MANAGING STRESS AMONG KINDEGARTENS

The author is Teacher II at Mabical Elementary School Ariana Aleksandra G. Suzara

The pandemic has affected every students but the kindergartens are mostly affected by the present situation. Kindergartens have short span of attention and the blended learning delivery seems so hard for them. Be it online or modular delivery of instruction. The stress level of the learners is high. Since kindergartens are mostly play oriented the present mode of delivery seems not suited for them. Hence, causing stress on them and their parents too.

Stuart Shanker has identified six critical elements that can be helpful for both children and adults. According to him when one is feeling calmly focused and alert, the ability to know that one is calm and alert. Second, when one is stressed, the ability to recognize what is causing that stress. Next is the ability to recognize stressors both within and outside the classroom (or current environment). Fourth, is the desire to deal with those stressors and the ability to develop strategies for dealing with those stressors. Lastly is the ability to recover efficiently and effectively from dealing with those stressors. There can be many stressors that goes along the way of learning. These may be due to noise level at home, internet access, prolonged exposure to gadgets or lack of learning space at home. In order to start with self-regulation, determining the stressors is crucial. The perspective is that if stressors will be identified early they can be responded at once. Children are vulnerable to negative emotions that can drain their energy. Sometimes, it can be difficult or impossible for the child to become calm: when a child’s “emotional brakes” wear out, they can no longer get themselves to stop. When this happens at home children may express negative emotions.

Each child may require different strategies to manage their stress level. Stress is communicated through facial expressions, actions and tone of voice. Some might want a massage, a bath, music, drawing, outdoor time or may need to sleep in a calm environment. When children express negative emotions adults are encouraged to look at children’s stress levels rather than seeing a behavioral issue. If adults approach the situation wrongly by giving a “time out,” or punishments, this may increase children’s stress. For both parents and teachers, it is essential to listen to children and be the external regulator for them.

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