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Learning During the Stay-At-Home Orders: A USD235 Parents Story

Caden and Casen work on a science project at home, following a lesson from Caden's teacher, Rose Gauthier. Submitted photos.

Casen and Caden Martin participate in USD 235 Music Teacher Rhonda Allen’s music class at home. Submitted photos.

Life is different since the COVID 19 Pandemic has gripped the world.

People are staying home to prevent the spread of the virus, some businesses have closed, and parents are helping teachers with student’s learning at home.

One such parent is Christal Martin of Uniontown.

Christal and her husband, Seth,  have two sons, Caden, 5, and Casen, 4.

Caden attended West Bourbon Elementary School and is in Rose Gauthier’s kindergarten class.

He and little brother Casen are learning from the USD 235 Continuous Learning Plan.

“I have been really impressed with USD 235 and Mrs. Gauthier,” Martin said. “Getting technology in the kids’ hands, giving technical support and also getting food to our kid’s communities.”

The boys celebrate USD 235 Spirit Week at home while doing classwork. Submitted photos.

For her, the best part of the continuous learning plan that the school district USD 235 has is “Being able to have hands-on in Caden’s education. I have really enjoyed it, once we’ve gotten into a routine,” Martin said.

A challenge for her is learning all the different applications that are available online for the continuous education plan.

Her solution?

“In the evening, I play on the app so I’ll be ready to go the next day,” she said.

Caden received an IPad from the school district for use at home.

On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Caden has a Zoom call at 9:30 a.m. from Mrs. Gauthier.

Casen and Caden interact with Caden’s kindergarten classmates on Zoom. Submitted photos.

On Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Physical Education Teacher Jackie Hall and Music Teacher Rhonda Allen give lessons.

Art Teacher Chris Woods prerecords a video of art projects then posts it as an assignment in Google Classroom for students to do.

Caden works on an art lesson by USD 235 Art Teacher Chris Woods. Submitted photos.

“The Zoom call is 30 minutes,” Martin said. “We’ve read books, done science lessons, interviewed another student in their class and afterward in a journal they will describe the student.”

 

Other resources are used throughout the day with reading and math the main focus,” Martin said.

 

“We spend about three and a half to four hours each day,” Martin said. “The state recommends 45 minutes a day. I don’t want him to get behind. We do a lot of extras. We want to keep them learning and not have them stall, in my opinion.”

 

“It’s been a learning curve,” Martin said. “It’s adjusting to take care of both of their learning. I’ve been homeschooling Casen, too.

 

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