asking them if they're doing ok. Your kids must feel like nobody in this new school is on their side at all. How sad for them.

In concrete terms, some suggestions would be to involve your kids in activities outside school that they enjoy so they can make some new friends - this too will provide emotional support.

are there any parents groups you can join, to get some support yourself?