With education taking the online route, preschools are trying best to maintain the essence of learning by introducing co-curricular activities virtually for the young ones, says Preeti Kwatra
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has created immediate and unprecedented challenges in the field of education. As of March 31, 185 countries around the globe have implemented 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 organisations which started shutting down as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus.
The young minds i.e. kids under five 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 has made the teachers go beyond their creativity for remote learning opportunities for kids to create intriguing (virtual) experiences. Virtual classes have made kids meet and interact with their teachers and friends which adds lot of enthusiasm in them. Curriculum shift has new goals and anticipation behind. However, there are lot of motor development and skill development activities which can no more be the way how it use to be earlier in classrooms. Teachers are no longer physically available there 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, 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 everyday, 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.
School are not only dealing with the academics but they are also supporting the students in other important aspects as well. suc as yoga, arts & craft and drawing lessons are being imparted to them.
Virtual Curriculum shift has 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 its 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 personalised 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.
The writer is Founder and Director, Petals India’s Preschool Club