Resumen de Preschool teachers’ and children’s experiences and changes regarding in-school practices since the COVID-19 pandemic: what do teachers and children say?

Merve Gangal, Şengül Pala

• The research aims to investigate educational activities in preschool classrooms during the post-pandemic period from the perspectives of teachers and children. A qualitative research-case study design was employed. The study group consisted of 11 children (six girls, five boys) aged 4–6 years and seven teachers (female) from various cities in Turkey. Data were collected through a demographic information form, a video vignette–supported semi-structured interview form for children, and a semi-structured interview form for teachers. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The results indicated changes in classroom routines, activities, and play practices after the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers reported several practices for managing the preschool education process, including reducing class size, increasing precautions, team-teaching, shortening the duration of education, and clarifying rules. Findings also showed that children experienced difficulties during this period, such as reluctance to wear masks, challenges in following rules, discomfort with disinfectants, reluctance to wash hands, and difficulty accessing hygienic materials.