If you’ve ever tried to get a 5-year-old to sit still in front of a screen, you know it’s not easy! But one Primavera teacher has figured out how to take the wiggles, curiosity, and short attention spans of little learners and turn them into online magic. Meet Mrs. Young, our Primavera kindergarten teacher whose love for teaching fuels her every day. 
A Teacher Who’s Always Loved Learning
As a self-proclaimed “teacher’s pet”, Mrs. Young always loved school. In high school, her mom became a teacher, and Mrs. Young knew she was next in line. As she was finishing her teaching degree, her mom was finishing her masters and the pair got to graduate together. You could say teaching was in Mrs. Young’s DNA. After six years in the classroom and taking time off to raise four children of her own, she found herself stepping into something new: online teaching.
“I had never even heard of teaching online,” she admits. “But I gave it a try—and I fell in love with it!”
Why Online Feels Different In the Best Way
Mrs. Young says what fuels her “love tank” is the kids themselves. And in online learning, the time spent together feels extra meaningful.
“There’s so much more intention,” she explains. “Every minute we spend together online has to count since there’s not as much interaction as in-person. Parents are more involved, kids are more engaged, and the growth we see happens in partnership.”
Parents often mention how much they appreciate not just the lessons, but the way she brings them into the learning journey. From math lessons where everyone celebrates wins together to morning routines that build community, her classes are about connection as much as academics.
What Keeps Kids Hooked Online
Keeping little ones engaged on a screen takes more than just colorful slides. Here’s what she builds into her learning environment:
- Show & Tell: Kids share something from home, sparking connections with classmates.
- Movement & Music: Wake-up songs, dance breaks, and even somatic exercises to reset brains and bodies.
- Interactive Learning: Polls, small-group time, ABC songs with microphones on—every student has a voice.
- Community Moments: From morning “roars” to afternoon “PM pauses,” kids feel like part of something bigger.
Yes, some kids drift off or struggle, but Mrs. Young is quick to pivot, keep things short, and use multiple ways of learning to bring them back.
Her Advice for Parents Supporting Online Learners
Mrs. Young knows parents are the unsung heroes of online school. Her tips?
- Keep a schedule. Consistency builds comfort.
- Focus on process, not just time. It’s about growth, not checking boxes.
- Be ready before class starts. Kids do better when parents are ready to launch into the lesson. Take time to get the lesson ready before sitting down your student.
- Use timers and centers. Break the day into small, manageable parts. Use timers for focus work or specific tasks and try a circuit of different timed activities.
- Build in brain breaks. A wiggle, doodle, or simply time to mentally drift off goes a long way.
- Encourage movement and flexibility. Kids don’t have to sit still to learn. Exercise balls, fidget toys, and dance are welcome.
The Big Takeaway
Mrs. Young admits that online learning comes with challenges: making friends takes more effort, learning tech can be hard, and parents juggle a lot. But the wins are worth it. Parents get to see firsthand how much their kids are growing, and students get to feel seen, heard, and celebrated every single day.
“We’re still all together,” she reminds families. “It’s just online.”
