Challenges in teaching preschoolers online are multifarious, so are the possibilities and opportunities. Online pre-school classes demand for a spectrum of leadership skills, instructional decisions, empathy and compassion from early childhood educators. Second year into online education, when the children, educators and parents alike are feeling exhausted, how can we make online learning spaces, safe and welcoming for these little ones. How can we teach with an open mind?
"We don't always know the child’s story." said teacher at Sakalya Prep about empathizing with her students. "What looks like a disengaged student might be tired or even sleepy. One of my students would not interact or answer questions and I was really struggling to get her engaged in the class. Once we had to shift her class to afternoon time, due to administrative issue. That day, I found this child very lively. Later, after probing and discussing with parents, I understood that the child goes to bed very late, and is very sleepy during class time. Child’s both parents are working as per international timings and I could understand that they are doing their best. So, I spoke to the management and shifted the class an hour late and also advised the parents to encourage her to sleep on time. Teaching with open mind means understanding their stories and taking the time to know yourself and lead with inquiry. For this to happen, early childhood educators need to bring their authentic selves to the classroom and invite students to do so as well.
We all appreciate that online teaching is no substitute to in-person teaching in the pre-school. The learning environment we create in the pre-school can never be created online. But instead of obsessing with the "learning loss," during the pandemic, teachers need to identify the learning gains, shifting the focus from what children can't do toward the rich experience teachers can build upon. At Sakalya Prep, the regular classes are conducted based on PBL pedagogy (Project Based Learning). However, we redesigned the entire curriculum to theme based which is more appropriate for online learning experience. Being open mind, looking for possibilities and opportunities can enrich an early educator's toolbox. When it comes to pre-school, what is important is the process- they do not have to finish. Shift focus to their interest and process of learning.
Most importantly, especially during these times, a teacher needs to be a learner - reframe teaching as learning. Be open minded, see possibilities in the challenges they face and takes it as an opportunity for transformation.
About the author:
Lt Col Bincy K Thomas (Retd) is the Co-founder and Director of Sakalya Wisdom Foundation, an organisation committed to design and offer meaningful educational services and activities. She is the Director of Sakalya Prep,The Holistic Preschool, Whitefield Bangalore. She is the Trainer and Pedagogy Expert in Sakalya Centre for Professional Development, training centre for Teachers Professional Development, School Leaders Development Programs and Parenting Programs. She is researching into creating a dynamic holistic early childhood pedagogy. Presently she is pursuing Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA. Other areas of her interests are world mythologies, philosophy, social, emotional and spiritual development, leadership, gardening etc
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