Socialization for Kids Post Pandemic
Over the last three years, young children have not had the same level of socialization and contact with the larger world as previous generations. Many, for their safety, were in pods or bubbles with very little opportunity for large gatherings or interactions with children other than their siblings and extended family. This has been an excellent bonding experience for many families who were able to make time for their children in ways that they had never been able to before. However, it also created a generation of young children who were not as emotionally prepared for large school settings or for situations in which they do not have a caregiver's full attention at all times. It has led to a higher number of shy, anxious, and fussy children who are trying to understand personal and social boundaries.
For pandemic kids and toddlers, this is a year of socialization and a focus on learning communication skills with their peers. Parents and teachers will be working with these children to learn social norms, how to best regulate their emotions, and how to learn through play and adult modeling of behaviors. Parents and teachers should be understanding of these challenges and start out slow, helping to acclimate apprehensive children through small progressions.
Blocks is an excellent place to start with children who have not had many, or have not had strong, interactions with other kids. In these situations, both children can build independently and you have the opportunity to draw comparisons or commonality between what they are working on. This building of social interaction through building blocks can go from independent play, to parallel play, and finally to cooperative play. It is a way to ease kids into social interactions without forcing them out of their comfort zone.
In Waldorf education, we regularly use wooden blocks and natural materials to engage children in play that builds them up and helps them to enhance their understanding of themselves and others. We believe that early childhood is a time for identifying and accepting emotions, for gaining practical skills, and for free movement, all which is focused on supporting the growth of the individual child. Students are gently nurtured in a daily rhythm that builds their feelings of safety and confidence as they explore the world around them and activate their vivid imagination. We allow children to be children as they become more aware of their place in the classroom and the world. For children who spent so much time inside and with family during the pandemic, this can be an easier transition to school as they are met at their level and with the calmness and warmth that comes with an early childhood Waldorf classroom.
The Cedarwood Waldorf School early childhood program offers a nourishing, homelike environment that supports the growth and development of the child in their formative years. Under the loving and gentle guidance of the teacher, the child’s day is filled with songs, games, stories, movement and ample opportunities for unstructured play. Children learn to live and work harmoniously in community, cultivate a sense of wonder, a love of nature, and ultimately build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The early childhood years play a significant role in development and establishing a sense of belonging. We will explore the ever widening age-appropriate lens through which we view ourselves and others, and experience a curriculum that supports the development of identity.
If you would like more information on Cedarwood Waldorf School’s Early Childhood program, please visit our early childhood page or reach out for a tour.
If you are interested in learning more about ways to support your child post-pandemic, please visit the USA Today Article.
Post written by Vanessa Fuss and Aliya Birdoff