Creative Kindergarten Teacher Designs Classroom That Makes Social Distancing Fun

With many states issuing quarantine restrictions on residents, schools closed in-person learning and switched to remote instruction. While it worked for some students, others fell behind due to the lack of socialization and real-time learning.

School officials are looking for ways to host students in-person, at least some of the time. Many are looking to "hybrid" learning models where students are in-person some days, and remote learning other days.

Many school districts are requiring that all students and faculty wear masks at all times. Additionally, students must maintain the six-feet social distancing guidelines as mandated by local and federal authorities.

For young students, it can be a scary and difficult time to return to school as the rules and mandates in place can cause worry and anxiety. So, teachers are thinking of ways to make things both safe and fun at the same time.

Going back to set up her classroom must have been difficult, as Texas has seen a spike in positive coronavirus numbers recently. Due to the spike, however, coming up with a safe space for her students was all that much more important.

Governor Abbott issued a statement in a recent press briefing that schools can offer a variety of options to their students. Not all students are mandated to do in-person learning, and schools are allowed to opt for a remote option.

Many districts realize that remote learning is hardest on younger students who may need the socialization and scheduling of school days. Older students, in middle- and high-school, do better with remote learning at home.

With some cardboard and paint, Pierson was able to create different cars and trucks for each of the desks. A photo of the classroom shared to the Facebook page Maybe I'll Shower Today said:

"No playing. Masks all day. Six feet apart at all times.

"School seems like a frightening place, when you read about all the safety measures kids will have to adhere to this year.

"Thankfully, there are educators, like Jennifer Birch Pierson, a Kindergarten teacher from Texas, who are making lemonade from some very sour lemons and making their classrooms as welcoming and comforting as possible for our littlest learners."

While the foreseeable future is scary for educators and students, all it takes is a little imagination and some efforts to bring everyone back together again in a classroom.