Some kids don’t know how to hold pencils after school closures, says group

 

Some preschoolers are finding it hard to adjust following school closures due to the pandemic.

PETALING JAYA: School closures triggered by the pandemic has led to some preschoolers failing to master basic communication, listening and coordination skills, a kindergarten association said.

Malaysian Association of Kindergartens president Eveleen Khoo said some five-year-olds still “do not know how to hold a pencil”, China Press reported.

“Some would cry because they are scared of going to school and want to go home.

“We never had to face this kind of situation before. This is a worrying situation especially when they officially enter Year 1,” she was quoted as saying by the Chinese daily.

Khoo said students in rural areas would face greater difficulty, owing to the lack of, or slower, internet connectivity.

She went on to say that the best time for children to pick up listening, speaking, and language skills are when they are four years old.

Those in Year 1, she said, should be able to take basic instructions such as lining up or raising their hands, as well as be able to respond to questions.

“If students do not acquire these skills, it could disrupt lessons and the ability to learn.” - FMT