4 answers
Grace
Student
Putnam, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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What is it like having to teach early childhood students post-pandemic?
I have been hearing how hard it is to get students back on the right track post-pandemic. I would just like to get someones point of view on the level of difficulty it has been. Has there been a noticeable set backs? #FALL22
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4 answers
Cori Coburn-Shiflett
Manager of Educational Technology Support Services / STEM educator
29
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Cori’s Answer
Every student is different; different home lives, experiences and adult support. Some students excelled during the changes brought by the pandemic, others faltered. This is a great question, but I'm sure there are many aspects that can differ from location to location.
One of the most noticeable changes (depending on the financial status of the school and surrounding school districts) I have seen in early childhood, is the explosion on technology available to (young) students. Pandemic funding and the rapid push to incorporate distance/ virtual learning brought in lots of new devices. Not all students had access to devices and the learning platforms that helped support learning away from physical school.
Another noticeable issue in early childhood education is some of the students differing in depth of social skills. Two years can make a major difference in a young child's life when they are learning how to cooperate and collaborate with peers, conduct themselves with good manners and build social values.
I don't think all of this in necessarily bad, but they bring about a unique set of challenges, depending on what resources are already in place to support the students.
One of the most noticeable changes (depending on the financial status of the school and surrounding school districts) I have seen in early childhood, is the explosion on technology available to (young) students. Pandemic funding and the rapid push to incorporate distance/ virtual learning brought in lots of new devices. Not all students had access to devices and the learning platforms that helped support learning away from physical school.
Another noticeable issue in early childhood education is some of the students differing in depth of social skills. Two years can make a major difference in a young child's life when they are learning how to cooperate and collaborate with peers, conduct themselves with good manners and build social values.
I don't think all of this in necessarily bad, but they bring about a unique set of challenges, depending on what resources are already in place to support the students.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Grace
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Grace,
Navigating Post-Pandemic Early Childhood Education: Overcoming Challenges and Making Considerations
The post-pandemic landscape of early childhood education has thrown educators into a new realm of challenges and considerations. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on the education sector, causing disruptions in learning, social interactions, and the overall wellness of students. As schools swing their doors open and teachers work tirelessly to get students back on track, various factors are influencing the teaching and learning process.
1. Addressing Learning Loss and Academic Gaps: One of the foremost worries in the post-pandemic era is tackling the learning loss experienced by many students during school shutdowns and remote learning periods. Early childhood education is pivotal for setting the stage for future academic achievements, and any hurdles during this crucial period can have lasting effects. Teachers might find themselves needing to evaluate each student's individual needs and offer targeted assistance to fill the academic gaps that appeared during the pandemic.
2. Prioritizing Social-Emotional Well-being: Beyond academic hurdles, teachers also need to concentrate on promoting the social-emotional well-being of their students post-pandemic. The prolonged periods of isolation, limited social interactions, and increased anxiety triggered by the pandemic have affected many children's mental health. Educators should foster a safe and supportive environment where students can freely express their emotions, forge relationships with peers, and cultivate essential social skills.
3. Implementing Health and Safety Protocols: Guaranteeing the health and safety of early childhood students continues to be a top concern for educators post-pandemic. Schools are rolling out various health protocols such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, regular sanitization, and vaccination requirements to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread within school premises. Teachers are charged with enforcing these protocols while preserving a positive and nurturing learning atmosphere for their young students.
4. Enhancing Parental Involvement and Communication: Efficient communication with parents has become even more vital post-pandemic as teachers join forces with families to support children's educational needs. Forging robust partnerships with parents can assist in creating a unified approach to tackling any setbacks or challenges students might be encountering. Regular updates on student progress, feedback on learning objectives, and resources for continued support at home can enrich the overall educational journey for early childhood learners.
5. Adapting to Hybrid Learning Models: Some schools have embraced hybrid learning models that merge in-person instruction with remote learning elements to cater to diverse student needs and preferences post-pandemic. Teachers might need to modify their teaching strategies to effectively engage students both in the classroom and online, ensuring consistency in learning experiences irrespective of the instructional format.
In summary, teaching early childhood students post-pandemic demands a comprehensive approach that addresses academic, social-emotional, health, and communication aspects to effectively support students during this transitional phase. Despite the noticeable setbacks due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, educators remain steadfast in their efforts to help children flourish academically and emotionally in the wake of such unparalleled challenges.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - The AAP offers evidence-based advice on child health matters, including suggestions for supporting children’s wellness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - NAEYC provides resources and best practices for early childhood educators navigating challenges in teaching young children post-pandemic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The CDC offers updated guidelines and suggestions for schools on maintaining safe environments for students and staff amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Early Childhood Education: Overcoming Challenges and Making Considerations
The post-pandemic landscape of early childhood education has thrown educators into a new realm of challenges and considerations. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on the education sector, causing disruptions in learning, social interactions, and the overall wellness of students. As schools swing their doors open and teachers work tirelessly to get students back on track, various factors are influencing the teaching and learning process.
