The world of Tzu Chi March 2021 (Vol.132)

TZU CHI 132 09 Children, let’s start school! This year, TCISKL kindergarten welcomed 119 students aged four and five, almost doubling the last intake. Some 80% are new students. O n January 25, 2021, TCISKL was livened up with the re-opening of the kindergarten. Children and parents were seen holding hands while walking towards the primary school to queue for hand sanitization and body temperature check. Many students curiously stepped on the hand sanitizer dispenser and paused in front of the body temperature scanner as if they were looking into a mirror. After passing through the “check-points”, parents led their children to their respective classroom following teachers’ instructions and floor markings. In each classroom, students were led to their seating zone marked in yellow boxes. Notices in English and Chinese were visibly displayed on classroom windows to remind students for frequent body temperature check and hand washing, avoid touching their faces, et cetera, and to maintain social distancing. These were thoughtfully prearranged by the teachers in following pandemic prevention SOP before school began. We have a total of six kindergarten classes this year— Confidence, Grit, Courage, Contentment, Gratitude and Understanding. Eighty-four out of a total of 119 students chose to come to school while the rest prefer to attend classes online. Physical and virtual teachings run in parallel It is no easy feat to teach the four- and five-year olds, what’s more disciplining them to comply with SOP. Much creativity is required and this is also a first for our teachers to conduct physical and online classes in parallel. “Boys and girls, do you know why we cannot come to school?” The teacher asked in a friendly tone. “Because of Covid-19.” The five-year-old kids Realizing Character Education – First Year Anniversary of TCISKL