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Tips for Caregivers and Parents on Schooling at Home

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Tips for Caregivers and Parents on Schooling at Home

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Tips for Caregivers on Schooling at Home.pdf

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We're sure you see a lot of students experiencing feelings of anxiousness and worry. And most of the time, this anxiety stems from thoughts of being embarrassed or feeling judged for situations that only exist in their heads. The thoughts can easily turn into bigger worries, fears that become overwhelming, and a level of panic where they feel out of control.

This lesson will help students identify the issues that cause anxiety and offer coping strategies that can be used to deal those feelings. But since anxiety looks a lot different for elementary students and middle/high school students, we're providing two activities. Both are available below with PDF worksheets for students and a printable PDF with educator instructions.

Fill Up Your Worry Cup: For elementary students

This lesson will help your students identify issues that bring on anxiety. First, you will help your students express what may be giving them anxiety with a writing activity, and second, you will provide a coping strategy as a tool to help them deal with anxiety when it arises.

Print both worksheets for your students and hand out the first one titled Prep: "Fill Up Your Worry Cup"

Prompt: Start a conversation with your students about worry. Explain how we all have things we worry about, they may be big or small, and they may make us feel uneasy. Let them know those feelings of worry can creep up on us, and it helps to talk about them. Let's take a few minutes today to think about things we worry about.
*Give the students some writing time*
After students write down a few examples, you can discuss examples as a class or in small groups.

Hand out the Next: square breathing worksheet. Explain to the students this is like a tool in our toolbox that we can take out when we feel anxious or worried.
Review the instructions with the students and do the exercise as a class. Give your students some other examples of calming/coping skills:

imagine your favorite place

picture the people you care about

take a break (a walk around)

Breaking Down Our Thoughts: Lesson for older students

This lesson focuses on helping your students identify thoughts they are experiencing that may bring on worry or anxiety.
Conversation prompts:

Our thoughts are closely linked to our emotions and when there is something on our mind that we're worried about, it can grow and can cause us to feel other things such as anxiety or an uneasiness.

Breaking down these thoughts can help identify if that worry is based on feelings or actual facts.

Today we're going to take a few moments and Prompt: write down something that we may be worrying about. This can be completely private and you do not need to share it with anyone, this exercise is for you. We're then going to break down those thoughts by gathering facts to see the details of that thought.
*Give the students time to write* Use the questions below to examine and break down the thought. Ask yourself:

"Is my thought based on a feeling or an actual fact?"

"Is it possible for my thought to come true?"

"What's the worst that can happen if it does come true?"

"Will it still matter to me tomorrow or in the future?"

"What can I do to handle the situation in a positive way?

Prompt: Explain that by asking these questions above we are going to uncover that we have the power to control how we feel about thoughts that creep into our mind. We can then calm down and come back to a place where we feel in control.

The answers to the questions will show students that most of the time, whatever they are thinking can be broken down to a point where they can feel better about what is causing them to feel anxious.

In addition to the strategy above, share with your students other ways to cope with anxiety in the moment. Instruct students to look at the second page.

Prompt: Having some quick strategies on hand can help us get through a moment of worry. Let's review these two strategies together.

Instruct students on the deep breathing exercise and the clenching fist exercise.

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Identifying and Coping with Anxiety Lesson

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We're sure you see a lot of students experiencing feelings of anxiousness and worry. And most of the time, this anxiety stems from thoughts of being embarrassed or feeling judged for situations that only exist in their heads.

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18 Mindfulness Games, Worksheets and Activities for Kids

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18 Mindfulness Games, Worksheets and Activities for Kids

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18 Mindfulness Games, Worksheets and Activities for Kids

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Mindfulness for kids is best instilled early, to develop mindful adults.

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LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Episode 01

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What problems are you currently having with your child? Empowering Parents covers some of the most difficult child behavior issues parents are facing. Search the EP archive for practical, hands-on advice from some of America's top parenting experts. And be sure to check back here frequently, because new articles are constantly being added to our archive.

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Parenting Articles & Expert Advice - Empowering Parents

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What problems are you currently having with your child? Empowering Parents covers some of the most difficult child behavior issues parents are facing. Search the EP archive for practical, hands-on advice from some of America's top parenting experts. And be sure to check back here frequently, because new articles are constantly being added to our archive.

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Mindfulness: Observing a Train of Thoughts

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Mindfulness: Observing a Train of Thoughts

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Mindfulness: Observing A Train of Thoughts

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Hey, art friends! Welcome to Art For Kids Hub! 🎨✏️ Here, you’ll discover all sorts of awesome art lessons, from drawing to painting, and even some super cool origami. Whether you’re a beginner or a budding artist, there’s something fun for everyone! I’m Rob, and along with my amazing wife, Teryn, and our four creative kids, Jack, Hadley, Austin, and Olivia, we make art together as a family and love sharing it with you. ❤️ Ready to jump in and start creating? Most of our art lessons are self-contained, so grab your favorite black marker, some paper, and your coloring supplies, and let’s get drawing! 🖍️📒 Join us on this colorful adventure, and let’s make art that brings smiles and joy. Happy creating! 🌟

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Executive Function Activities for 7- to 12-year-olds

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Executive Function Activities for 7- to 12-year-olds

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 Color-Coding Tips to Get Your Child Organized

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 Color-Coding Tips to Get Your Child Organized

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Does your child have trouble keeping track of things-from class assignments to sports gear? Color-coding is a great way to help kids get and stay organized. Try these ideas to make it easier for your child to keep tabs on stuff at home and at school.

Ask your child to choose a color. If you have more than one child, let each of them choose a color. Then stick to their colors when you choose everyday items like towels, toothbrushes, water bottles, laundry bags, and even electronics chargers. That way each sibling knows right away which thermos or blanket is theirs. This can help them understand which items they're responsible for-and that can help keep bickering to a minimum.

2. Use different-colored bags for different kinds of gear.

Try organizing your child's activities by color. Use large washable sacks in different colors. For example, you can keep all soccer supplies in a yellow bag, dance gear in a red one, and so on. This makes it easier for your child to know what to grab on the way to practice or other activity.

3. Color-code the family calendar.

Use a different color for each family member as you write in events. For example, your child's activities could be marked in green, yours in red, and so forth. If your family uses a shared digital calendar, you can also assign colors to events. Check under "settings."

4. Use different-colored supplies for each school subject.

Assign each class its own color. Red for reading, blue for math, and so on. If your child has a homework station, follow your color scheme when using bins for class-specific supplies. For example, calculators and rulers for math class go in the blue bin. Older kids can also color-code digital folders on their computers.

5. Try "home" and "school" colors for note-taking.

In class, kids take notes on what they learn from the teacher. At home, they take notes on what they're studying on their own. If all of your child's notes are in the same color, it can make it hard to know what was learned where: "Last week, I wrote that an obtuse angle is 90 degrees. Is that really what the teacher said?" Taking at-home and at-school notes in different colors-whether by hand or on a computer-can help your child avoid confusion.

6. Use an underlining system for note-taking.

When each color has a specific purpose, your child can scan a page and know where to look for what. For example, have your child mark all new terms or vocabulary words in yellow, the main topic in green, and each subtopic in pink. (This approach works best for shorter assignments. It could be overwhelming to do it for big chunks of text.) Your child can use this technique on the computer, too.

