Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our youth have been shuffled back and forth from in-class to online learning. Some of them seem to really enjoy doing their school work online and some aren’t a fan.
When I set out to interview this set of students, my plan was to take all of their feedback and put it all into one video. However, each of these students taught me something and I couldn’t possibly condense their thoughts into one interview.
Elyse – Grade 1
Elyse is a grade 1 student from West Nipissing, Ontario. Where Elyse lives, it’s predominately francophone and French is her 1st language. Although she doesn’t love online learning, she’s adapted well. It’s difficult to not be able to see her friends, but FaceTime has been a huge help to keep in touch. She also has a farm with lots of animals to help keep her busy!
Sydney – Grade 11
Sydney is a grade 11 student from Peterborough, Ontario. She was very honest with me about her learning differences. Although she learns differently than her peers, she’s enjoyed online learning because it allows her to move at her own pace. Throughout her years in school, she’s learned what strategies work for her. Sydney also mentioned that the teachers and support staff have been great to work with as far as learning accommodations. However, she’s definitely missing her friends and the high school experience.
Hope – Grade 8
Hope is a grade 8 student from Metcalfe, Ontario. If you’re looking for a student who perseveres, this interview proved it to be Hope. After shooting an entire interview and realizing the sound wasn’t the best, she spent almost an hour down at the barn trying to reconnect with me. Aside from the technical difficulties, I learned a lot about Hope. Online learning has allowed her more time outdoors and working at the farm – this has been great for her mental health. However, she prefers being at school. She finds it easier to learn, doesn’t have internet problems and gets to spend time with her friends.
Mikayla – Grade 12
Mikayla is a grade 12 student from Norwood, Ontario. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Mikayla has been able to have a semi-normal year. Mikayla is enrolled in the Youth Leadership Sustainability Program (YLS). Through this program students have been learning about leadership, advocacy and the environment. Because the students enrolled in this course are in the same cohort, they’re able to follow a regular semester system. Not only has this program been great for student’s mental health, it’s great for the environment too.
Thank you so much JJ Stewart Motors for sponsoring me and allowing me to share these stories. Be sure to visit them on your way into Norwood on Highway 7 and tell them Michelle sent you!
If you need some tips and tricks for homeschooling during the pandemic, click HERE!
