Online Education Begins...
We recognize that online learning, “social distancing,” and hunkering down at home present us all with a unique set of challenges. Although we cannot be physically present in your daily lives, we want to continue to offer support and community to you and your students. That includes providing resources for parents and students to talk about what is happening in the world, manage the stress and emotions of this large change in routine, and keep the community connected.
Parent Resources: for speaking to you child about COVID-19
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource highlights specific guidelines for remaining calm and reassuring, recognizing the symptoms, monitoring TV viewing and social media, communicating with the school, maintaining a normal routine to the extent possible, taking time to talk, maintaining age-appropriate conversations and explanations. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus. The more you talk to your child, the better it is for your child. The video is very informative and helpful in explaining the need to remain calm, not be afraid to discuss COVAD-19, deal with your own anxiety, be reassuring, focus on what you're doing to stay safe, be developmentally appropriate, keep talking, etc.). https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Talking with Children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others - Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource Guide -National Association of School Psychologists https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
Coronavirus and Calming Kids' Worries - https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/coronavirus-and-calming-kids-worries
Podcast for parents with helpful tips on how they can talk to their kids. https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/how-to-explain-the-coronavirus-to-kids
How To Explain the Corona Virus to Kids with Anxiety or OCD - Podcast from AT Parenting Survival website. https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/how-to-explain-the-coronavirus-to-kids/?fbclid=IwAR1dtyoNwQhbR8gfuSlfVJLMiIlJL2MjeHXVGbIChio1Anl-utiO2G5E4uM#.XmvRYGhKjIV
Sharing with Your Lower or Middle School Student
What Kids Want To Know About Coronavirus: An Original Comic: Goats and Soda - NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
Coronavirus - Brainpop (for younger students) https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Calming Kids' Fears About Corona Virus - Brainpop https://educators.brainpop.com/2020/02/12/timely-topic-calming-kids-fears-about-coronavirus/?
What we can take away from this information
Help your student understand what the virus is and is not.
Practice good hygiene.
Talk about the feelings that come from being at home and limited socializing.
It’s OK to admit how the adults are feeling too - just offer positive solutions for those feelings.
Have a schedule and keep a routine.
Limit media exposure - the continuous news cycle only increases anxiety.
Engage in activities that don’t involve screens - puzzles, games, drawing and craft activities are great ways to unwind.
Schedules
Your household may benefit from having a more comprehensive routine mapped out. There are many options out there and you should find something that works for your family - and recognize that flexibility will be key as well.
Possible Day Schedule
Staying Healthy
We encourage you and your students to establish routines around their class schedules. Wake up at a consistent time and establish the morning routine of dressing and having breakfast. Schedule time for lunch and breaks throughout the day. Hold to a consistent dinner time and bedtime.
Exercise!
Now is a great time to get plenty of rest, engage in regular exercise and maybe even establish some improved eating and sleep hygiene patterns.
So many amazing companies are offering free home workouts.
Orange-theory Fitness
Eat Right!
Healthy Eating - Take this as an opportunity to reset diet. Have students plan and prepare meals to develop math skills, executive functioning skills, AND life skills.
Healthy Food for Kids https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-food-for-kids.htm
Rest!
How Much Sleep Do I Need? - CDC Chart https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
School-Aged Children need 9-12 hours
Teens need 8-10 hours
Adults need more than 7 hours (and probably MORE when stressed)
Good sleep hygiene includes setting bedtimes and consistent wake-up times
Routine before bed
Read a book
Meditate
Slow, gentle yoga/stretching
No screen time (no TV, phones, tablets, etc.) for several hours before bedtime
Stress Reduction
Managing Anxiety and Stress - from the Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
COVID-19 Guide: How to Manage Stress and Anxiety - -NBC 4 in NY https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-guide-how-to-manage-stress-and-anxiety/2331439/
Top Free Mindfulness Apps - (as rated by Puregym) https://www.puregym.com/blog/top-free-mindfulness-apps/
Headspace just added additional free resources under the title “Weathering the Storm.” They also have resources specifically targeted to children.
Set up virtual sessions with therapists or re-establish connections if needed. This situation is bound to produce additional anxiety and everyone can use a little extra support.
Additional Help for Online Learning Resources
How Students Develop Online Learning Skills - Tips and strategies for helping students stay disciplined, participate more than ever, be patient, help teachers, get organized, ask for help, work efficiently, and help those in class with you. Parents and students can gain helpful information from this research.