How were the interactions with myself, the others, and the surroundings established upon the return to campus?
What changed in the way I can interact with my surroundings? How can I safely engage with my peers within this new scenario? How do Pre-K3 children play?
General topic of interest
During our research, we focused our attention on two guidelines that we consider essential to understand how the interactions with the self, the other and the environment occurred in children's journey: the organization of spaces and the affectivity. These aspects were addressed during our experiences on campus, coexisting and being intentionally planned to encompass individual and collective manifestations.
Participants
Pre-K 3 learners from four different groups.
Data collecting approach
During our research process, the four Pre-K 3s observed and collected data according to the interest displayed by each group and the educators' focus was directed towards what was more evident in their learners.
Data collecting example
We relied on the pedagogical documentation: gathering pictures and filming the children in action, writing down relevant fragments of their speech. Then we reviewed the data collected to analyse our following steps and rethink our practice.
Emerging results
Reflections
Based on our observations, we found out how the bonds established and encouraged both online and on campus were essential for children to feel confident and secure to the point of taking risks and producing new childhood cultures of their own when they arrived back in a new context. The organization of our routine in an intentional way, consistent with curiosities and ready to welcome the manifestations of each student, allowed the boys and the girls to explore their surroundings with freedom, get closer to each other and consequently organize collective games, sometimes spontaneously, other times conducted by the educators.
Thus, we affirm that the observed experiences broadened the repertoire of the children, the group and the educators, who were able, through interactions, to identify the impact and the importance of affection in relationships, and moreover, how the environment is intrinsically connected to this condition.
Next steps
This research became a part of our on-going research archive and will be continually developed. You may explore this and other researches in the website.
