Inside edition: play time in quarantine (Part 1)

Marshon Henderson, 3rd-grade student speaks out about his life while being in quarantine.

A bunk bed with spider-man sheets with empty Doritos and Barbecue Lays chip bags on top. The floor is covered with action figures, cars and happy meal toys. A black and grey scooter in the corner of the room. A TV and a stand that holds an Xbox and a fat-free chocolate milk jug. 

Welcome to the virtual room tour of Marshon Henderson, a third-grade student in quarantine. 

Due to COVID-19, families have to practice social distancing, businesses are closed, and schools are closed for the remainder of the school year for all students. This adjustment of school being closed has been hard on parents and students. 

While being in quarantine, kids have to figure out things to keep them busy as they miss going outside to play with their friends. 

“I’ve been watching my favorite show, playing with my little brother, riding my scooter inside the house and making Tik Tok videos,” said Henderson. 

Now, while trying to enjoy some of his favorite activities, Henderson is still a full-time online student. 

On our Facetime call, when I asked him to describe his online work, he eagerly smiled and held up three fingers to describe how many websites he uses to access his classwork. 

“I like the websites we use for class because two are for learning games and one is just for classwork, math is my favorite subject right now and it keeps me busy,” said Henderson.

While on the subject of school, Henderson also said he missed his teachers and recess.

Now, with limited movement there are not many activities one can do, however, Henderson gets a little fresh air. He plays with his black and blue mini basketball in the backyard with his little brother. The same basketball he ran to get to show me while he left me on our Facetime call for an awkward minute. 

Not only has Henderson been working on his physical health, but his mom works with him and his siblings on their mental health as well. 

“My mom asked us to tell her how we feel after the week is over by picking a color,” said Henderson. He also told me that this idea was suggested by the teachers and it was a part of their reading journals. 

I then went on to ask him how he felt about the virus and Henderson said, “I’m mad because I want to go outside, but I am sad too because of the people who have died from the virus.” 

After Henderson shared his heartwarming emotions, I then asked him if quarantine ruined any plans for him?

Bringing his hand to his chin, “Well my birthday was in March, so my mom canceled my party at Urban Air,” said Henderson. So, his mom threw him a comic theme style birthday party with a few family members, including myself. 

Before ending the call, I asked Henderson where the first place he wants to go after quarantine is over?

“I want to go to a buffet to just eat everything,” said Henderson.  He then waves goodbye as he presses the red button to end our call.