Shanghai students to get extra homework as semester postponed

Shanghai Education Commission is preparing extra winter homework material for students now that the new semester has been postponed indefinitely, Lu Jing, the commission director, told a news conference on Thursday.

Schools in Shanghai were scheduled to start the spring semester on February 17, but the city government told them on Wednesday to remain closed until at least the end of the month in light of developments in the epidemic situation. A new start date has not been announced.

“To meet the demands for studying from primary and middle school students during the extended winter vacation, we are compiling an added edition to ‘Winter Vacation Life’ (winter vacation homework for students in Shanghai),” said Lu. “It will be delivered online by schools to every student in the middle of February.”

According to Lu, the added edition includes supplementary practices for each discipline, a list of recommended books and guidance for students to do housework and indoor physical exercises at home. There will be a special section for students to learn about the novel coronavirus outbreak, prevention measures and tips to develop good hygienic habits and mental health.

“For example, in the version for first graders, there will be photos and basic knowledge about the novel coronavirus,” he said. “They will be encouraged to make up songs about how to wash their hands correctly in six steps. They will also be asked to think about what they should do besides wearing masks and avoiding crowds. In the version for eighth graders, we have prepared photos and texts to guide students to do plank exercises at home.”

Lu added that high schools will also provide students with new study materials and homework.

Lu also said that all schools are making preparations to offer online teaching.

In Minhang District, the Minhang Institute of Education has prepared two weeks of regular school classes for primary and secondary students, said institute director Zhu Jing.

"We estimated the new semester might be postponed and started working on January 28," said Zhu. "About 2,000 teachers have joined in preparation, shooting and editing. We have produced 660 classes, covering all courses in school, and will open them free to students on our online class website and other platforms."

Zhu said the classes will be ready this week and will be assessed and put online before the end of February.

Ti Gong