Teaching program keeps kids learning while hospitalized

Teaching program keeps kids learning while hospitalized

FARGO, N.D. — Five-year-old Lillian Boyko grins from ear to ear as she grabs the set of cards from the table inside Cully’s Kids Cabin at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Her card with nine dots was greater than her opponent’s card with five dots, so she wins the round. While it seems like a fun game, Lillian is actually learning about numbers thanks to the hospital’s new teaching program.

Lillian is an adorable and bubbly kindergartner from South Dakota. She has spent several weeks at Sanford Children’s Hospital as she heals and recovers from a leg injury.

While her body focuses on healing, her mind needs to stay up-to-date with the skills her classmates back home are learning. That’s where Sanford Health’s full-time teacher, Bri Ellegard, comes in.

Sanford Children’s Teaching Program

Bri works one-on-one with patients to make sure they are learning the skills and abilities that they would be back home in school. From children as young as Lillian to seniors in high school, she creates individualized curricula for the kids. She also regularly connects with the patients’ teachers on lesson plans and educational materials.

The teaching program also provides a sense of normalcy for the children.

“She’s excited to know she gets a break from her bed and her room,” said Jennifer Boyko, Lillian’s mother.

Funded by Philanthropy

The program is funded through philanthropy by donations to Children’s Miracle Network. Sanford Children’s Hospital serves children and families as North Dakota’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Funds raised stay local to support unique programs, provide education and help purchase life-saving equipment and technology.

“It’s nothing we had to ask for or seek out. It would have been one more thing for us to think about like ‘Oh, we should be keeping her up to speed in school,'” said Jennifer.

For the Boykos, the program offers a feeling of relief knowing their little girl is receiving the medical attention she needs and continuing to learn.

In addition to the Children’s Hospital, the teaching program works with patients in the behavioral health and eating disorders departments.

Posted In Children's, Health Information