The education system and techniques have been widely affected due to COVID-19, but it has been causing more problems for the preschoolers who have just stepped foot in the world of learning. “Where there is will, there is a way”.

1. What are the main problems you face as a preschool teacher during online class?

            It has been almost 2 years since we started our virtual classes and all this time, the internet has been one of the biggest problems. Another problem with kids from 3-6 years is that their attention span is very short and the attention grabbing is a huge deal, not only for us but for the parents as well. However, with time they have become habituated with the situation and now they have been coping with us well. 

 

2. The teaching and learning method is very different in virtual classes than the physical one, so are the students able to learn at the same pace?

            Every child has a different learning pace but in virtual classes it not only depends on the child and the teacher but also the parents, there must be equal collaboration for the better learning of the child. There is obviously no compromise on the development of the children even if it takes longer than the physical classes but we teachers should create a learning environment and engage them in whatever we can virtually. There is no drop down in the pace of learning of a child as both the teachers and parents have been very supportive and engaged with the study. We pay attention to children individually and have been helping them for the development of skills at home as much as we can.

 

3. The attention seeking from children is very difficult but there are children who are socially awkward even in the physical environment. How do you try to help them involve and interact in the class?

           There are children who are shy actually but what i have understood is every child needs to feel attention and comfort with the teacher. So, we try to create a bonding with them by engaging them in virtual group activities, creating sharing sessions and paying attention to what they like to be involved in and what makes them feel uncomfortable. It takes time but they get used to it and start being equally active in class.

 

4. What activities are conducted to children during the virtual class and which one of them did you find effective? Did you discover any new activity for the kids?

            We have been conducting the activities through the IB package where activities like Visible Thinking Routines, making things, storytelling, sharing sessions, reflections and many more to enhance their creativity. Among these, the children are more interested in story telling where they share the bedtime story and the story they have created on their own. Similarly, they are interested in making things out of whatever is available at home like pebbles, flowers, plants and are quite engaged in whatever they make which is a new activity for them during virtual classes. So, this not only makes them active but also helps them learn about nature.

 

5. Do you think this adaption of the virtual classes will affect the children when they attend physical classes?      

            I don’t think it would be a great deal for them to return for the physical classes as they are already aware of everyone in the school, their friends and the teachers. It may be a bit of a problem for the adaptation to daily school but it won’t largely affect the mindset of the children. For me, teaching is not just about the bookish knowledge but teaching them to be lifelong learners and we have been teaching them to work in groups and if they are creating a bond in virtual classes, they will create a bond in physical classes too. During the physical class a few months back, the children were really excited and had no problem with attending the classes. So, I don't think the physical classes would hamper them and their learning environment in any way. 

 

 7. We all have been aware about the problems in virtual classes but has it in any way been beneficial for both teachers and the students?

            The major benefit of virtual class is the familiarity with the technology not only informally but in a formal way. The concern about screen fatigue is still there and we have very less screen time for children less than 6 years, however, during the classes they have been introduced to the virtual system of learning and have been adaptive which will be helpful for them in the future as well. Another benefit is they can connect to us regardless of the time and the access is easier. They are used to the changes around them which I think prepares them to cope with anything that they face in coming days.

 

8. Do you suggest anything for the parents and teachers for the betterment of virtual classes in general for the betterment of the new teaching-learning system?

            The best thing both teachers and parents can do for the child is motivating them to do better. The emotional and moral support matters a lot in the phase of 3-6 years of a child, so even if they don't have all day for the child, they can separate a particular part of a day to ask them about their day and their activities. The teachers and parents should let the children question and answer them in the best way possible which matters the most in the development of the child. We should listen to the child, create a bond with them and observe them well. Moral support is also one of the best things we can do for our child. 

The time is challenging and it is a difficult situation for all of us but if we stand together, we can of course get through it.