Monday morning, the world will be drastically different than it was even a week ago: millions of parents will become teachers, families will be on house-arrest and we will all be challenged in different ways!
As always, this blog hopes to empower you, by offering an explanation of the Coronavirus to Children, Online Educational Resources, At-Home Challenges, Nature Therapy within CDC Restrictions and More Help for Us New Teacher-Parents!
How To Explain Coronavirus to Children
This is something none of us have ever experienced before! The rules change daily and the fear is growing! We want to shield our innocent children from what’s happening but also need convey important lessons and enforce these evolving crazy restrictions that are taking over every aspect of daily life!
- CDC Resource: How to talk to kids about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child from KidsHealth
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource National Association of School Psychologists
- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019, Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Events, and Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents
Germ-Busting PBS KIDS videos, games and activities all about hand washing and staying healthy:
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
- Sesame Street
- Curious George
- Super Why!
ONLINE RESOURCES
Virtual School/Play Groups
These resources are growing these days, so stay tuned to my blog for more and these other e-group settings:
* Schools Out Indefinitely Facebook Group Link
* Mind, Body Soul and Oils Facebook Group
* My YouTube Channel (which is going to get more exciting!)
Educational Videos
* RYAN’s WORLD, who also has safe educational videos on YouTube
* Lunch Doodles with Mo Williams
* YouTube kids has a bunch – GoNoodle is great for at-home gym class
* Romp & Roll on YouTube – Toddler adventures and sing your favorite songs
Other Online/At Home Resources
* Scholastic Videos and eBooks 
* For Children in Preschool Through 2nd Grade
http://www.ABCmouse.com/redeem
* For Children in Preschool Through 6th Grade
http://www.ReadingIQ.com/redeem
(Internet access is not needed after ReadingIQ is downloaded.)
* For Children in 3rd Through 8th Grade
http://www.AdventureAcademy.com/redeem
* Virtual field trips are amazing learning opportunities! Let’s take this time to learn & discover with our kids! Link to Virtual Field Trips in Google Doc!
* LEGO Challenge
* Home Classical Ed Curriculum
Before this madness even happened, I was really impressed by Classical Education and hoped to supplement this curriculum during my kids off days in the summer! There is an entire curriculum, printable work books and a lot of FREE goodies in the Resource Library (including The Gentle + Classical Preschool). Check out for more about The Gentle + Classical Preschool.
NATURE PLAY AT A SAFE DISTANCE
And as always Nature Therapy is still alive and well! (Just at a 6ft safe social distancing).
Check out all the scavenger hunts you can print out or these great ideas:
(Could not find the source of this graphic so please contact me if you know. Was shared by Calming Me, Calming You – the Owls Nest, another great resource for the emotional side of education!)
REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT SPRING BREAK
Sorry to be a downer but just a friendly reminder that this is not a holiday or snow day! The CDC is recommending and governments are increasingly reinforcing “Social Distancing” as the Way to Fight the Spread of the virus.
People without symptoms are spreading the disease ~~ please take action while we still have a chance. Enjoy your family, learn a language, reorganize your sock drawer, play in the yard but please don’t breath on anyone!
WATCH OUT for Surfaces and items you bring into your home (like amazon or groceries) — the virus can live on surfaces
For the latest on #Coronavirus in Montgomery County Pennsylvannia, #MontcoPA,Or check the CDC. Ya’ll don’t need fake news these days! #flattenthecurve
WE CAN GET THRU THIS WITH GRACE & FAITH
We all know that this is not fun or fair, so try to have grace when dealing with your kids, family or spouse. It’s important to stay calm and explain that you know it’s tough. I’ve been saying “Yes it does stink, but we want to be safe”….
(This post will be updated as more resources come in!). Stay Well!
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Plants Power Purpose 