Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Social development through online distance learning

    Posted 03-31-2021 09:19 PM
    Hello! I would like to ask for suggestions, ideas, or resources for how you encouraged social development in your children through online distance learning.

    Our country still does not allow any face-to-face classes for all children (since March 2020) and it looks like our classes will still be online this coming School Year. 

    I am hoping to gather ideas and maybe even do an action research on how children are so resilient and will find ways to connect.

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    Gabby Roa - Limjoco
    Center Directress
    Playworks Early Childhood Centers
    Philippines
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  • 2.  RE: Social development through online distance learning

    Posted 04-03-2021 03:40 PM
    Aloha Gabby!

    Can I first say BRAVO! Reaching out to strangers can be really scary. I know we are all try to be supportive in this field but can be unnerving. I can guess you all do Zoom for those online classes? If so, kids love to share and since they also to talk about what they have at home, have you done meals together? It seems odd but having everyone show what they have for breakfast or lunch can build connections. Or show a favorite item that they play with or sleep with. Not being able to make those connections face to face can be tricky especially when kids learn best through their senses. Do you have times for a select number of students or all together? Can you send things home? As in have their parents go to the center and pick things up? Maybe the class can do science projects with growing plants. Like beans in a plastic bag where everyone can see the progress and show it together. You could do a library book bag; a backpack has a book and doll that is similar to the book and a composition book. The children take turns taking one book bag home, read it with their parents or caregiver, then write about it in the composition book. They can even have the child draw pictures about it or take pictures and of what they did and glue it inside. Then bring it back to school so teachers can wash the bag and doll then get it ready for the next time. This is a great way to connect with each other because they can share experiences through books. Our kids love it. The teacher can read each writing from the composition book on Zoom. You'd really have to make sure you have enough for each child on your class. Good thing there are so many books. And it doesn't have to be a backpack; any type of bag will do.
    I hope some of my ideas help. You are doing an amazing job with all your kiddos. Believe me! You are making a positive difference in their lives.

    Mahalo!!

    Sarah Belbot
    Assistant teacher 
    Iao Preschool
    Maui, Hawaii

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    Sarah Belbot
    Teacher's aide
    Iao Preschool
    Kihei HI
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  • 3.  RE: Social development through online distance learning

    Posted 04-04-2021 01:38 AM
    Hi Sarah,

    Thank you so much for your reply! I love your ideas and will definitely be adding some of them to our classes :)

    Yes - we conduct classes through Zoom.  We have had a meal a few times but I think after your sharing, we will do it more consistently.  Many of our kids are actually snacking while in the online session and "sharing" their meals together would be more fun!

    I haven't tried the shared reading bags but will definitely try that out too! It would be super doable - our parents can easily pick up the bags from school.

    Thank you again!! I appreciate your time and generosity in sharing.

    Stay safe!!

    Warmest regards,
    Gabby Roa-Limjoco