Azel Prather had to adapt his curriculum as school systems around the country wrestle with social distancing guidelines preventing students from attending class in person. However, Prather is finding success in keeping his students involved during class with a remote experience that is fun and engaging.
The pre-k and kindergarten educator has been innovating on the education model by hosting the cutest little dance parties for his young students following their exercise regime, Because Of Them We Can reported. On Friday, he posted a video providing a glimpse of one of his dance socials with his students on Instagram.
“Happy Friday Good People! I know virtual teaching is hard, but there’s always a creative way to GET and KEEP them babies engaged!! Start ya weekend off right with some joy! I told yall my virtual class is lit! After we workout I let my kids get it off with some dance moves. As long as we’re moving our bodies, we’re working out! Workout videos dropping soon,” he wrote in the caption.
Supporters wrote in response to the video that they were refreshed to see kids having fun during a pandemic that has transformed life for millions of people around the world.
“THE BEST IVE EVER SEEN WITH KIDS,” a person wrote in regards to Prather's dedication to his job
“This brings me so much joy! Thank you [for] finding your purpose and walking in it. You are making such an impact," another person wrote in the comments.
"Kids want to be in class because they know it’s fun," Prather told Because Of Them We Can.
The secret to his success is that many kids relish an opportunity to be the center of the show.
“They know we get to dance, be shown on the big screen, while also exercising. Sneaking the medicine in the candy,” he said.
In 2019, the educator founded the Prather Foundation to “provide a nurturing and safe environment in which children can embrace their identity and reach their fullest potential,” per the foundation’s website. Through the organization, he advocates for the success of students and provides educational enrichment programs.
Last year, the 31-year-old organized a “Holiday Hook-Up” self-care day for 40 kindergarten students at his school in Washington, D.C. Prather brought in community professionals like hairstylists, barbers and cosmetologists to help pamper the young students.
This holiday season, Prather has been playing Santa at his school, helping hundreds of students put some gifts under their Christmas trees at home.
"Y’all don’t even know what it did for me," he wrote in a message of gratitude on Instagram. "I [have] been missin' my youngins so crazy smh Thank you to all the parents for stopping by! We gave out over 320 gifts! Big thanks to the @kippdcata team for always holding it down! Big Thank you to everybody who has donated and still donating!”