Use different-colored sticky notes to help your child keep track of when to do things like homework or chores. The color of the sticky note can show how urgent it is. For example, flag tasks that need to be done first with red stickies, next week's stuff orange, and so on.

About the Author

About the Author

Lexi Walters Wright&nbsp

is the former Community Manager at Understood (u.org/community). As a writer and editor, she helps parents make more informed choices for their children and for themselves.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Jenn Osen-Foss, MAT&nbsp

is an instructional coach, supporting teachers in using differentiated instruction, interventions, and co-planning.

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7 Color-Coding Tips to Get Your Child Organized

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Does your child have trouble keeping track of things-from class assignments to sports gear? Color-coding is a great way to help kids get and stay organized. Try these ideas to make it easier for your child to keep tabs on stuff at home and at school. Ask your child to choose a color.

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When kids have a big project or assignment, it can be hard for them to figure out how to get started and come up with a plan to see it through. That's especially true if they have trouble with organization or time management. These step-by-step tips can help your child break down projects into manageable chunks.

Figure out how much time your child has.

Count backward from the project's deadline to see how long your child has to complete it.

Decide how long your child should work at each sitting.

Estimate how much stamina your child will have for the kinds of work involved.

Calculate what your child needs to do each day.

Compare how much time is available with how long your child can work at a stretch. This helps you figure out how to help your child " chunk " the work, or do a bit each day.

Make a list of the materials needed.

Help your child gather them in advance. This way, your child won't have to stop working to search for supplies.

Write down each task.

Work with your child to write down on note cards every task the assignment involves, from going to the library to designing the report cover.

Put the task cards in order.

Help your child decide what comes first, second, etc. For instance, doing research comes before proofreading the paper.

For each task, ask if your child has any questions or concerns. Write them down on the back of the card.

Assign a deadline for each task.

Work backward to come up with reasonable due dates. Address your child's questions as you create the schedule.

Review your child's progress.

Check in regularly to see how your child is doing and if the project is on schedule. If not, help your child revise the plan.

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When kids have a big project or assignment, it can be hard for them to figure out how to get started and come up with a plan to see it through. That's especially true if they have trouble with organization or time management. These step-by-step tips can help your child break down projects into manageable chunks.

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions

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Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions - Child Mind Institute

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Learning specialists discuss how to help kids who have problems with executive functions stay organized and on top of their responsibilities.

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This is a body scan for children. If you're a parent, you might choose to do this with your child, or feel free to use the audio as part of bedtime or at any other time of the day.

1) Lie down on your back. Let your legs and your arms relax and fall to the sides. Settle yourself in a comfort-able position and close your eyes.

2) Start by taking two or three gentle, large breaths. Pay attention to how that feels. Your belly rises and falls. Air moves in and out of your body. If you like, place a hand on your belly and feel it move with each breath.

3) Now we're going to pay attention to the other parts of the body. Start with your feet. They might feel warm or cold, wet or dry, relaxed or restless. It's also okay if you feel nothing at all. If you can, relax your feet now. If that's hard to do, that's fine. Take a moment and notice how that feels too.

4) For these few minutes, let yourself be still. There's nothing to do. Pay attention as best you can. You might feel a blanket or socks on your feet, or you might feel them pressing against the bed or the floor. When your mind gets busy, gently bring your attention back to your feet again.

5) Now move your attention to your lower legs, noticing whatever is there. Do they feel heavy, light, warm, cold, or something else? Let go of frustration and trying to do anything. Just do your best and give yourself a few moments of rest.
Next, move your attention next to your knees and relax them. Feel the front, back, and sides of your knees.

6) After a few more breaths, move your attention to your upper legs. Whatever you feel, or don't feel, is fine. Notice your legs and let them relax. If you feel restless or wiggly, that's okay too. That happens.

7) Now move your attention to your belly. It always moves when you breathe, rising and falling, like waves on the sea. You might feel something on the inside, like full or hungry. You might notice the touch of your clothing or a blanket. You might even feel emotions in your belly, like happy or sad or upset.

If you feel that it's hard to focus, that's normal. Gently practice coming back again and again to how your chest feels when you breathe.

8) Next, bring your attention to your chest. Notice it rising and falling as you breathe. If you feel that it's hard to focus, that's normal. Gently practice coming back again and again to how your chest feels when you breathe.

9) Now turn your attention to your hands. There is no need to move them or do anything with them. They may be touching the bed, or the floor, or somewhere on your body. Relax them if you can, and if not, simply paying attention to your hands for another moment.

10) Move your attention up into your arms. Maybe notice if you can find a moment of stillness inside you, like the pause at the end of each breath.

11) Next, move your attention around to your back. How does it feel against the bed or the floor? Notice how it rocks with each breath. When your mind gets busy or angry or scared, you can always come back to how your body feels in this way for a moment.

12) Now move attention to your neck and shoulders, letting go and relaxing them. If your mind wanders, that's fine. No one can pay attention all the time. Just keep returning to noticing your body whenever you find yourself thinking of something else.

13) And now feel your face and head. What expression do you have right now? What would it feel like to smile? What else do you notice in your face, your head, and in your mind?

14) Finally, spend a few moments, paying attention to your whole body. If it is easier, continue to pay attention to your breath. If it's time for sleep, let that happen, remaining still and continuing to pay attention to your breath or feelings in your body. And if it's time to wake up, open your eyes and sit for a few moments before deciding when to move again.

Reprinted with permission: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. Copyright © 2015 by Mark Bertin, from Mindful Parenting for ADHD

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This is a body scan for children. If you're a parent, you might choose to do this with your child, or feel free to use the audio as part of bedtime or at any other time of the day. 1) Lie down on your back.

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Smiling Mind- Free Daily Mindfulness App

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Smiling Mind- Free Daily Mindfulness App

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An evidence-based approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children in the classroom, school and home environments. Choose the implementation option to suit your school.

For a limited time, Australian primary schools can apply for a funded place and receive the Primary School Program at no direct cost to the school.

Smiling Mind is Australia's leading digital-led, prevention focussed mental health not-for-profit. Smiling Mind has been helping minds thrive for over 10 years and are the innovators behind Australia's most trusted mental wellbeing app. Our evidence-based tools support people to learn the skills to maintain their mental health in fun and interactive ways.

If you'd like to support our work, you can make a donation. Every contribution, however large or small makes a difference and we're so grateful for your support.

The Australian Mental Wellbeing Index provides a snapshot insight into the everyday mental wellbeing of Australia. It explores the factors that contribute to mental wellbeing and aims to generate a national conversation about how Australians can take a proactive approach to support mental wellbeing.

We've recently released the second annual report exploring the data collected across 2022-2023. The latest report shows young Australians aged 18-24, are experiencing poorer mental wellbeing than older age groups and poorer levels of focus and concentration may be a key driver of this.

A daily mindfulness and meditation guide at your fingertips

#1 Apple Health & Wellbeing App 2018 - Australia

Trusted by over 7.8M people

100% evidence based

FREE Programs for children and adults

We suggest 10 minutes a day

What are you waiting for?

