Tackling Post-Pandemic Group Time Challenges: Real Solutions for Educators

Let's chat about something we're all facing these days - the wild ride that is group time in our post-pandemic classrooms. If you're like me, you've probably noticed that things are... well, different. And by different, I mean sometimes it feels like we're herding cats while trying to teach them the alphabet!

The Pandemic Shake-up

So, here's the deal. The pandemic threw us all for a loop, right? Our little ones missed out on a lot of the usual growing-up stuff - playdates, family gatherings, and just being around other kids. Now we're seeing the fallout:

• Kids who struggle to focus on one thing (or person) at a time
• Little ones who seem to have forgotten how to use their 'indoor voices'
• Minis who'd rather run laps around the room than sit for story time

Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

Screens, Screens Everywhere

And let's talk about screens for a sec. I mean, they were lifesavers during lockdowns, but now? It's like some kids have forgotten there's a world beyond YouTube and tablets. We're dealing with:

• Attention spans shorter than a TikTok video
• Kids who look at books like they're ancient artifacts
• Little bodies that struggle to sit up for more than a minute

Family Life: It's Complicated

Home life has changed too. Parents are juggling work, home, and everything in between. This means:

• Less storytime before bed
• Fewer family game nights
• More 'independent play' (aka more screen time)

All this adds up to some real challenges when it's time to bring everyone together for group activities.

Our New Normal (Or Is It?)

So, what are we dealing with now? Here's what I'm seeing (and I bet you are too):

1. Kids flopping on the floor instead of sitting up
2. Little wanderers who can't seem to join the group
3. Attention spans that vanish faster than free cupcakes in the staff room
4. Coordination skills that make 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' look like advanced gymnastics
5. Story time that's more like 'try-to-stay-awake' time

I know you're tired. I know you're overwhelmed. The past few years have thrown challenge after challenge our way, and now we're facing a group of 3-5 year olds who, in many ways, are behaving like much younger children. 

These behaviors are not a reflection of your skills as an educator. They're a result of the unique circumstances these children have faced in their early years. But there are strategies we can try to help them thrive.

1. Supporting Physical Regulation

For children operating at an 18-24 month developmental level, sitting still is a significant challenge. Here are some strategies to try:

• Flexible Seating Options: Offer a variety of seating choices - cushions, floor spots, rocking chairs, bilibo chairs, small stools. Allow children to change positions as needed. Even provide some group time while standing around a large parachute.
• Incorporated Movement: Begin group times with simple, seated or standing movements. For example, "Let's reach up high, now touch our toes."
• Postural Support: Use back pillows or wall seating to provide extra support for children who struggle to sit upright.

2. Enhancing Joint Attention

At this developmental stage, children are still learning to focus on shared experiences. Try these approaches:

• Visual Cues: Use a visual schedule to show what's coming next in your group time.
• Attention-Grabbing Techniques: Start with a familiar song or an interesting prop to draw children to the group area. Keep this song or puppet consistent each time so it becomes familiar and predictable.
• Inclusive Roles: Assign simple jobs to children who tend to wander. They could hold a book or choose the next song. If they're not yet developmentally ready to join the group, don't feel pressured to do so. Work with an allied health professional to help them build up the foundation skills first, before feeling like you and the child have to do group time.

3. Extending Attention Span

Remember, developmentally, we're working with attention spans of about 3-6 minutes. Let's make those minutes count:

• Activity Chunking: Break your group time into very short segments, perhaps 1-2 minutes each.
• Multi-Sensory Engagement: Incorporate visual aids, tactile experiences, and movement to maintain interest.
• Interactive Techniques: Use call-and-response or simple actions that go along with stories or songs.

4. Developing Coordination

Many of our children might be behind on their physical milestones. Here are some ways to support their development:

• Simplified Movements: Start with basic, large motor movements like arm waves or big steps.
• Imitation Games: Play simple follow-the-leader games with easy-to-copy actions.
• Obstacle Courses: Create basic courses using your existing environment - stepping over cushions, walking on tape lines, or crawling through tunnels.

5. Fostering a Love for Books

For our socially and emotionally young 3-5 year olds, we need to make books come alive:

• Interactive Reading: Choose books that encourage participation, like lift-the-flap or repetitive phrase books.
• Prop Integration: Use real objects or puppets related to the story to maintain engagement.
• Sensory Storytime: Include textures, sounds, or scents that relate to the story to create a multi-sensory experience.

A Final Word

As we wrap up, I want to emphasise something crucial: repetition is your friend.

These children need multiple exposures to the same activities, routines, and experiences to truly learn and master these skills. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Each time you repeat an activity, you're laying down another layer of learning, another opportunity for growth.

Remember, every small step forward is a victory. When a child maintains focus for an extra 30 seconds, or chooses to sit with the group instead of wandering, that's progress. Celebrate these moments – they're the building blocks of bigger achievements.

And now, a reminder just for you: You are doing incredible work. In the face of unprecedented challenges, you show up every day with patience, creativity, and care. Your persistence in repeating activities, your gentle guidance, and your unwavering support are making a profound difference in these children's lives.

It's okay to feel tired or overwhelmed sometimes. This work is demanding, both emotionally and physically. But please know that your efforts are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. You're not just teaching – you're healing, nurturing, and shaping the future.

Take care of yourself in this process. Your wellbeing is just as important as the children's. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your colleagues or supervisors for support. Remember, it's okay to have tough days – they don't diminish your worth or impact.

You've got this!