The coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed routines of millions families around the world. Robert Jenkins, UNICEF’s Global Chief of Education, offers five tips to help keep children’s education on track while they’re staying home. Read full article from UNICEF.

UNICEF

5 tips for families: Learning at home

1. Plan a simple routine together

Try to establish an age-appropriate routine with play time and time for reading/story time in it. Use everyday activities as learning opportunities for the children. Make plans together with children when possible. (Even though routine is important and brings feeling of safety for children, keep in mind that some days flexibility might be needed – pay attention children’s needs and moods.)

No doubt the COVID-19 outbreak has changed the education landscape significantly and maybe permanently. Sending children home happened overnight without any warning and preplanning. After the first shock the school leaders have worked hard to establish a new normal by changing their working methods and utilizing digital means.

Now is the time to stop and think what to do next. Even if some countries have or are opening up, experts agree that the future is uncertain, and few believe in a fast return to the "normal".   So, conclusions should be made about what the change is all about and what should be done to go ahead:

Life in preschools has changed a lot due to corona. 300 Teachers from Finland shared their experience about how to work in emergency conditions. Original article in Helsingin Sanomat.

1. Inform families clearly

Corona obviously changes situations and policies, therefore informing about the current rules is very important. Collect all the information in one place so that families and staff knows where to find it. Focus on clear and direct messaging and make sure if some families miss the information, they can also get it later on.

Check how Kindiedays can help with collaboration and communication!

2. Forget about 'social distancing' with children

Social distancing and small children just do not go together. Teachers help the children to dress up, sneeze their noses and so on. Keeping distance is simply impossible.

3. Keep teaching the same group of children

As some children stay home, group sizes vary. Nevertheless, it is not smart to change teachers from group to another and carry germs all over the place. Ensure staff stays with the same group children and avoids new contacts.

Pedagogical Documentation is an essential working method in early childhood education and it guarantees  the best possible learning path for all children.

Simply, Pedagogical Documentation is observing for example children’s play, projects, discussions, ideas and inventions via taking photos, making notes, writing down explanations as well as tricky questions, saving artwork, videoing action, recording voice...and using all the documents purposefully. What makes documentation Pedagogical Documentation is the idea that educators use the documents wisely - reflect on them and modify their planning and teaching accordingly (Katz & Chard 1996.)