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

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Smiling Mind is a non-for-profit web and app-based meditation program developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into your life.

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Mindfulness activities and more

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Relaxing Music with Amazing Nature Scenery HD Video 1080p - 6 Hours

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Relaxing Music with Amazing Nature Scenery HD Video 1080p - 6 Hours

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LoungeV Films - Relaxing Music and Nature Sounds

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Relaxing Music with Amazing Nature Scenery HD Video 1080p - 6 Hours

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25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens

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25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens

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25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children & Teens (+Tips!)

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Fun mindfulness activities for kids to teach them about mindfulness. Enjoy!

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty — AFSP.pdf

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Hoopla: Borrow digital media with your library card

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Hoopla: Borrow digital media with your library card

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hoopla digital: audiobooks, ebooks, movies, tv and comics.

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Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood.

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Free online jigsaw puzzles with thousands of beautiful pictures and puzzle cuts. Control the level of difficulty for fun by all the family, or a quick distraction at work, or boring days. Send puzzle postcards to friends, puzzle of the day

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coronaviruses; 2019-ncov; covid-19; sars-cov-2; viruses; outbreak; infections; illnesses; epidemic; epidemiology; pandemic; quarantine; wuhan; immune system; pneumonia; germs; vaccines; vaccinations; creative coding; corona virus; corona viruses; carona

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Learn all about the coronavirus that started making people sick in 2019.

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We estimate that 99.9% of children benefit from a clear schedule during their day-to-day, especially while out of school. Valuing the individual differences of each child makes it impossible to provide a one size fits all option. What we do know however is, you 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.
Here's our guide on incorporating sensory rich activities into your family lifestyle and your daily schedule. We hope you find it helpful.

Thank you to our faculty member Renee Allen from Roots Pediatric OT and our own Maura Mooneyham for all your work on this today.

Grab the PDF here
See below for text only version:
Sensory Balanced Daily Schedule
When you have long breaks from school and unscheduled days it's important to establish a predictable routine that works for your child and your family.
Whenever you are building a schedule for your family remember to include in whole body sensory rich activities.
Daily schedules should have a combination of alerting/organizing/calming activities throughout the day. When scheduling the day it is important to make sure that a child's sensory needs are being met.
The Red/Green/ Blue Sensory Routine
Red Activities (Alerting): These activities are always stimulating. They should be used to increase arousal or body awareness. Many demanding motor activities are "red" because of the increase in physical and cognitive energy they require. Children (and adults) need "red" activities throughout the day to stay regulated, to learn more demanding motor sequences and to burn off energy.

Bouncing on a ball chair

Swinging rotary, swinging-self linear

Jumping on the trampoline

Safe crashing and falling into cushions

Play set or playground

Stop/go, red light/greenlight

Ninja warrior with crawling and climbing

Chase games

Pulling child in a blanket

Dance party - music and movement

Building a couch-cushion tower and then running and knocking it over

Green Activities (Just Right): These activities help us get regulated and stay regulated. They are generally "organizing" and help us to sustain focus and attention. Green activities work best when they are social activities, where focus is 100% on the game and the relationships and everyone has a twinkle in their eye.

Linear swinging

Sitting in a rocking chair

Wheel barrel walks on hands

Carry a heavy weight to -anywhere

Cooking / painting / building / crafts

Rolling up in a blanket / burrito game

Long strong hugs

Pull heavy animals/ siblings in a blanket across the floor

Using a weighted pillow or animal while doing academic / craft activities

Yard work (digging, moving firewood)

Making forts

Blue Activities (Calming): These activities are calming and organizing. They help to decrease arousal after a stimulating activity or to relax before nap or bed. These can be really important to incorporate when you start to see signs of dysregulation (rigidity, disorganization, frustration). Usually, taking a few minutes to reorganize and reengage, buys a lot more cooperation than other methods. The environment and space play an important role in supporting blue activities.

Have a quiet space just for going to "blue" (use the fort you made!)

Chewing resistive food (bagel, tootsie roll)

Drinking a smoothie through a straw

Massage (not tickle)

Taking 10 deep breaths

Sit on a bean bag and read a book

Turn off the lights/dim the lights

Weighted blanket/weighted animal for a "seat belt" while reading or coloring

Using a slower quiet voice

Blowing a pinwheel or bubbles or pretend candle

Squeezing into a small safe space

STAR Institute is a 501(c)(3) and the Covid-19 situation has hit us hard. If you are in a position to help please consider a $20 donation today: Donate Now

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We estimate that 99.9% of children benefit from a clear schedule during their day-to-day, especially while out of school. Valuing the individual differences of each child makes it impossible to provide a one size fits all option. What we do know however is, you 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨.

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PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

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PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus | Parenting Tips & Advice

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With coronavirus being a concern for grown ups, kids might also be worrying. Here's how to talk about COVID-19 with your young children, plus ways to practice healthy habits all year round.

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Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

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Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

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Updated on March 16 at 1:56 p.m. ET. This comic has been updated. Click here for the newest version.
Kids, this comic is for you.

It's based on a radio story that NPR education reporter Cory Turner did. He asked some experts what kids might want to know about the new coronavirus discovered in China.

To make this comic, we've used his interviews with Tara Powell at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, Joy Osofsky at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Krystal Lewis at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Print and fold a zine version of this comic here. Here are directions on how to fold it. To read this comic in Chinese, click here.To read it in Spanish, click here.

Malaka Gharib is an NPR editor and the author and illustrator of I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir, about being first-generation Filipino Egyptian American.

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Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

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You may have heard the word "coronavirus" online or on TV. You probably have a lot of questions. Check out our comic to get some answers - and print out a zine version at home.

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Games to Improve Executive Functioning Skills

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Games to Improve Executive Functioning Skills

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Kids and young adults need extensive practice in strengthening their executive functioning skills. Executive functions are the processes in our brains that help us accomplish all tasks from beginning to end. We use them when we plan our day, organize our materials, begin a chore, focus on important information, use our time wisely, and work through challenges until we accomplish a goal. The specific skills include: planning, organization, time management, task initiation, working memory, self-control, metacognition, attention, flexibility, and perseverance. While all kids could use extra practice with executive functioning skills, the ones who need it the most are often disorganized, struggle to finish assignments, lose items, have difficulty paying attention over periods of time, and give up on tasks that are difficult. These are the kids who could benefit the most from executive functioning skills instruction and practice.

If you're looking for an executive functioning review game you can download and use right away, check out this Executive Functioning Challenge! It can be played as a board game with partners and small groups, or as a whole-class challenge. The game includes over 200 executive functioning cards so you can play again and again!

