HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A Henrico educator and leadership expert saw a need in the community and jumped in to help, but not before pulling her own mom into the mix.
Dr. Omega Wilson, who runs Innovative Strategies Consulting, said that in the past few weeks she has heard from many parents struggling to teach their children.
It led her to host a Facebook live last week where she offered expert advice on how to keep kids on task with their various assignments from math to reading.
That's when Dr. Wilson said she was bombarded by parents who needed more help.
As a support to parents, this weekend Dr. Wilson and her mother Lyllie B. Williams- a retired reading teacher of 30 years will host a free seminar for parents.
The idea is to give them helpful reading strategies and some advice.
"People are really struggling and so I came up with the idea of going live to have school for the parents," Wilson said. "Anyone can join in, not just parents of elementary-age children. We are here to help and my mom will give a lot of tips and strategies."
One thing Wilson and Williams want parents to know is that they don't have to worry.
Williams offered this advice for parents who may feel frustrated by it all.
"You have to be patient. It's not going to happen overnight. They may not get it when you want them to," Williams said. "Avoid scolding them -- that's a hindrance. Be excited for them even if they can only pronounce one word. Make a big deal about it."
The free parent session entitled "Reading Strategies Parents Can Teach Their Children" will be held on Facebook Saturday, April 4 at noon. Just log on and follow Dr. Omega Wilson.(If you don't have social media, she plans to make that information available to parents who contact her at omega_wilson@yahoo.com.)
Additionally, Wilson is planning a similar session to focus on math at a later date.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.