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Resources for Parents during Coronavirus
Admin note: more editors needed! Would love additional resources for non-english speakers, more links for the younger kids, etc. Email pandemicparents@gmail.com to get involved.
This guide will be an ongoing, crowdsourced list of resources for parents during the pandemic. Our goal is to help each class work together — whether it’s creating emergency childcare teams, keeping the kids connected and happy during a shutdown, providing resources for homeschooling, or helping everyone get the food/supplies they need, we want to include it. Have additions/suggestions? Email them to pandemicparents@gmail.com
** Please include visible links whenever possible: not everyone will have internet access all the time, and that will allow this guide to be printed and sites accessed later. Thanks! **
Basics
*Coronavirus Resources Aggregate List – NY-focused list of community resources, volunteer opportunities, ways to donate to local orgs, etc.
NYC schools - includes updates, closure info, and grade-specific activities: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/
Grab-and-go meals are available at all NYC schools until 1:30 PM each day this week. YOU CAN GO TO ANY SCHOOL, not just yours.
Kid-friendly visual explainer for why we social distance from the Washington Post, using bouncing balls: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/?itid=sf_
Stay Connected
Parents
Make sure to have printed, updated class contact lists
Create phone trees/text lists, in case school closes suddenly for emergency cleaning
No home internet? ATT and Charter are both offering free 60-day internet for anyone working or learning from home. Charter
Kids
Kid-safe chat programs -- Common Sense Media has recommendations by age here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/safe-chat-rooms-and-social-sites-for-kids
Google classroom/shared google files
Cornell University Social Media Test Drive, friend from there says "It lets kids practice social media in an environment that's not permanent"
General ways to stay connected online
Create a class-wide Slack - lets you carry on group conversations in useful (or just stress-relieving) channels. Can have a ‘supplies’ channel, funny pics, news and updates, educational ideas etc. https://slack.com/
Another chat option is Discord -- it also allows you to share your screen with others. One person can stream a movie, and up to 49 others can join in, watch together, and chat along! https://discordapp.com/
Video chat options: Zoom (great for groups of kids!) FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, Facebook Messenger Kids.
Helping families who aren’t digital natives get set up with remote learning:
Sharing here something that we at PS 139 have developed and shared with other local schools to provide support for parents who are not digital natives to get set up with remote learning. For many families, a language barrier combined with a lack of experience with the internet may combine into a barrier to their kids accessing remote learning - even if the kids receive a device and an internet connection through the DOE. Here’s what we did:
- We set up a dedicated internet based number on TextNow.com that parents can text
- We have a team of bilingual parents who are internet familiar and who speak the languages spoken by families in our school, who can call back and walk through them through getting Google classroom and other resources set up.
- We use a Google sheet to assign and track the requests
- We shared with teachers and school staff, with other school parent associations, and on our school and community mutual aid FB pages
- If anyone wants to talk through the mechanics of setting this up, feel free to reach out to me at junoturner@gmail.com
Shared childcare in the event of school closings
- Create a google doc signup template
- Calendar/availability template -- BEFORE classes close, people can say “i can take 3 kids on Mondays” for example
- Guidelines for small gatherings -- scroll down
- Emergency childcare by furloughed artists and performers -- link TK
Communal shopping in bulk
Bulk shopping is efficient, affordable, and minimizes trips to the store. But many people don’t have either space to store or financial resources to buy a lot at one time, even if it’s ultimately much cheaper. So sharing bulk purchasing with fellow parents can be great! Find someone who has a costco membership, someone who has space to store/distribute, and create a shared shopping list.