Simply put, executive functions are often critical to the success of kids and young adults. So, it makes sense to make practicing them fun and engaging! Games are a great way to weave executive functioning practice into your routine. You can choose to play a game on a Friday afternoon, after a big test, or as a class reward.
Here are ten games for practicing executive functioning skills: #1 - BLURT
Skills: self-control, metacognition

How to Play: In this game, the teacher reads a definition of a word and kids have to figure out the word itself. For example, a question might be, "What is a partially dried grape?" When the student answers "raisin", they win that turn. I like to play "around the world" style. All students will sit at desks or chairs around the room. Select two kids to play against each other and have them stand next to one another. Read the card and whoever "blurts" the answer first, wins and gets to move on to the next person. The idea is that only the kids playing can blurt out, and everyone else must have self-control, even if they know the answer. This game can also be played with your own content area questions too, which is great for a review before a test!
#2 - SCRABBLE
Skills: planning, organization

How to Play: In scrabble, kids use random letters to build words and keep score as they go. You can have students play in small groups and even partner kids together who may need extra support with spelling or language. Planning and organization is required because kids need to build off of each others' words as the game progresses. As an extension, have kids look up definitions to the words they create or use the word in a sentence before points are scored.

#3 - PICTIONARY

Skills: flexibility, time management

How to Play: This game has students drawing phrases on paper or a whiteboard that others must guess correctly. Kids need to use time management to best draw their phrase before the time is up. This is such a fun game! I even love taking pictures of some of the drawings that are both hilarious and amazing.

#4 - DISTRACTION
Skills: working memory, attention

How to Play: In this card game, kids work on remembering numbers given to them while encountering distractions, including questions they have to answer. It is a great activity to teach about distractions that can throw us off!
#5 - 5 SECOND RULE
Skills: time management, task initiation

How to Play: Kids must name 3 things that fit a given topic. For example, kids might need to name 3 professional basketball teams or 3 pieces of jewelry. The categories differ greatly so kids have to be on their toes. As an accommodation, I sometimes play as a "10 second rule" to give kids enough time to process the question.
#6 - FREEZE
Skills: self-control, attention

How to Play: Freeze is a game where you play music and allow kids to be silly and dance. Then, at any moment, say "Freeze!" and kids need to stand completely still. It takes a lot of self-control to stop dancing to a song you're into! This can be fun to let kids take the role to freeze the class, too.
#7 - JENGA
Skills: self-control, flexibility, planning

How to Play: In this game, kids pull blocks from a tower carefully. They must plan and be careful so they are not the one who causes the tower to fall over. This is a fun game because everyone likes to see towers get knocked down sometimes!

Skills: perseverance, flexibility

How to Play: Brainteasers are drawings and words that have a special meaning that kids must figure out. For example, when "man" is written on top of "board", it means "man overboard". These type of brainteasers are a great feat in perseverance and flexibility to figure out. They are great for a morning meeting or "do now" when kids walk in the door to start their brains off strong.
#9 - CHESS
Skills: planning, flexibility, working memory

How to Play: Chess requires kids to learn specific rules for different pieces and then use those skills to take out their opponent. This game requires a tremendous amount of planning, flexibility, and working memory to think through your moves ahead of time. It is also a great option when you need a quiet game.

Skills: perseverance, working memory

How to Play: Sudoku is a math puzzle game that allows kids to use critical thinking skills. Each grid has the numbers 1-9. Each row and column must add up to 9 separately, so the numbers need to be arranged correctly. Incorporate this activity for kids to work on in small groups or just for a fun challenge.

I have always loved using games to teach and support critical skills in the classroom, so I put together some games for social emotional learning skills! This set consists of five games focusing on executive functioning skills, social problem solving skills, empathy, social language, and more. You can really maximize learning time in your classroom by making "break time" skill-focused, too!

If you find yourself needing lessons and materials for direct instruction of executive functioning skills, consider this Executive Functioning Bundle. It teaches all ten executive functioning skills, study strategies, and SMART goals with enough materials for the entire year. You really cannot teach or practice EF skills enough!

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Games to Improve Executive Functioning Skills

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Kids and young adults need extensive practice in strengthening their executive functioning skills. Executive functions are the processes in our brains that help us accomplish all tasks from beginning to end. We use them when we plan our day, organize our materials, begin a chore, focus on important

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Free Apps & Extensions That Improve Productivity & Learning

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Free Apps & Extensions That Improve Productivity & Learning

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Find out how to make any curriculum more accessible and engaging through the use of learning tools for Chromebooks, iPads, Windows, and Macs

The following apps, extensions, and program features make it easier for distractible students (and adults) to make better use of their time spent on tablets and computers, to stay organized, and to practice better reading and writing skills - no matter the platform.

Tools to Stay On Task

These tools are based on the Pomodoro Technique: work steadily for a set time interval, then take a five-minute break. These programs can help students eliminate distractions while they work by blocking access to content that isn't used for learning.

How? They work by labeling sites as "blocked" or "allowed" so that students aren't wasting time on Twitter or Fortnite when they should be working.

Tools to Stay Organized

Everything must stay in its designated place. This is a key tenet of organization, but the black hole in your child's backpack proves it's not being heeded. Avoid losing important information by storing notes - and other crucial information - digitally or in the cloud.
[Click to Download for Free: 10 Rules for ADHD-Proof Productivity]
Note Keepers

OneNote by Microsoft: Available as an installed web app or for free online, this program allows you to create shared notebooks for one or multiple subjects; add PDF files or pictures; draw notes if using a tablet; and collaborate in real time. Notes are saved in the cloud and the program is device agnostic, so notes can be accessed anywhere if a student leaves a device at school or at Grandma's house. Just log in at com.

Keep by Google: This is like Post-It notes on steroids. Take notes on a digital sticky, which you can export into a Google Doc to continue to develop thoughts that get too long. To organize notes, tag them with a common topic or color, and schedule reminders for date-sensitive subjects. Easily share with collaborators and access them from any logged-in device.

Notes app by Apple: This app integrates with the device's camera and across Apple products through iCloud. Use it to insert sketches, type, or add pictures.

Cloud File Storage

Google Drive: Integrates with all Google suite apps. It provides unlimited storage for school accounts, and 15 GB for personal. Use it to create shared files and folders to organize documents by subject, and for real-time collaboration. Students should always start by opening the appropriate folder, and creating a document from there, so it's automatically saved in an organized hierarchy.
[Apps & Tools That Boost Reading, Writing, and Organization]

OneDrive: This is Microsoft's version of online storage. It integrates with all Office Online/Office 365 apps. Storage for school accounts depends on the plan purchased, and personal accounts come with 5 GB. Use it to create shared files and folders, and for real-time collaboration - students can work together in files at the same time.

Dropbox: Personal accounts are limited to 2 GB of storage, and schools do not typically purchase accounts for students. It is not built into any particular suite of tools, but allows for installed drive access on most devices. Use it to save shared files and folders.

Tools to Improve Writing

Writing takes a huge amount of concentration, and that can be very difficult for students with attention issues. Many have great ideas in their heads, but releasing them in an organized fashion is a big challenge. Dictation tools can remove that obstacle.

Speech-to-Text

Chrome:

Voice Typing tool: Built into Google Docs and Google Slides, this hidden gem is accessible from the Tools pulldown and uses your Chromebook's built-in mic to work. This works best in a flexible classroom where students can find quiet corners to work, or for doing homework.

VoiceIn: This extension adds a microphone to the browser for voice-to-text functionality outside of Google Docs. After speaking into the microphone normally, words show up.

Apple:

Microphone key: On the iPhone and iPad keyboard, use this tool with any app by speaking into the device instead of typing.

Hotkeys: This app allows users to activate a built-in microphone for dictation.

