KATY, Texas — While school districts are trying to figure out how they will continue educating their kids remotely, many people are taking it upon themselves to teach their kids at home.
A Houston-area teacher has recreated her classroom right in her living room for her kids and her neighbors' children.
“I jokingly called it 'Mrs. Simpson’s One-Room School House,” said Jennifer Simpson, who normally teaches English at a Katy high school.
But because of school cancellations, she’s now teaching her own kids and their friends right in her living room.
“I decided I would offer to help my neighbors out and allow them to bring their kids the same assignments that my kids are doing, because they are kind of in the same groups,” Simpson said.
Tips for teaching kids at home
For those parents who are unsure what to do with their kids, Simpson says parents need to set a daily schedule for kids.
For instance she teaches from 10 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. They also have time for recess, snacks and even PE.
"Kids absolutely thrive on a routine," she said. "They need a routine, they need structure."
Simpson has also been getting her lesson plans from a variety of websites.
AmazingEducationalResources.com has a list of dozens of free educational resources.
The Harris County Public Library is offering curbside pickup for books and they also have online resources.
But if you think the only way for younger kids to learn is needing to be glued to a book all day, the Texas Home School Coalition says there’s other options.
“Playing games ... is really learning,” said Tim Lambert, president of Texas Home School Coalition.
But if you do anything at all, Simpson recommends to at least implement one thing:
“Reading to your child is invaluable. If that is the only thing you do, read to your kid. Pick books that are fun but are also informative,” said Simpson.
The KHOU Weather team is also offering weather classes on Facebook, Monday-Friday at 2 p.m. You can watch the first session below!
Most local school districts are still working on a plan for at-home learning. Some are still reaching out to parents making sure the kids have access to internet because unfortunately not everyone does.
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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