Photos: Supplied
HeronBridge Pre-Preparatory has implemented a Teddy Bear Initiative in an effort to provide comfort and appropriate touch for young learners during the current Covid-19 regulations.
Pre-Prep head at HeronBridge College Wendy Beyneveldt said one of the biggest challenges for teaching foundation phase learning during Covid-19 had been the inability to show appropriate physical affection to learners.
“High-fives, hugs and physical touch are more likely to be used by children in the foundation phase and teachers often make use of appropriate physical touch to comfort and contain the emotions of these children,” said Beyneveldt.”The absence of this interaction and the changes brought about by Covid-19 restrictions has left many children feeling anxious.”
HeronBridge Pre-Prep implemented the Teddy Bear Initiative to provide an alternative for children while abiding by the regulations.Beyneveldt explained that each child iwas required to bring a reasonably-sized teddy bear from home with them to school daily.”This helps with the settling-in process and provides a sense of familiarity and comfort as a transitional object that reminds children of a safe place.”
During different times of the day, the teacher implements ‘Teddy Bear Time’ where the whole class holds their teddies, hugs them tightly and releases. This is repeated a few times.
“Physical compression through squeezing and then releasing something is a way to activate then relax muscle groups. When repeated, this activity helps the body to find a rhythm and the mind to re-focus. It is a cognitive behavioural process that reduces panic, regulates breathing, lowers cortisol levels [responsible for panic] and subsequently reduces anxiety.”
If at any time during the day a child is feeling distressed, the teacher can ask the child to pick up their teddy, hug it tightly, release and repeat, while maintaining eye contact.”