Microsoft:

Dictate: Activate this button - built into Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook - and then speak into the built-in microphone on your device.

Tools to Build Reading Skills

Text-to-speech functionality is available on most devices, and it can help provide audio to aid easily-distracted students when reading long passages.

Chrome:

Chromevox screen reader: Built into the operating system, this tool is used widely by people who are visually impaired and listen to text on the screen read out loud.

Read&Write extension: Reads words, passages, or whole documents aloud with highlighting, and displays the dictionary meaning of words.

Read Aloud extension: Reads an article with one click of a button, and allows users to choose from several voice options and reading speeds.

Speak It extension: Reads selected text aloud, with a pause button for easy breaks.

Mercury Reader extension: Clear the clutter from your web page! Activate this extension to strip away everything except the text - including side captions, text boxes, or columns.

BeeLine Reader extension: Add gradient color to every line of text to help with tracking and reading.

Apple:

Use the accessibility settings built into the operating system, such as...

Speak Selection: Reads a highlighted passage

Speak Screen: Reads the entire page from top to bottom with a two-finger swipe

Microsoft:

Immersive reader: This Word Online tool, found under the View menu, reads text aloud. Microsoft Word: Customize the Office Ribbon so that the Select and Speak tool is available in the toolbar. Then select the text to be read aloud.

Websites:

Rewordify.com: Copy and paste text from another article into the site. It improves readability by adjusting the reading level - easing complexity of the sentence structure and vocabulary to aid with comprehension.

Learning Ally: An online audiobook library for students who qualify.

[Read This Next: 14 School Gadgets You Wish You Had Last Year] This advice came from "Apps, Extensions, and Tech Tools for ADHD Brains: A Learning Guide," an ADDitude webinar lead by Janet DeSenzo in October 2018 that is now available for free replay.
Updated on March 17, 2020

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Learning Tools That Improve Productivity, Reading and Writing Skills

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Find out how to make any curriculum more accessible and engaging through the use of learning tools for Chromebooks, iPads, Windows, and Macs The following apps, extensions, and program features make it easier for distractible students (and adults) to make better use of their time spent on tablets and computers, to stay organized, and to practice better reading and writing skills - no matter the platform.

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Tools for supporting your child's on-task behavior

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Tools for supporting your child's on-task behavior

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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eLearning is officially in effect in my children's school district. To supplement what we receive online from school, I'm planning some fun homeschooling activities, both to keep my kids entertained and to maintain my sanity. Enter: virtual museum tours around the world!

"Visitors" can choose from more than 500 galleries and museums to experience from the comfort and safety of their own couch, thanks to a massive project organized by Google Arts & Culture.

For some you can view the museum's galleries through a street view. For others, like Florence's Uffizi gallery, you can get up close and personal with the artwork.

This resource is in addition to virtual resources that many museums already had in place prior to the coronavirus outbreak. Here are just a few museums I'm excited to share with my kids while we're stuck at home and avoiding travel:

The Louvre, Paris
From the remains of the Louvre's moat to Egyptian artifacts, get a glimpse into one of Paris's top destinations.

The British Museum, London
Wander through the iconic London museum virtually and see an array of artifacts in addition to cultural treasures like the ancient Rosetta Stone.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
Hop between the four buildings of the only modern/contemporary art museum in Korea in their virtual tour.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Explore art and history with pieces ranging from the years 1200 through 2000 in this massive exhibit in Amsterdam... including some pieces by Rembrandt.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Paintings, drawings, photographs, illuminated manuscripts, and sculptures, oh my. The pieces on display in this virtual museum tour hail from the 8th through the 12th century and are from around the world.

MASP, Brazil
Dubbed the first modern museum in Brazil, not only is the artwork incredible, but the way it's displayed is innovative. Artwork is suspended from the ceilings using perspex frames.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico
Mayan civilization artifacts, need I say more? With 23 rooms, there's even more to see and experience in this museum; after all, the architecture of the building is also innovative.

While virtual museum tours aren't nearly the same as experiencing a place firsthand, I, for one, am thankful for this incredible resource, and I hope my kids are too. I'm also guessing I'll have a ton more places I'll need to visit once this pandemic is all over.

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These Virtual Museum Tours will Help Kids See the World from the Couch

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eLearning is officially in effect in my children's school district. To supplement what we receive online from school, I'm planning some fun homeschooling activities, both to keep my kids entertained and to maintain my sanity. Enter: virtual museum tours around the world!

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How to Explain Coronavirus to a Child with Anxiety

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How to Explain Coronavirus to a Child with Anxiety

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Coronavirus is scary for all of us. For children with comorbid anxiety disorder, school closures and health threats are downright paralyzing. Here are 11 expert tips for talking to your child about COVID-19, navigating the next few weeks at home together, and living with the constant hum of uncertainty in an ADHD household.

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The last week has felt like one long news ticker - spiraling coverage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), compounded by a steady stream of school closures and event cancellations, video of toilet-paper battles in Costco, and one Presidential address after the other. With so much new, bad information coming to light each hour and so many questions left unanswered, families are feeling on edge - and with good reason.

For families living with ADHD, the impact of coronavirus may be more acute due to the common and serious comorbidity of anxiety disorder. According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a quarter of children and teens with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. This comorbidity is a fact that's inescapable to many families at this very moment.

Whether or not your child's school has closed, you are suddenly tasked with the challenge of explaining coronavirus in a way that is factual and serious, yet not overly dire. Your child may have questions about death rates, travel risks, and contagions. You must respect your child's need for information and reassurance, while also weighing how the daily news may cause his or her anxiety to spike. And you'll need to do all of this while managing your own mental health, working from home, and playing endless games of Monopoly.

This is the Olympics of special-needs parenting. As such, we've called in some world-class experts to help us with their time-tested game plans for families living with ADHD and anxiety. Following is their advice for explaining coronavirus to your anxious child and navigating the days and weeks ahead with grace and deep breathing.

"While we all prepare and take precautions like washing our hands," says Lidia Zylowska, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in mindfulness-based therapy for ADHD, "a critical part of the preparation is to not let anxiety and worry overtake our families."
[Read This: "We Live in the Upside Down Now. Grace Is Pivotal Here in the Age of Coronavirus."]
#1. Focus on the facts, understand the fear.

"What can help parents to manage anxiety is understanding the concept of intolerance of uncertainty," Zylowska says. "Intolerance of uncertainly can drive worry and anxiety up the wall. It means that when something is uncertain, we tend to see it as dangerous, unsafe, or overwhelming. We can react with fear and avoidance or with frantic efforts to prepare for the unknown.

"In times like these, the question is not how to eradicate uncertainty, but rather how to learn to sit with uncertainty and not overreact. Can we learn to tolerate uncertainty a bit more? Can we imagine that while risks are present, things can be OK even if uncertain, and trust that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way?"

As much as possible, focus on the facts as we know them right now. Don't try to predict the future or share Doom's Day scenarios with your children. Projections aren't helpful when no one knows for certain what's ahead, and trying to guess may cause anxiety to run rampant. At the same time, understand that we are living in uncertain times and that will, naturally, cause justified worry.

