
Schools are closing right and left, bars and restaurants are shutting their doors, and gatherings are being cancelled. Rightly so. Each day new data is coming out regarding mounting numbers of COVID-19 cases and transmission rates within the community when no symptoms are present or before COVID-19 testing confirms diagnosis. EEK! Although this disease is relatively rare in children (thank goodness), that many sneaky cases put our older co-workers, loved ones, family, and friends at great risk. This means we all need to do our part to recognize our obligation to each other. Even though we personally might have no major health issues from COVID-19, complacency or lack of compliance with guidance to socially distance and/or quarantine could kill the nice lady down the block, your best friend’s grandfather, your 99 year old great grandmother, or the retiree that works at your local grocery store. This means staying home with our children without the break of a community outing, play date, trip to the store, or hour at the park. This may sound challenging to most of us and for those without reservations about their ability to balance work and kids at home, stop showing off. Below, find some free websites that offer educational opportunities for kids, as well as a list of things that you can safely do at home. Stay safe and healthy out there!
Switcheroo Zoo-lots of ways to learn about animals
www.switcheroozoo.com
Nat Geo for Kids-geography and animals galore
www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Seussville-Dr. Seuss and his friends host games and books
www.seussville.com
Highlight Kids-the online version of the magazine with fun science projects
www.highlightskids.com
Star Fall-phonics practice with read along books
www.starfall.com
PBS Kids-games and activities with PBS characters
www.pbs.org
Fun Brain-math and reading games for kids
www.funbrain.com
DO-
-walk your dog
-pick weeds in the yard
-organize a closet
-play a board game
-FaceTime with your mom
–make an action movie
-dress up like pirates
-make a song and play it on homemade instruments
-have a popcorn, candy, movie night
-teach your kids to do laudry
-cook a meal together
-discover interpretive dance