Our world is facing scary and unprecedented times with concerns of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Social distancing, school closures, toilet paper hoarding, canceling both major and minor events, and a new genre of internet memes are the new norm across the world.

Many of us are trying to stay as positive as possible during these difficult times.

I have seen so many examples of kindness, caring, and compassion all around.

• More door-holding so the next person doesn’t have to touch the door.

• Offers to donate food and supplies to those who can’t afford to buy extras.

• Offers by parents to other parents to swap child care in small groups.

• Schools continuing to offer meals during closures.

The list goes on and on, and I’m sure this is only the beginning. Thanks to everyone who is in a position to donate, help, and “extend a hand” to those who are in need.

With schools across the United States ordered closed, many parents and care providers are working hard to figure out how they can keep kids busy with academic activities to maintain some form of a regular, structured learning schedule each day.

Pro Tip: Don’t let planning this be too much of a stress on you!  (There are plenty of other things we have no control over presently that we are already stressed about, right?!). It doesn’t have to be all math, science, and history – though there are plenty of ways to make those subject matters enjoyable.

• Bring back the study of home economics with cooking, sewing, nutrition, or money management lessons.

• Let your kids choose some fun “electives” like music, YouTube Art, or online coding projects.

• Go out on a family bike ride, hike, or a trip to the beach for physical education and a biology lesson in one!  

• A lot of learning happens during unstructured play time, too!

There have been so many great, creative and in some cases free educational resources popping up in light of this extended school closure.

While I know this list is not comprehensive, I thought it would be a good idea to try to put some of these in one place to help parents and nannies with ideas to keep school-aged kids busy while they are at home.

Continue reading “Coronavirus Outbreak: Free Educational Resources” →