Though for many people the COVID-19 pandemic seems a thing of the past, the truth is that the pandemic has had many lingering aftereffects.
One of those aftereffects is something that educators and parents alike are facing, which is supporting the unique needs of children born during this unprecedented time.
These "pandemic children", now entering school, are showing signs of falling behind their peers in various developmental areas.
However, with targeted interventions and tools like Time Timer visual timers, these children can get a better handle on the challenges that set them back from birth.
Time Timer's Role in Helping Pandemic Children
Pandemic children need self-regulation skills to thrive, and a Time Timer visual timer can help with just that.
View the research study of methods for helping children struggling with self-regulation gain focus. In the study, a Time Timer visual timer was selected as the self-regulation tool for its combination of visual and auditory feedback. The timer had a red countdown track that progressively got smaller as the remaining time on the clock decreased. This enabled the children to see the approximate time remaining for their activity without relying on number concepts for time.
You can find a shorter summary of that study here, where you will see how Time Timer products can help with self-regulation.
So, why do pandemic babies in particular need help with self-regulation? There are a number of factors, which we run down below.
Understanding the Challenges of Pandemic Children
Children born during the pandemic have had a drastically different early childhood experience compared to their predecessors.
The lack of stimulation and socializing, combined with a higher-than-usual degree of stress that (frequently masked) parents were under, made for an environment that set those pandemic babies behind.
As these children enter school, educators are noticing several key areas where they may need additional support:
- Social skills: Limited opportunities for socialization have left many pandemic babies struggling with peer interactions and group dynamics. And given the degree to which reading facial cues matters in social interactions, those limited interactions with masked peers did not resemble normal socializing.
- Emotional regulation: The stress and uncertainty of the pandemic may have affected these children's ability to manage their emotions effectively.
- Attention span: Lack of structured environments and varied stimuli during early development might have impacted their ability to focus for extended periods.
- Language development: Reduced exposure to diverse vocabulary and communication scenarios could have slowed language acquisition.
- Fine and gross motor skills: Limited opportunities for physical play and exploration may have affected the development of both fine and gross motor skills.
The Importance of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood Education
Self-regulation is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, and attention in various situations, and it matters for success in learning and social interaction.
For pandemic babies who may be struggling with self-regulation, focusing on improving that area can lead to overcoming other related challenges.
Children with strong self-regulation skills are usually better-equipped to:
- Manage their emotions in social situations
- Focus on tasks and ignore distractions
- Follow instructions and classroom rules
- Transition between activities smoothly
- Engage in collaborative learning
Educators that help pandemic babies improve their self-regulation skills can set those children on a path for academic and social success.
Visual Timers and Self-Regulation
One effective tool for promoting self-regulation in the classroom is the use of visual timers.
Time Timer's visual timers have an elapsing disk that represents time passing, which can be particularly helpful for young children who may not yet have a strong concept of time.
Here are some ways Time Timer visual timers can support pandemic babies in the classroom:
- Structuring the day: These timers can allot time for different activities and transitions, lending a sense of predictability and routine that may have been lacking in these children's early years.
- Managing transitions: Visual timers can help children prepare for upcoming transitions, reducing anxiety and resistance to change.
- Enhancing focus: Timing specific tasks can help children understand how long they need to maintain attention for longer periods.
- Supporting emotional regulation: Using timers to limit "cool-down" periods can help children learn to manage their emotions more effectively.
- Encouraging independence: Using visual timers can help give children a sense of control over their time and activities, fostering independence and self-motivation.
Implementing Visual Timers in the Classroom
Educators should consider the following strategies:
- Introduce timers gradually: Using visual timers for short, enjoyable activities helps children associate timers with positive experiences.
- Use consistent visual cues: Pairing the timer with visual aids like picture schedules reinforces routines and expectations.
- Encourage student involvement: Allow children to set and monitor timers for their own activities, promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Differentiate timer use: Adjust timer durations based on individual children's needs and abilities, gradually increasing time as their self-regulation skills improve.
- Incorporate timers into various activities: Use visual timers for academic tasks, playtime, clean-up routines, and transitions to help children generalize their self-regulation skills across different contexts.
A Brighter Future for Pandemic Children with Time Timer
Self-regulation skills built with Time Timer visual timers can help these children overcome early setbacks.
Each child is unique and may require individualized approaches. By combining visual timers with compassionate, patient teaching, educators can lower the pandemic's impact on this generation of children.
