How this pre-school is planning interesting activities for the little ones during Covid

Since the onset of the pandemic, children all over the world have had to deal with long periods of isolation, absence of healthy socialisation, regular teaching methods, extra-curricular activities, or even a semblance of normalcy. Rajesh Bhatia, an educationist and founder of TreeHouse (online pre-school), empathises with the challenges that parents and children are facing due to these unusual circumstances.

Research has shown that musical intervention positively impacts the educational processes and development of children. Bhatia reaffirms that music is one way to offer joy, comfort, and a creative outlet to children who have been away from recreational diversions for a protracted period of time.

This belief is reflected in the teaching methodology adopted by Tree House preschools. Regular sing-along sessions conducted online help alleviate some amount of stress, reduce feelings of isolation and encourage informal learning. Musical sessions encourage children to let go of inhibitions that they may have cultivated as a result of imposed social isolation.

Bhatia says that the children shed their inhibitions, begin to dance, clap and express emotions freely. Music becomes a channel for self-expression and an outlet for pent–up energy.

He asserts that young children need the outdoors and interactive activities, especially during the pre-school stage to explore the world beyond the confines of their homes but the pandemic has robbed them of this natural progression. At Tree House, children feel free, adventurous, eagerly explore their surroundings, and are open to new experiences. Music and movement underline conceptual learning. He reiterates that music sharpens intellectual, social, emotional, motor end language skills needed for school readiness.