Sharing supplies
Have 7000 rolls of TP but no bleach? No judgement -- someone in your class probably bought that 5-gallon bucket of bleach at Costco but forgot the paper goods. Set up a sharing spreadsheet to allow for exchange. (Template TK)
Educational resources
General resources
Open Culture – Free textbooks. Amazing movies and audiobooks. Links to endless free online courses by some of the greatest professors. Foreign language lessons. Incredible stuff. And it’s all FREE. Lots of content for K-12.
http://www.openculture.com/free_k-12_educational_resources
Homeschooling – New York City Home Educators' Alliance (note- $42 fee to join for a year, may take a while, supposedly very good forums)
Most local libraries offer extensive digital resources that remain available. Check yours. Some large ones: NYPL, Brooklyn, Queens
Weekly newsletter from PBS kids with activities and ideas
http://public.pbs.org/PBSKIDSDaily?source=email
Scholastic: 20 days of at home lessons for families
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Educational companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings
http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com
Social and emotional learning resources from parents who are teachers
CK-12 Foundation – Age-specific online learning in all subjects
Khan Academy – Free, comprehensive courses and learning resources
Khan Academy Kids - App-based lessons for ages 2–7
https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/
Reading
ReadWorks, free library of content, curriculum and tools for grades K-12
International Children’s Digital Library – books from around the world in multiple languages http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
(more coming soon, by age)
PBS Digital Media: Grade 6-12 ELA
https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/shared/44422/4850024/
SparkNotes – Guides to literature; read summaries along with your (generally) grade 6+ student; full text of classic works
Project Gutenberg – over 60,000 free online books
Math
Good ol' EngageNY (Official NY state ELA & Math curriculum for grades preK-12)
GAIM sample competitions (accelerated math grades 3-8, fun graphic novel format)
https://www.girlsadventuresinmath.com/sample-competition
Bedtime Math for Families – daily word problems
http://bedtimemath.org/bedtime-math-for-families/
PS 321 Math Site – Downloadable/printable math games and other resources
Khan Academy – Courses by grade (including Engage module support), and by subject
youcubed – Inquiry-based challenge problems and lessons
Embarc Online – Eureka Math lessons and support materials for parents
Writing
“We recommend that your child keep a journal and write daily. They are welcome to continue working on pieces and ideas they started in class but they can also write what's of interest to them, including letters, poems, songs, fiction pieces, and essays about books they are reading.”
Quill.org—Free online writing and grammar activities for students in grades 3-12
Science
The American Museum of Natural History offers an amazing kids’ science website called OLogy, with games, stories, and tons of educational content in a kid-friendly design. https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology
PS 321 Science Bulletin
https://ps321science.blogspot.com/
Physics Central, run by the American Physical Society: experiments, videos, and cool comic books!
https://www.physicscentral.com
Their comic book series is here: https://physicscentral.com/explore/comics/index.cfm
National Geographic Kids – experiments, fun facts, etc. https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/category/discover/science/
“But Why” podcast special episode: viruses, coronavirus explainer, and soap!: https://t.co/TfTzc3vugo
Everyone’s favorite why-wash-your-hands experiment: https://www.sciencealert.com/this-simple-experiment-with-bread-is-a-genius-way-to-get-kids-to-wash-their-hands?fbclid=IwAR32p2HjXguM_wx5RgL8sU-jBH57NBjBciMVcCHNvV3n2j67hPz0oQnGukg
50 fun science experiments for kids using household stuff: https://mommypoppins.com/kids/50-easy-science-experiments-for-kids-fun-educational-activities-using-household-stuff
At-home science resources from parents who are teachers.
