My Expressions

Rules for Post Submission

The month of March, which is usually the term-end, was like any other with all of us preparing for our year-end Open Day. With lockdown that took us all by surprise, we promptly moved to a virtual PTM in March ’20, moving on with a virtual orientation for the new session in April ’20.

Our academic and non-academic faculty promptly adapted to the change as staying connected with our parent community and children was our top priority. We used Zoom for the virtual classes as the teachers wanted to see all the children on their screen for a better connection. It’s user friendly and was recommended by our IT department.

Our journey comprised of enhancing technical skills, partnering with parents on this new medium and creating a format that is engaging, fun-filled and meaningful for children. We would not say resistance, but some genuine apprehension from a few parents. They were not sure if the virtual platform could keep such young children fruitfully engaged. We had a very open communication channel with parents, shared our plan, took their inputs too. Giving flexibility in the number of slots morning and evening with both live and recorded sessions were well appreciated. Organizing an Open House to address parent queries proved very helpful.

The parents are extremely happy as this has helped get a routine into the life of children. Connecting with their teachers and peers has helped enhance the socio-emotional development and cognitive skills. The hands-on fun activities along with the curriculum has ensured that even during lockdown the learning continues. The children are happy to participate and look forward to participating along with their parents as in preschools the children need supervision from home as well.

The children are getting opportunities to socialise during break out time. The virtual platform friendly curriculum with a good mix of academic and non-academic aspects has contributed towards continued learning for each child at her/ his own pace.

Young children would miss out on the opportunities that regular school provides by way of physical interactions, play and engagement. We would all need to wait for the vaccine and see how things progress. When new classes start, schools would need to have all processes in place for the safety of children and staff. I think the government and local bodies can support institutes in a way that collaboratively all work for the betterment of the system. Clarity on standardised must-haves for all schools will help gain parent confidence. Parents would need to collaboratively work with the school so that the learning and all-rounded development process continues.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)