1. Addressing Learning Loss and Academic Gaps: One of the foremost worries in the post-pandemic era is tackling the learning loss experienced by many students during school shutdowns and remote learning periods. Early childhood education is pivotal for setting the stage for future academic achievements, and any hurdles during this crucial period can have lasting effects. Teachers might find themselves needing to evaluate each student's individual needs and offer targeted assistance to fill the academic gaps that appeared during the pandemic.
2. Prioritizing Social-Emotional Well-being: Beyond academic hurdles, teachers also need to concentrate on promoting the social-emotional well-being of their students post-pandemic. The prolonged periods of isolation, limited social interactions, and increased anxiety triggered by the pandemic have affected many children's mental health. Educators should foster a safe and supportive environment where students can freely express their emotions, forge relationships with peers, and cultivate essential social skills.
3. Implementing Health and Safety Protocols: Guaranteeing the health and safety of early childhood students continues to be a top concern for educators post-pandemic. Schools are rolling out various health protocols such as mask-wearing, physical distancing, regular sanitization, and vaccination requirements to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread within school premises. Teachers are charged with enforcing these protocols while preserving a positive and nurturing learning atmosphere for their young students.
4. Enhancing Parental Involvement and Communication: Efficient communication with parents has become even more vital post-pandemic as teachers join forces with families to support children's educational needs. Forging robust partnerships with parents can assist in creating a unified approach to tackling any setbacks or challenges students might be encountering. Regular updates on student progress, feedback on learning objectives, and resources for continued support at home can enrich the overall educational journey for early childhood learners.
5. Adapting to Hybrid Learning Models: Some schools have embraced hybrid learning models that merge in-person instruction with remote learning elements to cater to diverse student needs and preferences post-pandemic. Teachers might need to modify their teaching strategies to effectively engage students both in the classroom and online, ensuring consistency in learning experiences irrespective of the instructional format.
In summary, teaching early childhood students post-pandemic demands a comprehensive approach that addresses academic, social-emotional, health, and communication aspects to effectively support students during this transitional phase. Despite the noticeable setbacks due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, educators remain steadfast in their efforts to help children flourish academically and emotionally in the wake of such unparalleled challenges.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - The AAP offers evidence-based advice on child health matters, including suggestions for supporting children’s wellness during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - NAEYC provides resources and best practices for early childhood educators navigating challenges in teaching young children post-pandemic.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The CDC offers updated guidelines and suggestions for schools on maintaining safe environments for students and staff amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Stephanie Hamilton
Educational Consulting
89
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Grace,
What a great and thoughtful question! During the pandemic, I participated in lots of webinars/workshops on SEL - social emotional learning. I think it was and is so important to think about and incorporate into lesson planning. I'd certainly look into that: https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
Here are some articles to read that might help as you think about teaching post pandemic:
https://tll.mit.edu/reinventing-education-post-pandemic/
https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/?utm_source=ga&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ERSLaunch102822&utm_content=Group1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7IGcBhA8EiwAFfUDsV7UMQzRf4bF8w2lp3tCFhIIKrNqgnglE-1LWS-vbIG-9UdtVKv3YBoCeiUQAvD_BwE
From a teacher's point of view: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/easy-button/
I don't think there's one magic pill to take. I like the last blog because it refers to an easy button - it doesn't exist. As with all teaching - it is hard work and determination. Mostly, it's a great love and respect for children and their success.
Good luck Grace,
Stephanie
What a great and thoughtful question! During the pandemic, I participated in lots of webinars/workshops on SEL - social emotional learning. I think it was and is so important to think about and incorporate into lesson planning. I'd certainly look into that: https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
Here are some articles to read that might help as you think about teaching post pandemic:
https://tll.mit.edu/reinventing-education-post-pandemic/
https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/?utm_source=ga&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ERSLaunch102822&utm_content=Group1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7IGcBhA8EiwAFfUDsV7UMQzRf4bF8w2lp3tCFhIIKrNqgnglE-1LWS-vbIG-9UdtVKv3YBoCeiUQAvD_BwE
From a teacher's point of view: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/easy-button/
I don't think there's one magic pill to take. I like the last blog because it refers to an easy button - it doesn't exist. As with all teaching - it is hard work and determination. Mostly, it's a great love and respect for children and their success.
Good luck Grace,
Stephanie
Ruth D. Burman
Teacher
1
Answer
Maynard, Massachusetts
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
There has been a notable difference in terms of social emotional skills. I teach children grades K-5 and I have noticed that K students do not have school ready skills which we would normally expect. It is very evident that they missed out on early developmental skills that a 2-3 year old would normally learn through playing with other young toddlers. Therefore, before we can even have these kids ready to learn, we are spending a lot of time just teaching them how to be a student. For older students, we are spending a lot of time reminding them how to cooperate with each other, at recess etc. Simple skills like lining up (remember - EVERYTHING for an elementary school student is modeled) have been forgotten. We have had to reteach a lot.
The good news - I have seen a lot of students academically where they should be at this point in the year (at least older than Kindergarten). Last year, that was a different story. Good luck.
The good news - I have seen a lot of students academically where they should be at this point in the year (at least older than Kindergarten). Last year, that was a different story. Good luck.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Grace