KSAT Kids: 3rd grader learns to sew and makes more than 1,000 masks; is distance learning working?

This week’s teacher spotlight is on a former pizza delivery driver

San Antonio third grader sews masks for neighbors, healthcare workers, Bexar County constables

Good morning parents, teachers and students!

Recently, Gov. Greg Abbott announced his plan to reopen businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And while restaurants and malls may potentially open, classrooms, however, are to remain closed through the rest of the school year.

So the real question becomes, is distance learning working? KSAT12 spoke to a San Antonio researcher who said remote learning may actually widen the educational divide between the ‘haves and the have-nots’. Let’s hope that’s not the case.

In KSAT12′s latest Bexar Facts-KSAT-Rivard Report poll, 48% of Bexar County residents polled say distance learning is somewhat productive, with only 33% saying distance learning is extremely or very productive. That’s despite the best efforts of teachers. Do you agree or disagree?

This week’s student spotlight is about someone who has done amazing work during the coronavirus outbreak. KSAT Kids spoke to a third grader from Elrod Elementary who has made more than 1,000 masks for his neighbors, healthcare workers and even for people as far as Singapore after learning how to sew. Well done!

The teacher of the week is a local art instructor who recently delivered art supplies to students in pizza boxes as a way of giving them more supplies. He said he enjoyed using his pizza delivery skills from 30 years ago to stay connected with his students.

Teachers, parents -- are you still looking for educational lessons? Since Fiesta would normally be around this time, KSAT Meteorologist Kaiti Blake created a fiesta-themed science lesson to help learn about acids and bases. Keep scrolling to read more.

Some more good news: the North East Independent School district has announced that they have served more than one million lunches to students since campuses closed. Way to go!

And lastly, new to KSAT Kids, we are now producing a KSAT Kids news brief where you can find all the latest information. To view the first edition, click the link!

And don’t forget, right now on our website we have a map where you can find free school meals during the closures. Perhaps you would you like to celebrate a high school graduate? KSAT has photo galleries where graduates and their loved ones can upload their picture and give details you want to share.

Stay safe and wash your hands, everybody!

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Do you have an idea for a lesson or feedback? Email me at Bspicer@ksat.com with new content, lessons, story ideas or tips!

Here’s what can be found on KSAT Kids for Thursday, April 30:

Student Spotlight

San Antonio third grader sews masks for neighbors, healthcare workers, Bexar County constables

Mateo Alcorta learned how to sew in February and since then, he’s made a thousand masks, all to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

San Antonio third grader sews masks for neighbors, healthcare workers, Bexar County constables

Do you know a classroom or school that is doing amazing work and deserves to be featured in KSAT Kids? Nominate a student, teacher or school by emailing ksatkids@ksat.com.

Teacher Spotlight

San Antonio teacher delivers art supplies to students in pizza boxes

On first glance it looks like Bernal MS art teacher John Davis is out delivering pizzas. But, the pizza boxes are full of art supplies for his students.

Local teacher delivers art supplies to students using pizza boxes

Stay at home activities

At Home Science: An egg-cellent chemical reaction!

Learn about acids and bases in this colorful experiment worthy of Fiesta! Here’s what you’ll need.

At Home Science: An egg-cellent chemical reaction!

Kid recipes: DIY Fiesta food favorites

Missing chicken on a stick? How about corn in a cup? Junior chef Molly O’Connell has you covered with these tasty recipes.

Kid recipes: At-home Fiesta edition l Mini chicken on a stick l SA Live l KSAT 12

Dive into the hippo pool at San Antonio Zoo

Dive into the hippo pool at the San Antonio Zoo and take a tour of the exhibit in a video with the animal care specialists.

San Antonio Zoo hippo pool (KSAT)

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About the Author

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

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