A glimpse into the inner world of educators and children during COVID-19

In order to have a complete narratological understanding of the impact of Covid-19 on society, it is important to give voice to the voiceless, to get a glimpse of the inner world of those whom will be the future of our society – our vulnerable pre-school children, and their educators. Examining the reactions of Australian children, by understanding their artwork can help to illuminate their emotions and feelings, and perhaps allow for development of methods to help them process the stress and traumatic events they are experiencing. Stories and art works were accumulated from preschools in the South and Central Coast of NSW using the Seasonal Model. The Seasonal Model was devised and developed over some twenty years by the author, an experienced art therapist and clinical social worker. More specifically, the Seasonal Model is an articulated art therapy process designed to work with people affected by trauma. The model was piloted in a preschool with a significant number of children and educators affected by trauma or vicarious traumatisation. The artworks and reflections used in this article have been collected over the last six months during weekly reflections with educators as part of the facilitation of art groups for children in preschools using the Seasonal Model. Findings provide insight into how children and educators alike are reacting to the current global pandemic, issues facing educators working with children who have experienced trauma , as well as the issues facing educators who are experiencing vicarious traumatisation, allowing for a more complete understanding of the effects of Covid-19 on children.