Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shut down schools across America, parents are feeling anxious about making sure their children continue to learn amidst this sudden upheaval. And, when you factor in the large number of parents who are suddenly working remotely, you have entire families isolating at home trying to learn, work, and not stress.
First, we are all overwhelmed, but we are also all in this together. Your child’s teacher didn’t sign up to teach virtually or off-site. Likewise, your child wasn’t prepared to become a homeschooler overnight. Try to take things one day at a time and extend a whole lot of grace to your kids, their teachers, and yourself.
Next, there is a wealth of resources available (most for FREE) to help you and your children survive this unusual time. We know there are many articles already floating around about things you can do during the coronavirus quarantine, so we are focusing on our favorites. Rather than a list of 100 activities you won’t use, we are sharing resources and ideas that parents will find helpful.
Schoolwork Becomes Homework
The whirlwind of schools closing without a set end date has many parents and their kids feeling anxious. According to CNN, “As students across the country adjust to learning outside of their classrooms, some states are preparing for the disruption to last the rest of the school year as the coronavirus outbreak continues.”
Yes, you read that right. This disruption may last until the end of the year. So, if you haven’t yet accepted that you are now partnering with your children’s teachers to educate them, it’s time to jump on board. Fortunately, the schools didn’t just close and leave the parents hanging. The vast majority of schools have provided students with learning resources outside of the classroom; whether it is a packet of worksheets or virtual learning through Google Classroom, their schoolwork is homework for the time being.
Parents should, first and foremost, follow their teacher and school’s instructions and use the learning materials they provided. After this, then parents are encouraged to supplement their child’s education with other learning resources, which we will share below.
Virtual Learning Resources
Since this is such a strange event for students, parents, and teachers, many educational companies are doing what they can to support them. For instance, check out this list of educational companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings. Looking through this list and the other educational options we have seen online, these are our favorites:
- Scholastic – Offering day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing for free (grades pre-k – 6th grade and up)
- PBS Kids – Offering free learning games and activities based on popular PBS characters
- Age of Learning – Offering free home access to ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ for kids in preschool – middle school
- Virtual Field Trips – Even though most tourist attractions, famous landmarks, and museums are currently closed, your kids can “visit” them via the Internet.
- “Live” Author Events – Several award-winning authors and celebrities are doing things like offering free recorded readings or storytimes of children’s books or free drawing lessons with illustrators, such as Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
- Documentaries for kids – If your kids want screen time, but you want it to be educational, then use this list of educational documentaries.
- GoKid’s list of educational apps – Download our favorite educational apps to your child’s mobile device for supplemental learning.
Activities for Kids
In addition to doing schoolwork at home, parents also need to think creatively to get their kids entertained during the break. Here’s a friendly suggestion – loosen some of the screen time rules for the time being and check Common Sense Media to find age-based media reviews. But, we understand you don’t want your kids to turn into screen zombies over this surprise break from school, so check out these other activities they can do independently:
- Play outside
- Keep a journal
- Do some crafting
- Put puzzles together
- Use discarded materials around the house to “upcycle” or make something new
- Earn money by doing chores
- Listen to podcasts
- Build and run through an obstacle course
- Read, read, and read some more
- Write old-fashioned letters to friends and family members
- Build giant LEGO structures
Activities for the Whole Family
A positive part of this whole coronavirus quarantine is that you get to spend more time with your family. Here are some things you can do as a family without leaving your house using supplies you likely already own:
- Sort through photos and put them in photo albums
- Create fun and silly family videos
- Organize your pantries, closets, etc.
- Facetime/Skype family & friends
- Start making plans for summer
- Plant and garden
- Play board games
- Teach your kids to play your favorite card games
- Work on a large puzzle together
- Exercise – Go on family walks or watch YouTube exercise videos
- Cook & bake
Remember, no man is an island. You may be isolated at home, but we are all in this together.
