LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Before the new school year started, Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) teacher Angelina Harper wondered how her family would juggle working from home with Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) work all under one roof. She paired some online inspiration with some original ideas to create custom NTI workspaces for each of her three kids.

She used trifold presentation boards paired with other supplies she found at the store. Then, she customized each workspace to fit each child's needs. She even made a YouTube video to show other parents how she did it.

Before she knew it, that video went viral amassing over 36,000 views. While it certainly gained a lot of attention, Harper said that was not her intent. She just wanted to help other parents in the same boat.

"I think the reason it has is because so many families can relate to it. So many parents can relate to being in their homes and having this new position so to speak,” Harper said.

She said, as a teacher, she knows students thrive on routines. Doing school from home can disrupt the structure students are used to. Having these workspaces with supplies and schedules on display can help kids distinguish between play time and school time.

“If I’m sitting in the bed it doesn’t feel like school, but if I see that schedule I know that I have to work with my teacher online and then I have to do my independent study and then I have to go back with my teacher online. They are prepared. They see what is ahead,” Harper said.

Plus, if you have multiple kids working on one surface, the dividers can help keep kids focused on their work instead of distracting their siblings.

Since JCPS started the new school year last week, we asked Harper how the workspaces have been going over. She said, so far, it's been great.

Through sharing her DIY tips, she's heard from other parents who are trying out these workspaces too. She said, seeing that it has helped others, is the greatest reward.