In the past two weeks, nearly 100,000 children have tested positive for COVID19. Meanwhile, parents must decide whether to send their kids back to school.
Adults have failed at social distancing. Yet, we expect 8-year-olds to figure it out. It’s beyond frightening.
Most schools will offer virtual learning for the foreseeable future. But, easier said than done. It’s hard enough for adults to stay focused on a video conference call. Imagine keeping the attention of wiggly, distracted children.
If virtual classrooms become a slog, this school year will be wasted.
Here’s my take: Teachers desperately need resources. So, here’s an idea to supercharge the virtual classroom, and it costs nothing.
Before long, kids will get bored staring at headshots of their teachers. But they’ll watch cool videos. So, let’s recruit celebrities to share personal stories about their school experiences. Reach out to pop stars, movie stars, YouTube influencers, pro sports and E-sports stars. People that our kids admire and respect.
Ask the celebs to film a brief video about the importance of education, in their own words. How school helped them succeed in life. Taylor Swift might remember an influential teacher. The Rock might recall going to four different high schools. Beyonce could tell how she discovered music while at school in Houston. Lebron James might confide that he was bullied.
Collect hundreds of videos and produce them into vignettes. Then insert the clips between classes. The stars, and their messages, would have tremendous impact on our kids – and keep them engaged.
Sadly, children are missing out on the full, school experience. The life lessons, the friendships, the romances, the camaraderie.
Maybe this can help.
