English With Teacher Kesa

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One-on-One Online English classes for adults & children

English With Teacher Kesa

MnikesaSpeaks

Dr. Maya Angelou said that there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of yourself.

As a reading and writing teacher, I believe in teaching stories.

I believe in teaching students to share them.

I believe in teaching them to speak.

I believe it is valuable for them to have the chance to see my authentic voice as a writer in the real world presented in these posts. That is, after all, the purpose of writing—to share it with an audience. To speak. To tell a story like only you can.

This is what it looks like when MnikesaSpeaks.

(Photo by: Rachel Liu-Ballard)

MnikesaSpeaksOfGuests:Student Writer Series, Part 2!!! 😍 (Niki, Age 11)

August 18, 2020 Mnikesa Whitaker

From time to time I will have the privilege of showcasing the work of some of my students! In these wild times, I am still doing what I love—teaching! Today, I present 2 of my young students who have been working diligently this summer on the following pieces! Enjoy Parts 1 and 2!

Niki has been a prolific artist for years—which is saying a lot since he’s only 11! He loves architecture which is why he wanted to use his unique gifts to think critically and creatively 😜 about what the PERFECT COVID-ready classroom would look like. Architectural design, artist’s statement, and key are all original and below!

A COVID Architectural Design by Niki; Key Below… — A COVID Architectural Design by Niki; Key Below…

CORONAVIRUS FREE CLASSROOM

An Architectural Design By Niki, Age 11

In COVID-19, lots of schools have switched to online learning. In many cases, the quality of schooling is poorer because online learning is difficult. In this crazy time of COVID in the USA, crazy ideas are needed. This layout is the layout of one idea for a microorganism free classroom. Though it may be expensive, it is logical and necessary to stand a chance against the tough corona-virus.

Upon entering the COVID-19 protected classroom, you will walk through a laser-beam temperature detector. Any sign of fever, you get checked out. Next, you walk to one of the 7 isolated sink stalls. The glass door automatically opens and stays closed for 20 seconds for you to wash your hands. Then you get sprayed down with disinfectant. In groups, you proceed to walk to your desk area, surrounded by glass for particle protection. An advanced system of drones flies by cleaning, disinfecting, and refreshing the whole day. It's the end of the day. Your assigned group leaves the classroom by a different exit. On the way, they pass through multiple gates for social distancing. They sanitize their hands and leave the classroom.

A1 : DRONE PAD 1

This classroom has an advanced system of drones. Section A1 is one out of two drone landing pads. The drones have different uses: to help keep the classroom clean and healthy. There are four sanitizing drones, one trash drone, three delivery drones, and 3 camera & microphone drones. The trash drone flies around collecting any trash. The delivery drones deliver backpacks and any other objects. The sanitizing drones sanitize objects that have been touched. The camera & microphone drones fly around and spotlight the person that is speaking. (For show and tell or something).

A2 : DRONE PAD 2

Drone Pad Two has only two types of drones. It has air drones and surveillance drones. The air drone has small air filters attached to them. They fly around to the stuffier spots in the classroom and air it out. The surveillance drones make sure that everybody is doing what they are supposed to do and make sure they are following the procedures.

B : STANDARD POD

The Standard Pod is where the student would probably be for most of the day. It has a glass wall surrounding it, and an automatic gate for entry and exit. Inside the pod are a triangular desk, a monitor (iMac), and a wireless keyboard & mouse. It also has a comfortable chair and a small locker for your backpack. The locker is lit with ultraviolet lights to kill germs. (All the lights in the classroom are, too). The glass walls can be tinted by the push of a button.

C : SOCIAL POD

The Social Pod is one of four social pods. They connect to form one pod. Each pod is surrounded by glass. The four pods are facing each other so that you could do a group activity. The pod has an iMac, a wireless keyboard & mouse, a fourth of a table, a mic, and some speakers. The speakers are strategically positioned to make it seem like the people in different pods are speaking from that direction.

D : REFRESHER

The Refresher is basically a giant air filter. It has stations to pick up masks in case yours breaks. It also has 6 hand sanitizer stations. This also functions as a storage area for school supplies.

E : ONE-ON-ONE POD

The One-On-One pod is for one on one meetings ( student-teacher). The pod is surrounded by glass and has a mic, speaker, and computer setup. The mic and speaker allow it to seem like there is no glass at all. The pod is facing the Teacher’s Area.

F : SPRAY-DOWN POD

The Sprayer is simple. You step on the platform, it checks your temperature, and then sprays you down with sanitizer. The platform is surrounded by glass that with the press of a button can become tinted.

G : TEACHER’S AREA

The Teacher’s Area is the control area of the classroom. It has a total of 7 monitors to work and control the classroom. 3 of the screens are for the drones, 1 for controlling ac and gates, and 3 for work. Inside there is a chair, an air filter, the monitors, and also the small Drone Pad 2 is in the area.

H : TEACHER’S LOUNGE

The Teacher’s Lounge is a nice place for the teacher to relax. It has a small desk, a computer, and a chair. On the other side of the lounge is the relaxing part. It has a TV, a lounge chair, and a table with a coffee machine.