Now that learning has moved online due to COVID-19 precautions, many teachers are seeking new ways to maintain personal connections with their students.
In early-March, Rachel Hardin, a second grade teacher at West View Elementary School in Garner, didn't realize the restrictions would last beyond a few weeks. "We didn't know our last day with our students was going to be our last day," she said.
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Nicole Humphrey, a second grade teacher in the same school, knew a drastic change in their education routine could be difficult emotionally for many students.
"Truly, this is a form of trauma for our children," said Humphrey.
As they adapted to teaching their classes online with their students in their own homes, both teachers picked up on a trend inspired by the book series "Flat Stanley." Hardin and Humphrey, as well as many teachers across the country, chose to adopt the idea as a way to bridge the social distancing gap between themselves and their seven and eight year old students.
Hardin created a cartoon-like emoji of herself to share with her students. Humphrey took a full body photograph of herself and reduced it to the size of a paper doll figure. The paper dolls serve as a personal and portable image for their students "so they can have a little piece of us," said Hardin.
The teachers said their students have enjoyed taking photos of themselves and their "flat teachers" in a variety of places and while doing a variety of activities. One student included Humphrey's flat image in the cage with a pet rabbit.
Humphrey picked out a personal favorite, which shows her rising a horse with a student. Humphrey said an earlier attempt at horse riding left the second grader frightened. But recently, the same student sent her a triumphant image of her conquering that fear. In her hand is Humphrey's "flat teacher" doll, which accompanied the girl on the ride.
"I love, love, love this picture," exclaimed Humphrey. "I love that we can see our kids doing things like that."
Hardin also picked out one of her favorites. "One of my students made me a bed and reads a book to me every night," said Hardin.
Students also can also send in video messages to their teachers through their online learning platform. Humphrey said their sweet messages touch her heart.
Both teachers use their self image simply as a way to let their students know that they are not alone.
"I really think it's providing them with a sense of normalcy that they need right now," Humphrey said.
"I can't even imagine the fun when we can all be together again," Hardin added.
Both teachers said they appreciate the involvement of their students' parents.
"Big shout-out to the parents, because they're juggling their work and now their student's work more than ever," said Hardin.
"I really feel like we're all a team, and that's an amazing thing," Humphrey added. "It's an amazing feeling."