Educators at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Inclusive Childcare Lab and Diagnostic Center are using technology to keep their preschool students connected while the center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. In the morning, students and their parents log on to Zoom for virtual circle time with teachers to listen to stories, play games, practice counting and learn the alphabet.
“We wanted to maintain face-to-face contact with the children while the center was physically closed,” explained Sherryl Tonge-George the center’s director. “The children are excited to keep in touch with teachers and see their friends. It’s important for them to continue learning and for their social development,” she said. The online group classes take place on weekdays for an hour, split into two 30-minute sessions. Individual sessions are also scheduled for students who may need one-on-one support.
“An advantage to the virtual program has been that parents are able to participate in activities and be a part of the learning environment,” said Tonge-George. Recently, parents helped children make puppets for a virtual puppet show and were involved in a Father’s Day project. Kyle Thomas, UVI alumnus and parent, said he enjoys participating in the virtual sessions and his overall experience with the program has been exceptional. “My two-year-old son began the program in January, and in just six weeks was able to meet important developmental milestones and develop more confidence in that environment,” he said.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI website – http://www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.