COVID-19 Crisis: Preschool Tackles Virtual Learning For Kids Under 5

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has created immediate and unprecedented challenges in the field of education. As of 31st March, 185 countries around the globe have implemented/announced the closure of Preschools, Schools and Universities. Nearly 1.5 billion children and youth have been impacted by the crisis. In India, schools were among the first of many organizations which started shutting down as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. The young minds i.e. kids under 5 years of age have been also part of this new world which we are living in of uncertainty with this coronavirus. The concept of education changed even for Preschools overnight and in these times of crisis, digital learning has emerged as an indispensable resource for education even for the kids of this tender age. 

Digital technology for Preschools too has made the educators/teachers go beyond their creativity for remote learning opportunities for kids to create intriguing (virtual) experiences. Virtual classes have made Preschool kids meet and interact with their teachers and friends which add a lot of enthusiasm in them. We at Petals have also shifted to the virtual classroom for our students. Curriculum shift has new goals and anticipation behind. However, there are a lot of motor development and skill development activities which can no more be the way how it uses to be earlier in classrooms. Teachers are no longer physically available there to applesauce with the students during circle time and to guide them hands teaching scissor skills. Parents are also sailing in the same boat and working from home with children at the same time. Hence, with the introduction of online classes, children are interacting with friends and teacher easily. 

The preschool teacher is no longer physically available there to applesauce with the students during circle time and to guide them hands teaching scissor skills. Parents are also working from home and helping their children at the same time. Hence, the progress of every student will look different. 

Where we see the world changing for kids and parents; the major drift is for teachers. Long working hours every day, keeping the students active, focused, motivated, engaged, and connected in what has been the major focus to achieve the curriculum goals set across. None of this is achievable without the hardworking parents who are working along with their kids to ensure that even in this crisis, the kids' development should not suffer. 

Children under the age group of 5, they are empathetic towards anything which pulls their attention a lot like TV computer, Mobile phones etc. Hence, it should be ensured that the screen time isn't over an hour considering their health condition, that's why we have arranged our meeting for 40-45 minutes. 

The schools are not only dealing with the academics but they are also supporting the students in other important aspects as well. 

Virtual Curriculum shift as made the Teachers work at digital pace with keep up of all the latest trends in virtual teaching skills across platforms to ensure the best practices are in place even if it is virtual. 

At last, virtual learning is going to reset the concept of education entirely, based on preparing for exams only. Now the Schools have adopted the new culture and in enabling personalized lesson charts which makes learning more interactive, fun and engaging. Schools have started focusing on co-curricular activities precisely. It makes the students more self-motivated to finish their work and stick to their routines. Undoubtedly, there is a discipline in student’s work without any peer distraction. 

Considering the fact stated by the experts time and again that approx. 80% of the brain develops at the age of 6 years so leaning has NOT stopped, let it be with teachers teaching or with parents teaching. 

Preeti Kwatra

Guest Author The author is Director and Founder, Petals Preschool