Hi, Neighbor!
My name is Fatama Moorer, and I'm the Parent Engagement Manager at Nine PBS. Like many of you, I am still working a hybrid schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the world shutdown and I found myself at home, alongside my children, who were in the 3rd, 5th, and 11th grades. What a range, right? We had a difficult time adjusting. To meet their needs, I created an at-home classroom to offer my children comfort and a reassuring routine. I also used this opportunity to give parents, educators, and caregivers access to the Nine PBS resources, activities, and DIY projects.
As a leader and parent educator in early childhood education, I was committed to helping children and families in need during that uncertain time. Each day, I posted a Nine PBS KIDS resource, schedule, educational, learning-filled project, or tip on the Nine PBS Teachers Trading Post Facebook Group.
Stuck at home and unable to enjoy playgrounds, outdoor attractions, and museums, I wanted to create a safe place to have fun and explore our world in the comfort of our home. PBS Learning Media has made it easy for me to find projects, and I love sharing these fun ideas with my kids.
The lives and routines of parents, children, educators, and caregivers all over the world have been affected by the pandemic, the most jarring is the need for social distancing with mask-wearing. Knowing what we know now, it’s critical that we continue to stay safe.
In each blog post, I'll share resources, ideas, tips, and positivity related to how you and your families can cope with the current situation—it's all needed now more than ever!
Today's Lessons: Problem Solving and Music
Today’s lessons are fun and simple. The first is from the PBS KIDS Peg + Cat episode, “The Three Bears Problem/Giant Problem.” The episode focuses on problem-solving. Afterward, we played Peg’s giant dice game by making two giant dice. Fun right? This activity can be found here:
Another fun activity involved music and Arthur! Research shows that music can stimulate the minds of children and adults alike, keeping us calm, relaxed, and helping to express our emotions. The episode was “Rhythm and Roots.” Arthur’s question of the day was: "Does anyone in your family play an instrument?”
The answer for us is yes; my daughter plays the violin, and my son plays the trumpet. We also created guitars, drum sets, and shakers out of recycled materials we found around the house.
Finish this paragraph by explaining what you did with your instruments: Did you all play them for a while? Did you try to perform a favorite song? Was it fun?
Being at home allowed me the opportunity to promote learning and help my kids practice social skills, such as taking turns and cooperation, which is especially important because they‘re so close in age.
I'll be posting loads of engaging content on the blog. For more learning resources, visit the Nine PBS Educator and Caregiver Toolkit. You can also visit PBS LearningMedia to find even more fun ways to learn with your kids at home.
Please feel free to contact me and share your ideas.
Fatama Moorer, Parent Engagement Manager, Nine PBS
Office: (314) 512-9020
Cell: (314) 332-9613
Email: fmoorer@ninepbs.org
About Fatama
Fatama engages parents and partners in Nine PBS’s early education initiative, providing resources in child development for families in need. In addition, she creates early learning content, serves as a community-based intermediary for families, facilitates and coordinates Ready to Learn (RTL) experiences, and provides partner training. Previously, Fatama served her community by providing families with a community wellness shop. She has served on the Parent Advisory Board of Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, the FLOURISH Community Leader’s Cabinet, and the Generate Health Board. She holds several certificates in early learning, including Early Warning Signs of Learning Disabilities, the PBS Virtual Professional Learning Series, and Parent Advocacy. She loves hiking, yoga, and spending time with her kids.