Maria has a virtual conversation with several Kansas City Metro educators to discuss education in light of COVID-19. These teachers come together to help offer parents support. These teachers participated in this call at the request of Group O’Dell.
Meet these fabulous teachers:
Susan Arp, Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Teacher, Kansas City, KS
LuAnn Drum, Middle School Teacher (6th grade), Blue Valley School District
Rene Cooper, Instructional Coach (for Middle School), North Kansas City School District
Erica Atkeson, Elementary Teacher (1st grade), Park Hill School District
Alicia Parker, Middle School Teacher (6th grade), Blue Valley School District
Here are highlights of the conversation:
- Parents need to trust school districts. They’ve been keeping an eye on this pandemic before it even hit the city. The districts are helping teachers to develop a plan.
- Parents, try and not stress! The educators are here and will help by providing resources.
- Parents, if you have a question, ask their teacher!
- Math is everywhere! Explore where math is in your home. For example: Surface area. Measure bedrooms and so many items in the room, doubling recipes, balancing checkbooks. For preschoolers count when you walk up stairs, etc.
- We should afford ourselves grace. Children will learn through relationships.
- Give teachers grace.
- Keep a schedule. When is work and learning time. When is eating time.
- If you’re frazzled, your kids will be frazzled.
- Name and identify your feelings and emotions with your kids.
- Look for ways to allow kids to safely connect with friends through apps like Zoom
- Remember the emotional needs of kids (teens) to be able to connect socially
- Honor the feelings of your children (all ages) and empathize
- Parents, don’t forget to put your phones down and talk with your family
- Play games
- Explore. Have kids research topics that they’re interested in or passionate about. “Genius Hour.”
