The Corona virus keeps the Netherlands in its grip. The news is radical and after Prime Minister Rutte's first press conference, feelings of tension, uncertainty and excitement alternate.
On the Monday after this first press conference, we had no idea how many children would come to the Kindervlinder. In the end there was 1 girl whose parents are both working in the crucial professions. There you are all together. Fortunately we had enough to do in the group, making observation reports, updating scrapbooks of children who are almost 4 years old, etc, and with my colleagues there it was still a lot of fun. And then it was time to go home again, three hours earlier than usual.
The next day we made a work schedule in which we indicated who was expected at the Kindervlinder and when. Everyone from the team would work at the Kindervlinder 1 day a week and at home the rest of the working days. Quite a change for all of us. And that day I cycled back home earlier than usual.
On Wednesday March 18, I started again at 07:00, but now with 3 other colleagues. With the time we had we came up with all kinds of creative videos for the children at home. And then it is so touching to read on the parent portal that the children recognize you on the film and enthusiastically sing along.
What also touches us so much are the parents who hand in handicrafts with the children at the door of the Kindervlinder with moving texts, very heartwarming. We all miss the kids!!
And then it was the weekend. We have created a work app for the important messages so that we would be kept well informed of all developments on the Kindervlinder. Messages were regularly sent in this app. Everyone did their best to indicate that they were available for various activities at the Kindervlinder and I participated, because I also wanted to be useful.
It was a jumble of emotions in my head, everything ordinary is no longer ordinary. But I realized all too well that it is a bizarre situation for everyone, a wheel that has yet to be invented. So every tip and idea was welcomed with open arms. We do what we can do, join forces! And for now I hope that I can welcome the children with open arms again soon and that everything can get back to normal soon.
Another great tip for home!
How can you make it clear to children that washing hands is very important? Make it visual: fill a bowl with water and sprinkle black pepper into it—the black pepper is the virus. Put some soap on your index finger and dip your finger into the water through the pepper, then observe what happens to the pepper. Next, dip your finger into the water through the pepper without soap... and now you have to wash your hands with soap :-)
Read greetings from Nel Hesselberth
