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Vivify-Educational Programs for Children

Throughout the COVID-19 situation, people have been seeking ways to support those in need. At these critical stages in development, young children need frequent practice of reading and math skills to prevent this deterioration of competency. If school closures press further towards summer, we are looking at a potential large step backwards in the advancement of the children in our education system.

In response to this concern, educators have again done what they do best by pouring out their passion for teaching and providing resources for student success. For one local company, that means using their expertise in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to provide parents and teachers with enrichment activities to keep those young minds learning and engaged! Claire Meschkat, a Graham resident, and her former Aerospace Engineering college classmate Natasha Wilkerson formed their company Vivify, LLC six years ago to meet the growing demand for quality STEM content for educators. Now, they are using their STEM education prowess to help parents in their time of need. “Every child should have the opportunity to love learning and be successful at it. STEM activities can often open that door, where real world connections and student-led inquiry bring school subjects to life,” says Meschkat. Vivify has created a free calendar for parents that includes 6 weeks worth of online and offline daily STEM activities. Claire has been doing these activities with her own two children while they are home from school and posting pictures on their Vivify STEM social media channels to help other parents join the fun and learning. The free calendar is available in PreK, K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th-12th grade versions on their websiwte at http://bit.ly/free-STEMcalendar. The provided daily activities incorporate math concepts, scientific thinking, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. These 21st century skills provide a framework for successful learning in and outside the classroom. While teachers are actively working to get their lessons into the hands of their students and parents are scrambling to keep their kids busy at home, these enrichment activities are a win for everyone. What else can parents do to help their kids stay mentally active during this time? Vivify has this advice:

1. Read- Find engaging books that your kids are interested in online through library websites or even being read by celebrities on youtube and social media.

2. Imagine - Play games that allow kids to use their imagination to put on a play, create an invention, or construct a new LEGO world. This is how they will put what they have learned into practice and develop new ways of thinking.

3. Explore- get outside, ask questions, and make connections about the natural world. Point out patterns in plants and where math and science can be found outdoors.

Lastly, encourage your kids that learning is not just something that we do when we are in school, but it is a part of life that we are blessed to experience anywhere at any time. One day soon, kids and their teachers will be reunited in school again and can share their exciting experiences and learning successes together.