GEKA Bentleigh East

Remote Learning

Stella Ramadan, GEKA Early Childhood Teacher

In the last three weeks of term 3, the Yellow Group at GEKA Bentleigh East Kindergarten experienced Zoom remote learning with the children. We felt it was vital to connect with the children and families whilst they were away from kindergarten doing what was required.

The experiences that were chosen was baking banana bread (because we haven’t been able to do these sensory experiences at kindergarten). 

All About Me, drawing and talking (to reacquaint with the children and meet additional family members of the children as there were a few there) and Brown Bear, Brown Bear-drawing and talking (we haven’t been able to take turns taking our kindergarten bears home for an adventure).

You may wonder why? Isn’t it just another screen? The children know they belong to GEKA BEK in Yellow Group and that their friends and educators go there. (VEYLF 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation). 

Though it is not ideal and not our regular way of teaching, it was so exciting to see the children and for them to see Vernessa and I. It was a way of re-connecting and engaging with the children. We met their younger and older siblings as well and they were involved too. They also met some of our family members. 

For each session we read a story, sang a few songs – some new and some familiar; and we did either exercising or dancing. It was well paced, and everyone was able to hear me and the duration of it was for an hour. 

Many conversations were had especially whilst the children were drawing and then later we were asking the children about their creations.

The cooking experience was extremely enjoyable for the children and families. They conversed with us about the ingredients; they measured, poured, mixed and then baked! The children enjoy cooking and love to be involved. Cooking is an integral part of family life. When we involve children in these experiences their self-help skills and learning develops. 

Measurement, Numeracy (VEYLF 4 Children are confident and involved learners) wellbeing, (VEYLF 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing), self-esteem, (VEYLF 1 Children have a strong sense of identity,) and language (VEYLF 5.1 Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes).

Later up on reflection, I thought that they would most likely share with their family their experience of cooking on Zoom. A new experience and their experience with their extended community. For some it would have been nice to have their own Zoom experience as some of their other family members would be experiencing school or work in this way too.

Below is a photo that we showed the children, of their zoom experience. 

It is fascinating to watch how the children each interact according to how they feel comfortable. (EYLF 1: Children have a strong sense of identity). Some children are very quiet and like to observe when discussions are occurring; others like to do their own thing when singing and dancing. Yet others like to be wholly engaged and participate wholeheartedly. That is the beauty of children being themselves and as educators we nurture and educate according to their strengths. (EYLF 2: Children are connected and contribute to their world).  How the children interact at kindergarten was also similar on Zoom.

Would we do anything differently? Not really. Now we have found another way that we may be able to communicate with children and staff that are not yet able to come to kindergarten. Also, a new skill for me. I like to see this as a positive to come out of COVID. Each time I try to look at the positives and the benefits available to us all.

“It was extremely enjoyable for me to be able to re-join our 3 year old group via zoom sessions each Wednesday, especially as I have been unable to attend onsite programs with children due to my health assessing me as ‘vulnerable’.  I was delighted to join in and see those gorgeous children and families that I have missed for several weeks. I can tell you when Wednesday came around it was the highlight of my week. I looked forward to seeing and participating in our session, either reading a story, chatting about things or having a little dance was just fabulous. This really gave me a sense of Belonging.  Much appreciated, hope to see you all at kindergarten soon.”  

 Vernessa Johnstone - Early Childhood Educator