"In the end, it is important for parents to acknowledge to themselves and to their children that anxiety, worry and, fear may be present; accept these feelings with compassion, and also learn to step back (at least a bit) from these fearful reactions. Focus on hope more than fear."
[Download This: 9 Truths About ADHD & Intense Emotions]
#2. Acknowledge and manage your own anxiety.

"Children naturally look to parents to understand if they should fear something," Zylowksa says. "Children are very good at picking up parents emotional energy, so it is really important to manage your own fear and anxiety and not amplify your child's fears. This is even more important for parents of children who have an anxious temperament or have significant worry about something.

"Of course, this is easier said than done, especially when a realistic fear like coronavirus is around. I invite parents to check in with their own feelings and if they notice a lot of tension or stress, to do something to bring that down. That can mean relaxing body tension by softening the face and jaw muscles, dropping the shoulders a bit, and taking a few deeper breaths. When we do this, our voice and actions are often less tense and we are more aligned when we ask our children not to worry too much."
[Click To Read: How Deep Breathing Opens Up the ADHD Brain]
#3. Bow out or be quiet when your anxiety spikes.

"We are our own kids' first anxiety defense," says Erina White, Ph.D, a clinical researcher at Boston Children's Hospital and therapist in private practice who specializes in ADHD and anxiety. "They take their cues from us on how worried to be by the tone, pace, pitch, and volume of our voices.

"If you sense your own anxiety rising (or you notice yourself stuffing a million rolls of toilet paper into a closet) try (and I know this is hard) to take a deep breath and bring your own heart rate down. Over the last few days, when my anxiety was heightened, I tried to take frequent walks in nature, forcing myself to hear the birds, pat the animals, and feel the ground under my feet. I also hold my hand on my heart (or on the veins of my wrist) and try to lower the rapidity of the beats. When I'm in a good place I return to my family. If I'm not, I wait."

#4. Start with a question. Follow with facts.

"Ask gently (don't yell or over question) how your child is doing," White says. "Let them tell you if they are worried or scared or have questions about COVID-19. If they do, have a well-informed discussion.

"Go to the CDC website (or another trusted source) and show them what the scientists are saying. Help them to understand that there are experts working on things as we speak and let them learn how to seek this knowledge in a scientific and thoughtful way. Try to discourage them from buying into social media posts, rumors or over-done media outlets."

Note: Fueling many people's anxiety is the spread of misinformation on social media and through unsanctioned videos on YouTube. Experts say the best source of information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has a webpage dedicated to Covid-19. Your state's Department of Health is another source of information you can trust.

#5. Limit news exposure.

Remember, bad news is compelling and drives viewership. It drives up ratings, which in turn brings in more advertising dollars. Seeing images of people wearing masks in hospital wards and hearing coronavirus news reports all day long can increase distress in anyone, but especially in those predisposed to anxiety already. Experts say it's a good idea to decrease your viewing time in common family areas of your home. If necessary, read news reports discretely on your phone away from your children. Be mindful of little ears playing nearby that overhear news reports you're watching or hearing.

#6. Don't over-share.

Children may have questions about germs and sickness and, in some case, even death. But unless they ask you directly, try to minimize conversation on the topic of illness. The best thing you can do is reassure them that legions of responsible adults are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy. You can also point out that the reason so many gatherings are being canceled is that experts say that being at home is the safest place to be. Hearing that home is the safest, healthiest place to be is the most reassuring message your child can hear.

If your child is taking medication for anxiety and feeling more anxious, however, don't hesitate to share your concerns with your psychiatrist or prescribing physician.

#7. Maintain a routine.

Children with ADHD thrive on routine. A sustained school disruption can be extremely upsetting for them. To offset this sudden and enormous change of schedule, try to put in place a reliable daily home routine. Wake at the same time each day; carve out blocks of time for academics, exercise, and entertainment; eat regular meals together, and remember that regularity is calming and reassuring.
[Download This: A Sample Routine for ADHD Families]
#8. Expect non-verbal signs of anxiety.

In young children, anxiety often manifests as behavior that is extra clingy, weepy, or irritable. Keeping diet and sleep routines as normal as possible will give children a sense of security. Extra hugs (and bedtime stories) along with some additional one-on-one attention will go a long way toward making an anxious child feel better.

#9. Try to play - and laugh.

Break out board games, build a house of cards, bake cookies, or take a family hike. Show your children that there's an upside to all the cancellations. If a much-anticipated event or spring break is canceled, try to reschedule it for a later date so that everyone has something to look forward to.

"It is hard sometimes, but try to find the humor in things," White says. "Joke about how all of our hands are rough and raw from hand washing and find some great smelling hand cream to use together. Joke about the reams of toilet paper, massive long lines at the stores, and empty shelves of goods. Try to find some humor in these things that seem so out of the ordinary. If you are especially free-spirited and adventurous pretend that this is 'camping' and set up a tent in the living room or make a game out of the 'bunkered down' house."

#10. Remind your children of the altruistic purpose of self-quarantining.

"Oftentimes when kids understand the higher purpose of things, they can do some 'meaning-making,' which allows them to feel some control over their conditions," White says. "For example, some may say, 'We have to stay home now so that we don't pass on the virus to others. We are going to be OK. Children are not at risk, but if we stay home we can make sure that grandma and grandpa stay healthy too..."

#11. Remember that this, too, shall pass.

"If you lay the foundation correctly, you can make fond memories for your kids about 'that time when mom and dad tried to teach me when they were also doing their job,' White says. "For a kid, this can be just another adventure, especially if we parents can help create this fun narrative. For us, juggling job, home-schooling ("Wait, now I'm a teacher and an employee AND a mom and an entertainer all in one?!") is a daunting task, but if we all make it to the other side in one piece you and your children may be able to reflect back on the time when you self-quarantined to help the elderly and everyone had one long snow day without the shoveling."

Coronavirus Basics

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn't remind parents of the coronavirus basics:

If you have symptoms, reach out to your doctor.

For specific questions regarding individual health, contact your physician. Congestion, fever, and breathing difficulty should be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider. Understand however, that the flu is still a bigger concern than the coronavirus. Be proactive in seeking treatment but keep things in perspective.

Teach proper hand-washing techniques.

Regular and frequent hand washing is the number one way to kill the spread of germs. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (two rounds of the " Happy Birthday " song or saying the alphabet twice). If soap and water aren't available hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol is an acceptable substitute. Help your child remember to wash hands before and after eating, after petting cats and dogs, after touching garbage, after using the toilet, and especially after blowing their nose.

Practice good, basic hygiene.

Avoid touching your face with your hands. Demonstrate how to cough or sneeze into a tissue and make tissues readily available throughout the home, especially in bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Discourage sharing food and beverages, and remind children to avoid people who are sneezing or coughing. Handshakes are another no-no right now. Instead, greet people with a wave or challenge your family to make up their own healthy version of a no-contact greeting.

Clean and disinfect your home but don't overdo it.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting and discard them after each cleaning. Clean surfaces (counters, frequently touched cabinets, and drawers) with mild soap and water. Disinfect with diluted household bleach or alcohol solutions (follow manufacturer's instructions.) Vacuum and dust as you normally would. Clean your cell phone as well, according to its manufacturer's instructions.

Launder with care.