Watching the planet while stuck in the house: a list by Erik Klemetti https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/watching-the-planet-while-stuck-in-the-house
PBS Learning Media:
Grade 3-5 Science https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/shared/44422/4850254/#.Xm-bB5NKhsN
Grade 6-12 Science: https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/shared/44422/4850141/#.Xm6mI6hKg2w
Grade 9-12 Science: https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/shared/44422/4850142/#.Xm-a15NKhsM
Free coding sites/games for kids
https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
https://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/
http://www.crunchzilla.com/code-monster
Foreign language learning
Duolingo – 93 courses in 23 languages
Mango Languages – More than 70 languages. Free with some library memberships (Brooklyn!), sign up currently free to schools
Open Culture language learning roundup: various collected courses and resources
http://www.openculture.com/freelanguagelessons
Videos
TED-Ed Video Playlist Master List: a huge list of kid-friendly educational/fun videos for all age levels. If you desperately need a break while still feeling like it’s “educational” time, this is your spot. The videos: http://ed.ted.com/ The spreadsheet list: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lUzad8RFMU8cFwCLMeTv7bq1R3ctmdAo1MvZ-NOobpY/edit?fbclid=IwAR0wFYSjJmfWOxPRDzCLVZOb680DuGcDGDzJQA4lnXdnYIB_Ao8_yZi8TZ4
MIT K-12: https://www.youtube.com/mitk12videos
Physics Girl: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7DdEm33SyaTDtWYGO2CwdA
The Kid Should See This: aggregates interesting, kid-friendly videos focusing on science, art, technology, and more. http://thekidshouldseethis.com/
Pixel Academy Science Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErdB4M1lj9M
Arts Resources
Ideas for videos to post for Art:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc1bwi5nq4A&feature=youtu.be+
MetKids: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/metkids/
Google Art Project: A new tool that gives you access to more than 1,000 works of art appearing in 17 great museums across the world. http://www.googleartproject.com/
ArtThink: Created by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, this site offers theme-based activities in visual arts, language arts, history and social studies. http://www.sfmoma.org/artthink/
Movenet – Video library for dance educators. Dance on film: all kinds.
Super Make-It: Extraordinary craft projects made from everyday supermarket items http://supermakeit.com/blog?category=kids%20crafts
Art Hub for Kids offers online drawing and other art lessons.
https://www.artforkidshub.com/
Qubits Polyhedron project – awesome homemade science/hands-on activity! https://bit.ly/Polyhedrons
Cassie Stephens: Favorite Lessons for Home-Based Art Education (She also has a great YouTube channel FYI) https://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2020/03/my-favorite-lessons-for-home-based-art.html
Weekly live art lessons: Lunch Doodles with Mo WIllems!
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Free Comfort coloring pages to print:
https://www.flowmagazine.com/do/comforting-coloring-pages.html
Podcasts for Kids
Younger kids
Tumble Science Podcast
The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
WOW in the World
Story Pirates
Earth Rangers
Pants on Fire
Circle Round: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/532788972/circle-round
Brains On!
Forever Ago (History)
Noodle Loaf
NY Times: A Big List Of Podcasts for Little Kids https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/parenting/podcasts-for-kids.html
Tweens
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Young Ben Franklin
Six Minutes
Science Vs
Others on www.bestrobotever.com
Teens
Radio Rookies
The Spanish Experiment: Well-known children's stories translated into Spanish and spoken by a native Spanish speaker https://www.thespanishexperiment.com/stories
Daily stuff online
1 PM EST: Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems! Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Episodes will remain online for later streaming, and you can send your artwork and Q’s to lunchdoodles@kennedy-center.org for future episodes. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
2 PM EST M-F: Oliver Jeffers reads and discusses one of his books. https://www.instagram.com/oliverjeffers/
2 PM EST: Studio JKK leads a daily art/drawing activity for kids online. https://www.youtube.com/studiojjk
3 PM EST: Mac Barnett reads his books to kids on Insta live. Each episode stays up 24 hours. https://www.instagram.com/macbarnett/
3 PM EST: Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari Facebook Live
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158043843010479&id=61800120478
3/18 11AM PST: FBlive drawing session with Ben Clanton of Narwhal and Jelly:
https://www.facebook.com/events/19078529222420
Printable Worksheets
Great Schools worksheets for Pre-k to 5th grade: https://www.greatschools.org/gk/worksheets/
Advocate for others
Help the larger community, make sure kids without access to computers etc. don’t get forgotten
How to form a mutual aid group, with invitation template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fAb49eilfBa5IIVU2nY0rdgGZbjlFlI-vkWPZiJbsXs/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR39P1mSGPSzTVkOT6P6b8Da_K7nXU9V0NdNguuGIUKzCC_f7og_qBElp_Y
Resources for kids with expanded needs
CDC Guidance for provision of services for students with IEPs and 504s
Outfitting a Home for a Child on the Autism Spectrum: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/realestate/outfitting-a-home-for-a-child-on-the-autism-spectrum.html?fbclid=IwAR3WQfpH0ly-w13TrHH3SpukKg9FbXIs7PbHVsGaVFWn2RsIlQqAxZWG8V8
Stress-reducing Activity Ideas
- Mindfulness for Kids and Teens: 25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens (+Tips!)
