Without preamble, here is a curated list of possibilities and resources for those with children at home for the next few weeks. I will continue to add to this list as I find more. Please share this and share with me any other resources you are using.
1. A SCHEDULE:
This schedule was created by Jessica McHale @Jessica McHale Photography and was added to a Facebook page called Active Parents Burlington. The author has many ideas for the GTA but I thought that many of you would appreciate having a schedule to structure your day.
2. How to Talk to Your Children
Some key points from a couple of sites that have been recommended:
Adapted from ADDitude magazine, Child Mnd Institute:
- Focus on the facts, understand the fear. Don’t try to predict the future or share Doom’s Day scenarios with your children. Projections aren’t helpful when no one knows for certain what’s ahead, and trying to guess may cause anxiety to run rampant.
- Not talking about something can make kids worry more.
- Acknowledge and manage your own anxiety. Easier said than done but try some of the relaxation strategies we keep hearing about: softening the face and jaw muscles, dropping the shoulders a bit, and taking a few deeper breaths. Then you can have a conversation with your kids.
- Start with a question. Follow with facts. Let your kids tell you what they are worried about. Don't volunteer too much information.
- You want to be prepared to answer (but not prompt) questions.
- Use the wealth of information on the Canadian government website. Be wary of social media!
- Limit news exposure. "Seeing images of people wearing masks in hospital wards and hearing coronavirus news reports all day long can increase distress in anyone. Experts say it’s a good idea to decrease your viewing time in common family areas of your home. Be mindful of little ears playing nearby that overhear news reports you’re watching or hearing."
- Don't overshare. The best thing you can do is reassure them that responsible adults are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy. You can also point out that experts say that being at home is the safest place to be. Hearing that home is the safest, healthiest place to be is the most reassuring message your child can hear.
- Focus on what you're doing to stay safe.
- Maintain a routine. See #1!
- Try to play - and laugh. Board games, baking, hiking.
3. Canada's History Magazine for Kids
Check out the digital issues of Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids and their complementary educational resources. These lesson plans are designed for students in grades 2-7, but can easily be adapted for older and younger audiences.
These magazines are exceptionally well-done and to have access to the PDF version is terrific.
There's also a Kayak Kids' Illustrated History Challenge (deadline June 15, 2020) for kids aged 7 - 14.
4. Scholastic
Check out what Scholastic is offering for all grade levels.
Note that the website directs you to the US Scholastic. There's still lots to do but it is not Canadian.
Here's the link to the Canadian website.
5. Websites to Explore the World (and beyond)
a) San Diego Zoo
This is one of the most colourful sites I've seen. So much to explore and have fun with. Lots of activities and games.
b) Explore the Surface of Mars
This site has potential. Explore using the 'About' over in right hand corner.
c) Farm Food 360
So many VR tours and 360 tours with details on how to use different devices. A good Canadian site inviting you to a variety of farms.
d) Discovery Education
Learn about Polar Bears in this well-done experience. "Since 2010, Discovery Education has teamed up with Polar Bears International to host a series of shared learning experiences to engage students and inspire their interest in studying the science of polar bears and their Arctic habitat."
e) Louvre
Visit the museum's exhibition rooms and galleries, contemplate the façades of the Louvre...
Come along on a virtual tour and enjoy the view, thanks to the sponsorship of Shiseido.6. Jump Math
I've been recommending the JUMP at Home program for a while; books for all grades are available at Mastermind and Amazon and they are about $18 - $20. They might help to keep kids up to date on some aspects of the math curriculum.
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