If someone in your home is ill, launder their clothing separately and use disposable gloves - designated for this purpose - when handling their clothes, linens, and towels. Explain to children that this is temporary and special treatment during the next few weeks and that things will go back to normal eventually.

Updated on March 18, 2020

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How to Explain Coronavirus COVID-19 to a Child with Anxiety & ADHD

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Coronavirus is scary for all of us. For children with comorbid anxiety disorder, school closures and health threats are downright paralyzing. Here are 11 expert tips for talking to your child about COVID-19, navigating the next few weeks at home together, and living with the constant hum of uncertainty in an ADHD household.

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Duolingo is the world's most popular way to learn a language. It's 100% free, fun and science-based. Practice online on duolingo.com or on the apps!

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Playing outside with your children isn't just about encouraging more physical activity. A 2019 study found that kids who spent the least amount of time in green spaces were 55% more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders, as adolescents or adults.﻿﻿

And while wrangling kids of varying ages to participate in a single activity can seem difficult, we've rounded up 50 mostly free things to do outside as a family to help you find the perfect fit. Next time the weather looks inviting, try these creative ways to play outside:

Go for a walk. Set a timer to see how far you can walk in five minutes, 10, 20, or 30. Note whether you're going to make a loop or take an out-and-back route so you can plan accordingly.

Fly kites.

Blow bubbles using a DIY mix.

Play classic outdoor games such as Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, or Steal the Bacon.

Host a nature scavenger hunt. Look for pine cones, acorns, and other common outdoor items and tally who found the most pieces.

Roller skate.

Play Follow the Leader through your yard or neighborhood.

Draw a hopscotch board with chalk.

Make homemade playdough and bring it outside. It's less messy than playing on the floor or carpet.

Drive to a neighboring town and check out their playgrounds. Maybe you'll find a new favorite.

Set up a canvas and let your little ones paint. Again, less mess to clean up.

Find a shady tree and read.

Have a picnic at a local park, beach, or your own backyard.

Do things you'd normally do inside, like play board games or have a pillow fight.

Make s'mores.

Plant a small container garden.

Film a home movie.

Eat homemade popsicles.

Have a water balloon fight.

Wash the car.

Go for a group jog.

Play wiffleball or kickball.

Take turns playing photographer with your phone or camera.

Make mud pies. Who can make the fanciest creation?

Sing as loud as you can.

Is it getting dark outside? Play hide and seek with flashlights (and partners if you have little ones).

Water the plants. Give your preschooler some basic experiments to consider: Does the hose make water come out faster than the watering can? Which is easier to control?

Build paper airplanes. Who can make theirs fly the farthest?

Search for bugs.

Set up a lemonade stand.

Run through the sprinkler.

Make homemade bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed.

Drive to another neighborhood and go for a walk there. Pretend to be observational scientists: What's different? What is the same?

Gather up a wagon, stuffed animals, and some pots and pans and have an instant parade.

Look for things like pine cones, sticks, shells, and rocks to make a mobile.

Play on the swing set in the dark.

Pick flowers (from your own yard).

Find shapes in the clouds.

Take a nap in a hammock or just on a blanket you lay on the grass.

Go "fishing." Set up a wading pool with objects and let your little one try to catch them.

Color eggs outside with less mess.

Pitch a tent.

Paint rocks.

Host a dance party.

Have a water gun fight.

Learn to do cartwheels.

Build a fort using lawn furniture.

Walk barefoot in the grass. Then try the cement (make sure it isn't too hot first). Ask your preschooler to compare what they feel like. What other surfaces can you make your feet touch?

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Best To-Do List Ever! 50 Fun Things to Do Outside With the Family

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Playing outside with your children isn't just about encouraging more physical activity. A 2019 study found that kids who spent the least amount of time in green spaces were 55% more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders, as adolescents or adults.﻿﻿ And while wrangling kids of varying ages to participate in a single activity can seem difficult, we've rounded up 50 mostly free things to do outside as a family to help you find the perfect fit.

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Free Coloring Books from World-Class Libraries & Museums: The Met, New York Public Library, Smithsonian & More

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Calling all coloring book lovers. You can now take part in #ColorOurCollections 2017-a campaign where museums and libraries worldwide will make available free coloring books, letting you color artwork from their collections and then share it on Twitter and other social media platforms.

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Trolls | A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure! 🍄 Trolls Videos for Kids

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Yoga for Beginners: 30 minute Teen yoga class

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Yoga for Beginners: 30 minute Teen yoga class

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Yoga For Beginners | 30 Minute Teens Yoga Class with Yoga Ed. | Ages 11-13

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How to Talk to your kids about Coronavirus

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How to Talk to your kids about Coronavirus

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Keeping your own anxiety in check is key.

Image

Credit... Lucy Jones

This article was last updated on March 13, 2020, and is no longer being updated. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated. For the latest updates, read The New York Times's live coronavirus coverage here.

By now, your children may have heard about the new coronavirus, whether it's from a snippet of a news briefing or from other kids at school. They may have family members who have been quarantined here because of recent international travel, or they may even know someone who is sick. "My patients are scared," said Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

So what should you tell kids about the coronavirus, and how? We spoke to a pediatrician, two psychologists, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and a safety expert for their best tips.
[The topics parents are talking about. Evidence-based guidance. Personal stories that matter. Sign up now to get NYT Parenting in your inbox every week.]
Dr. Heard-Garris said that you should start the conversation by asking what your child has heard about the virus. If they've heard that people all over the world are dying, and the Grim Reaper is coming for us, too, that's a very different conversation than if they've just heard it's like the flu, Dr. Heard-Garris said.

If your child is under 6 and has not heard about the virus yet, you may not want to bring it up, as it may introduce unnecessary anxiety, said Abi Gewirtz, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Minnesota, and the author of the forthcoming book "When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids."

Make sure "you're not panicking in their presence around the topic," said Dunya Poltorak, Ph.D., a pediatric medical psychologist in private practice in Birmingham, Mich. "Your demeanor is going to stir this massive pot of anxiety." So try to process any fears you may have before you talk to your children, whether it's by talking to a friend, a partner or a therapist. "We don't want our children to feel like the world is so scary," said Dr. Gewirtz, because that might keep them from being curious and engaged.

If your child is afraid because some kid on the bus told him he might die, that's a real fear and you should take it seriously, Dr. Gewirtz said. If you simply tell the child, "You'll be fine," they might not feel heard. "Listen to them and track what the child is feeling," she said. You can say something in a calm voice like, "That sounds pretty scary, I can see it in your face." You can also relay an anecdote from your own childhood about a time when you were scared. Then, after the child has calmed down, perhaps over dinner, you can bring up coronavirus again.

If you are talking to your young child about the virus, you can say something like, "There's lots of different viruses, like when your tummy hurts, or sometimes when you have a bad cold. Coronavirus is another type of virus," Dr. Poltorak said.

Depending on how old your child is and how much they know, you might also say something like, "This illness is different than a cold because it's new, but people are trying really hard to make sure it doesn't spread, and they treat people who are sick. If you ever have questions, talk to me," Dr. Heard-Garris said. You can also say, "Scientists and really smart people all around the world are trying to figure out how to keep people safe and healthy."

