As more children enter PreK, teachers are noticing something unique: many children born during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic—often called “Covid Babies”—are facing new and overwhelming school experiences. Teachers across the country report seeing more difficulties with behavior, social skills, and emotional regulation in these young learners. What’s causing this, and how can we help these children thrive as they take their first steps into school life? Let’s explore some ideas together.
Why Are “Covid Babies” Struggling?
Background: “Covid Babies” spent their earliest years during a global shutdown. That means:
- Limited Social Interaction: Many “Covid Babies” had fewer opportunities to socialize with peers or interact with adults outside their immediate families during crucial developmental windows.
- Changes in Family Dynamics: Parents and caregivers experienced heightened stress, financial strain, and health concerns, which may have influenced attachment and emotional security.
- Increased Screen Time: With fewer person to person activities available, screens often became a substitute for social and educational interactions.
- Disrupted Routines: The unpredictability of the pandemic may have affected the development of consistent daily routines, which are an important foundation for young children.
All of these factors have made their first school experience—let’s be real—it was a bit of a shock to educators who gave them in their classrooms.
What Teachers Are Seeing in the Classroom
Here’s how these challenges are showing up:
- Trouble with Social Skills: Sharing, taking turns, and playing cooperatively can feel completely new for some children
- Separation Anxiety: Many struggle with leaving their caregiver’s side, making drop-offs emotional for everyone.
- Big Feelings: Adjusting to group settings can bring heightened sensitivity and emotional outbursts.
- Delayed Language Development: Some children are still catching up with their communication skills after limited social interactions.
How Educators Can Support Children With These Challenges
Here are some practical strategies to support children in navigating their new school environment:
- Build a Safe Space: Children thrive when they feel secure. Create consistent routines, set clear expectations, and make the classroom a predictable haven.
- Make Social Skills Fun: Think play-based learning. Games, role-playing, and group activities can teach children how to cooperate and connect.
- Team Up with Parents: Keep communication open. Share what’s working at school and brainstorm together for what can help at home.
- Invest in Teacher Training: Teachers need tools to manage challenging behaviors, and a few fresh strategies can make all the difference.
- Teach Self-Regulation: Introduce mindfulness, movement breaks, and sensory activities to help children manage their emotions.
How ChildrenFlow Can Step In
Here at ChildrenFlow, we get it. Supporting children with big emotions and new challenges is no easy task. That’s why we’ve designed professional development programs to:
- We provide teachers with practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
- Teach techniques to foster emotional intelligence and social skills in young learners.
- Strengthen school-home connections so families and educators are on the same page.
- Empower teachers with tools to create calm and connected classrooms.
Let’s Do This Together
The challenges we face by “Covid Babies” are a unique moment in early childhood education history. By working together, we can help these children not only adapt to the classroom but flourish in it. If your school is looking for fresh ideas and effective solutions, ChildrenFlow is here to partner with you.
Reach out today to learn how we can support your teachers, coaches, and children. Let’s turn this challenge into a success story.