How to Engage and Connect with Preschoolers from Afar
How is this week different from all other past weeks you might ask? Well, in normal times the teachers would be discussing the story of Passover with their children and engaged in the hands-on experiential learning that takes place each day in our classrooms. This week, learning went online. The teachers had little time to jump in and plan for a completely new approach to connecting with their children who are at home with their families. The teachers have been communicating regularly with the parents, offering support, community, and ideas for learning opportunities while at home. Already in the first week, songs have been sung and videos and photos have been shared, as we find ways to connect remotely. I feel truly blessed to have such a creative and dedicated group of educators in our preschool.
How lucky we are at this time to live in an age of computers, cell phones, and iPads. While I am not advocating for the continual use of these devices, given the situation we find ourselves in, seeing a friendly face and connecting through a screen can go a long way in making us all feel less isolated. I for one am so grateful that I get to “see” my staff, our preschool families, and my mom in Cape Town, South Africa. The teachers and I will continue to work together as we learn to navigate this temporary new approach to teaching.
I am reachable via my email at salkin@cbi18.org. I wish you and your loved ones good health.
Sharon Alkin
Director,
Congregation B’nai Israel
Child Development Center
2111 Bryan Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 730-0860