Talking to children about coronavirus : some resources

Mehta, Shefali Tripathi (2021) Talking to children about coronavirus : some resources. Learning Curve. pp. 106-107. ISSN 2582-1644

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Abstract

A 3-year-old was heard telling another about ‘corona’. Her eyes were wide with caution as she warned her friend to not go anywhere near the play area because ‘corona is there’. Another day, she started to wail when a person without a mask approached her. The parents had managed to instil the fear of the virus in her so she would not let her guard down when outdoors or on her own. Their caution is understandable but when we unscramble the reality of a critical situation into a bogeyman for children, we make them vulnerable to psychological and emotional harm arising from the absence of drawing logical solutions and expressing their fears and anxieties. Age-appropriate information about the pandemic and how it spreads, along with opportunities for children to ask questions and share feelings is how adults, whether teachers, parents, or older siblings, must approach this topic. Here is a review of the literature created by storytellers, teachers and parents to talk to children about the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers may take a leaf from this and create stories that are set in the children’s own contexts. They can transact these in class through storytelling or other exciting ways, such as the use of puppets and role-plays.

Item Type: Articles in APF Magazines
Authors: Mehta, Shefali Tripathi
Document Language:
Language
English
Uncontrolled Keywords: COVID, Pandemic, StoryWeaver Community
Subjects: Social sciences > Education
Divisions: Azim Premji University > University Publications > Learning Curve
Full Text Status: Public
URI: http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/3208
Publisher URL:

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