Non-Everyday School Life of Students in Grades 1–3 During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Children's Creation of Social Life in a Crisis Situation

Introduction: The crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has induced numerous changes in the living and developmental environment of children. They have had to recognize and interpret these changes and engage in various new activities to cope with the extraordinary challenges. Purpose of the study: The aim of this study was to describe and understand how early primary school students experienced changes in the crisis situation within their home environment and remote education, as well as how they adapted to these unusual conditions. Methodology: The research employed a qualitative approach rooted in the paradigms of social constructivism and symbolic interactionism. The primary research method used was focused group interviews (focus groups) conducted with groups of students from both first and third grades in schools in Warsaw. Results: The results indicate that children experienced social isolation as a strong, multidimensional pressure that triggered negative emotions, a sense of confinement, inaction, and emptiness. In response to remote learning at home, they developed new routines, constructed workspaces, asserted their privacy, and valued the nurturing functions of their homes. They perceived remote learning as lacking in personal relationships, agency, a sense of learning, tiring, and dull, which led to their passive participation. Consequently, they expressed resistance and creatively sought ways to endure the school time with their peers in the "virtual courtyard." Conclusions: Analysis of children's discourse unequivocally reflects a negative assessment of emergency online education. It led to the depersonalization of the child, a sense of invisibility, voicelessness, and passivity during lessons, as well as a lack of personal learning experiences. Children's reflections and needs should be taken into account in ensuring the effectiveness of digital learning strategies.