Student teachers continue placements by offering free kinder at home
Zoom has become our window to our world in these days of lockdown and Victoria University is using it to create free “kindergarten at home” sessions.
This innovation ensures that student teachers don’t miss out on the vital contact and practical learning experiences with youngsters that they would normally have during work placements.
Participants needed
Early childhood education student teachers are looking for families with children aged 3–5 years, and their siblings, to participate in these free online placements.
Learning activities are tailored to the individual child and family. VU students consult with the family to check that ideas are suitable for the home and that the activities are of interest to the child. After collaborating with each child’s parents and VU mentors, the student teacher designs a fun and active program that works well via Zoom.
Early education lecturer Sarah Jobson says:
“There’s a real focus on one-to-one interaction. Students are very aware of interacting relationally, and there is a strong emphasis on keeping children moving and active throughout the session."
There is also the opportunity to join an online playgroup session with other participating families.
It’s not only the children who enjoy the sessions, Ms Jobson says. “Parents have loved being able to see how early childhood education works and observing the activities the student teachers are implementing. They are thrilled to see how excited their children are to meet their own special person who has fun games for them to play together.”
Sign up to participate
VU is looking for about 200 families to participate.
Zoom play sessions will be held from 6 to 30 September, and each child has two or three sessions a week at times that suit the family.
To arrange kinder at home, please email . Include your name and the name and age of your child or children,
