This is a strange, confusing, and new time for parents and kids alike. Moms and Dads, we know it’s overwhelming to not only have to work from home, but to simultaneously take on roles as teachers, entertainers, babysitters, cooks, and coaches ALL AT ONCE. With many great tools circling social media, all the various posts might feel overwhelming in themselves.
We wanted to help you by compiling some resources for you.
At The Center, we want to help you feel empowered as well as physically and emotionally supported during this wildly unpredictable time. A felt sense of well-being is crucial for mind-body health.
We hope these following resources can help you find peace and joy, social distancing style!
Educational Tools
All ages:
ParentToolKit “Parent Toolkit is a one-stop shop resource that was produced and developed with parents in mind.”
Younger children:
SchoolhouseRockTV1 “Schoolhouse Rock! was an American programming series of animated musical educational short films that aired during the Saturday morning children’s programming on the U.S. television network ABC. The topics covered included grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics.”
1st and 2nd grade:
“Emergency printables for Math, Reading, Writing, and more!”
Elementary and Middle School
Two weeks worth of fun and easy science experiments
“Our readers have told us they are half looking forward to time at home with their kids, and half nervous for entertaining them all day long, for an extended period of time. To keep the learning going, try one of these science experiments each day. They each take about 30 minutes, and use super simple ingredients from around the house.”
Older Kids and Teens General Tips:
Helping your student succeed with Habits and Routines
“Having established routines and practices, such as the ones listed below, gets students into the groove and sets them up for an easier path to success.”
Mental and Emotional Support & Education
All ages & various topics:
75 Free School Counseling Resources “To help you maximize your time, resources, and budget, compiled is a list of 75 free school counseling resources to help you support students and families. Topics include Autism, Behavior Interventions, Bullying, Grief, LGBTQ, Self Care, Self Injury, Substance Abuse, and more!”
PreK through 6th grade:
Sanford Harmony “The Sanford Harmony Online Learning Portal provides PreK-6th grade teachers with everything they need to successfully integrate Harmonys’ social-emotional learning program into the classroom, including training, lessons, activities, videos, stories, games, and songs. Units include: Diversity & Inclusion, Empathy & Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving, Peer Relationships”
Physical Health
All ages:
Physical activity for children and youth “Daily physical activity guidance for various age groups including time allotted, level of intensity, and ideas for what to do”
Preschoolers through Early Elementary:
Cosmic Kids Yoga “Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.
Entertainment
As everyone starts to become restless of being at home, many parents are struggling with keeping their kids entertained outside of using phones and television. Here are some ideas for you that you can do creatively as a family, the kids amongst themselves, or even a child on their own as you take care of other responsibilities.
All ages:
The Ultimate Stay at Home Bucket List
Avoid Cabin Fever with these 125 Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained during the Coronavirus
Art at Home “Includes: Art Contests: submit your art for cash prizes; Museums: take a virtual field trip to museums around the world and even stream; Operas on your TV; Art Games: compete against yourself and others; Digital Art: create art on your device; Art Education: learn about art; Art at Home: Art tutorials and prompts for you to create where you are ”
PreK through Middle School:
Scavenger Hunts:
Children and Disney Lovers:
Olaf voice actor reading books to kids online every night
Take a Virtual tour in a Zoo or Museum tours