- Trauma-informed Mindfulness Guide for Caregivers
- SmilingMind: Free kid-oriented mindfulness app: App
- Free mindfulness app for teens/adults: Calm
- Video demonstrations of games and exercises: Mindful Games Videos
- Stop Breathe Think: Mindfulness app for Kids https://www.stopbreathethink.com/
Staying Active
Fun fitness ideas -- kids yoga links, GoNoodle, non-contact fitness games
Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube- for younger/early elementary
Couch to 5K for kids - here is one family oriented training plan: https://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/how-to-train-for-a-family-5k-your-6-week-plan/
Go Noodle -- short videos, fun way to get moving. Lots of content. https://www.gonoodle.com/
Articles
How to work from home during the time of social distancing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztIJFeiiDIDTU0k0t6kZOE4hkQDwDZQ4/view?usp=drivesdk
Social story to explain to kids why they are home from school from Kate Friedman: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YTwp9yW1elwOL8WhrtKPvgk_MBwzExgScCoAMg4ntOw/edit?
Social Story to explain to talk to younger ones about when someone is sick in their home from Kate Friedman: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1G6y68ocRUdc5AHLydb1p46gr8iWZRQJM81zgHThYHyI/edit?usp=sharing
How to talk to your kids about Covid-19: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-covid-19
Fred Rogers Center: talking to your kids about Coronavirus: https://www.facebook.com/FredRogersCenter/posts/10158240921418069?hc_location=ufi
What Are the Rules for Play Dates During the Coronavirus Crisis?: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/parenting/kids-playdates-coronavirus.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article
Parenting during coronavirus: What to know about play dates, education and more, Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/03/14/parenting-tips-coronavirus/?utm_campaign=wp_to_your_health&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_tyh&wpmk=1
Can we do Playdates in Pandemic?
Work at Home Parent Tips, 5 Ways to Involve Your Child in Your Career (Molly- maybe these kinds of things belong elsewhere? -LD)
How to Survive Quarantine with Kids, Family Coach: http://www.thefamilycoach.com/how-to-survive-being-quarantined-with-your-kids-during-corona-virus-or-natural-disaster/
Lots of resources from homeschooling parent of 3 @christiemegill
NYTimes Parenting (all ages): How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
PBSKids “How to talk to kids”: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
Young Children (from ZerotoThree.org): Tips for Families: Talking About the Coronavirus
BrainPop.com for school-age kids: Coronavirus
“Just for Kids” comic from NPR: What Kids Want To Know About Coronavirus: An Original Comic : Goats and Soda
Trauma-Informed Guide for Families (multiple ages): Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
(Age-specific recommendations on helping kids cope start on p4)
Shared childcare guide
- Resources aren’t distributed evenly -- time, money, space, willingness to teach, and secret stashes of Pirate Booty all have value, and should be respected as such
- Set clear guidelines, and stick to them. Arrive and leave at the pre-arranged times
- If anyone in the family is ill in any way, *do not participate in shared programs* unless pre-arranged
- Talk to your kids about the new rules: it will be important to practice social distancing even in small groups
