Marigold Elementary School teacher Karen Fallan is taking her lesson plan on the road in Victoria.
“‘Skip the classroom’ delivering education to your door since 2020,” Fallan told CHEK News.
Ever since COVID-19 forced the closure of schools across the country, Fallan has been searching for creative ways to keep her gRADE 5 class engaged. She’s provided lesson packages for families to pick-up and also hosts one-on-one sessions with her students online, but technology isn’t her strong suit.
“It’s not really my thing,” said Fallan.
So less than a month ago, Fallan decided to take her electronic bike and make scheduled visits to her students upon request.
“I’ve missed them this whole time. I have a great group of twenty-seven students and we have done so much together this year and [missing them] has been the hardest part for me and that it’s why, for me personally, hopping on the bike was the best solution, said Fallan.
Upon arriving at her students’ homes, Fallan calls their name using a megaphone. Her bike also features signage that reads ‘Skip the Classroom’ and another sign that asks students ‘Where is your favourite spot in your home to learn?’.
“She’s my all-time favorite teacher,” said Grade 5 student Elizabeth Allan.
The cycle stops range in purpose from helping with homework to simply seeing how her students are doing.
“I find it really fun because I miss seeing her in the classroom and it’s so nice to see her,” said Elizabeth.
“That’s Karen’s forte, that’s sort of how she operates, always doing a little bit more,” said Malia Allan, Elizabeth’s mother.
Fallan says the in-person check-ups have helped maintain the invaluable connection between teacher and student.
“You really do get a good pulse on how they’re doing when you see them face to face,” said Fallan.
“I think that’s what they’re missing right now and it just makes them feel very special and, you know, shows them they’re still valued,” said Malia.
With the future of returning to the conventional classroom still uncertain, Fallan is gearing up for a spring and summer full of cycling, with many stops along the way.
“It’s been a great, authentic way for me to meet my students and see them, show them how much I care, in a safe and socially distant way.”
Kevin Charach
