Corona measures, including the use of masks by caregivers, affected young children in their social and language development. This is pointed out by the British school supervisory authority (Ofsted) after having delivered lectures in 70 care facilities. According to the study, which became known on Monday, children often have trouble making friends and talking. A “limited vocabulary” and “inability to react to even the simplest facial movements” were observed.
Children who turned two this spring “have been surrounded by adults with masks for their entire lives and therefore have not been able to see lip movements and mouth positions as usual,” he says, referring to reports from school teachers. kindergarten. Delays in language development meant that “they didn’t come in contact with other children in the way that was previously expected”.
In addition to communication problems, a lack of self-confidence was noted. Many children are more shy and anxious to cope because they are not used to other faces. To teach children to express feelings, some kindergartens have introduced “emotion cards”. Photos with children showing different facial movements can be seen on it.
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The report notes that, in general, the situation has improved in recent months and much recovery has been made. However, challenges remained. For a long time, important discussions between caregivers and parents did not take place because they were not allowed to enter kindergartens. According to the report, based on interviews up to and including February, some parents have yet to see the inside of their children’s facilities and have not met the caregivers. The report indicates that many children are behind in learning to crawl and walk. Sometimes they also needed help getting dressed or blowing their nose at a time when they should have been able to do it themselves. It is to be feared that more children than otherwise will not be able to go to school at the intended age.