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Kindergarten Teacher Finds Creative Way to Connect Amid COVID Outbreak
KINDERGARTEN SURPRISES TEACHER STUDENTS SOCIAL DISTANCING OBSERVING
As students, parents, and educators navigate the unprecedented situation brought on by the Coronavirus outbreak, unsung heroes are doing amazing things in their communities.
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After Renada Burt’s kindergarten students shifted to AMI, she wanted to make sure they knew she missed them and was thinking of them.
“The teachers are trying hard to figure out ways to make connections in addition to teaching,” she said. “The relationships suffer because of the distance, so we’re having to get creative to keep those going.”
She found a local print shop to produce yard signs that say “Mrs. Burt is Proud of Me,” and then delivered them with her husband (after checking with parents first) to surprise the kids.
“She’s a jewel and genuinely interested in our children’s growth,” one of those parents said. “This was so sweet, and she does a really great job in making sure the students understand their lesson. She has even done Facebook live sessions throughout this time.”
Mrs. Burt said it’s been hard knowing her students aren’t getting the same opportunity to grow as a class in person, but they are using online resources to work together. It’s a learning experience for everyone involved.
“I have a grandparent who is stepping in to watch one of my students while their mom is at work, and so she’s having to learn all this new technology, getting on Zoom and Facebook for the first time,” she said. “So everyone is learning now and it’s great we at least have that option.”
Mrs. Burt also said the signs are meant to support parents too, because she knows they’re working really hard at home to be the bridge between teachers and students. “No one signed up to be a homeschool parent this year but they’re having to do it so I’m proud of all of them, the students and the parents,” she said. “I want parents to know we are 100% there for them and I don’t know one teacher who is not ready to do whatever it takes to make sure their kids are thriving under this uncertainty.”