This comic, from Malaka Gharib, is also a great resource to show kids who are in the early elementary years.

Make sure your kids are washing their hands for at least 20 seconds before and after meals, after they go to the bathroom, after they come in from outside and after they've blown their nose or put their hands in their mouth, said Dr. Rebecca Pellett Madan, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease specialist at N.Y.U. Langone's Hassenfeld Children's Hospital. Children should sing "Happy Birthday" twice to know how long to wash their hands, and then make sure they are drying them thoroughly. Hand sanitizers may be less effective for small children, Dr. Madan said, because they need to evaporate fully to kill all the germs, and little kids may be rushing off to touch toys or other kids before the sanitizer has dried. For people of all ages, hand washing is preferable to hand sanitizer, though sanitizer is a decent option if hand washing is not possible.

Several experts recommended making hand washing into a game. "You can even make it into a competition," said Judith Matloff, who teaches conflict reporting at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and is the author of the upcoming book "How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need: Survival Tricks for Hacking, Hurricanes and Hazards Life Might Throw at You." Compete with your kids to see who can wash their hands the longest, or who can make the suds the biggest.

If you have a little nose picker, Dr. Madan suggested saying something like, "Do you remember when your friend was out sick last week? Being sick is part of being human, but when you're picking your nose, you can get boogers on your fingers and they can spread germs to your friends." She also recommended an episode of the show "Ask the StoryBots" on Netflix called "How Do People Catch a Cold?" for an age-appropriate explanation for little kids about how germs work.

Dr. Poltorak recommended saying something like, "There's lots of icky bugs going around and we're going to hang tight at home so they can clean the schools out." Try to frame it as a positive - more time at home where we can have fun! - rather than something to fear, especially among the youngest children. Matloff also suggested preparing now for potential closures by shopping for new games, books and arts and crafts supplies.

Try to maintain a routine as much as you possibly can. Rebecca Kanthor, a Shanghai-based reporter, wrote a piece for us about what life is like under coronavirus quarantine in China. In addition to keeping a routine, experts recommend making sure your kids get enough exercise. Matloff suggested having your kids keep a quarantine journal, where they can write or draw their thoughts and experiences, which can help keep them occupied and process their anxiety.

Finally, several experts recommended that you try to enjoy the time together as much as you can, without losing your mind. "With few distractions, I'm reminded how much I should cherish these moments together," Kanthor wrote. "I will, I promise - after I'm done hiding out in the bathroom."
[How, and when, to talk about the news with your kids.

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Keeping your own anxiety in check is key. This article was last updated on March 13, 2020, and is no longer being updated. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated. For the latest updates, read The New York Times's live coronavirus coverage here.

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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

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Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most schools, places of public gathering, and nonessential businesses are closed, and parents and other caregivers are faced with helping their families adjust to the new normal. This includes trying to keep children occupied, feeling safe, and attempting to keep up with schoolwork as best as possible. None of this is easy, but it helps to stay focused on what is possible in order to reinforce a sense of control and to reassure children that they are okay, and that the situation will get better.

It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking the necessary actions that reduce the risk of illness. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. This is also a tremendous opportunity for adults to model for children problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through adjustting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we spend time, processing new information from authorities, and connecting and supporting friends and family members in new ways. The following tips can help.

STAY CALM, LISTEN, AND OFFER REASSURANCE

Be a role model. Children will react to and follow your reactions. They learn from your example.

Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19. Your discussion about COVID-19 can increase or decrease your child's fear. If true, remind your child that your family is healthy, and you are going to do everything within your power to keep loved ones safe and well. Carefully listen or have them draw or write out their thoughts and feelings and respond with truth and reassurance.

Explain social distancing. Children probably don't fully understand why parents/guardians aren't allowing them to be with friends. Tell your child that your family is following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include social distancing. Social distancing means staying away from others until the risk of contracting COVID-19 is under control. Showing older children the "flatten the curve" charts will help them grasp the significance of social distancing. Explain that while we don't know how long it will take to "flatten the curve" to reduce the number of those infected, we do know that this is a critical time-we must follow the guidelines of health experts to do our part.

Demonstrate deep breathing. Deep breathing is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system. Do breathing exercises with your children.

Focus on the positive. Celebrate having more time to spend as a family. Make it as fun as possible. Do family projects. Organize belongings, create masterpieces. Sing, laugh, and go outside, if possible, to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Allow older children to connect with their friends virtually.

Establish and maintain a daily routine. Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being. It also helps children and other family members respect others' need for quiet or uninterrupted time and when they can connect with friends virtually.

Identify projects that might help others. This could include: writing letters to the neighbors or others who might be stuck at home alone or to healthcare workers; sending positive messages over social media; or reading a favorite children's book on a social media platform for younger children to hear.

Offer lots of love and affection.

MONITOR TELEVISION VIEWING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Parents/guardians should monitor television, internet, and social media viewing-both for themselves and their children. Watching continual updates on COVID-19 may increase fear and anxiety. Developmentally inappropriate information, or information designed for adults, can also cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.

Dispel rumors and inaccurate information. Explain to your child that many stories about COVID-19 on the internet may include rumors and inaccurate information. Older children, in particular, may be accessing a great deal of information online and from friends that contains inaccuracies. Talk to your child about factual disease information.

Provide alternatives. Engage your child in games or other exciting activities instead.

TAKE TIME TO TALK

Let your children's questions guide you. Answer their questions truthfully, but don't offer unnecessary details or facts. Don't avoid giving them the information that experts indicate as crucial to your children's well-being. Often, children and youth do not talk about their concerns because they are confused or don't want to worry loved ones. Younger children absorb scary information in waves. They ask questions, listen, play, and then repeat the cycle. Children always feel empowered if they can control some aspects of their life. A sense of control reduces fear.

BE HONEST AND ACCURATE

Correct misinformation. Children often imagine situations worse than reality; therefore, offering developmentally appropriate facts can reduce fears.

Explain simple safety steps. Tell your child this disease spreads between people who are in close contact with one another, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when one touches infected objects or surfaces.

Stay up-to-date on the facts. Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlfor additional factual information.

KEEP EXPLANATIONS AGE-APPROPRIATE

Early elementary school children. Provide brief, simple information that balances COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people make every day to stop germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Use language such as "adults are working hard to keep you safe."

Upper elementary and early middle school children. This age group often is more vocal in asking questions about whether they indeed are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 spreads in their area. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss the efforts national, state, and community leaders are doing to prevent germs from spreading.

Upper middle and high school students. Issues can be discussed in more depth. Refer them to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home.

For all children, encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener!

STAY CONNECTED TO SCHOOL

Locate learning resources. Schools' capacity to conduct virtual learning experiences will vary greatly, but most schools are providing lessons and learning activities for children to do. Take advantage of the many companies and online platforms currently offering free learning opportunities.

Identify additional resources. Know if your school or district is providing additional resources, such meals, or technology, such as a laptop or tablet.

Stay in touch. Find out how the school is communicating with families and students. Be sure to read any communications you receive. Check with you children, particularly older ones, as they may be receiving information directly that would be helpful for you to know.

Connect with school staff. Reach out to your child's teacher and other relevant school staff if you have concerns about their coping and keeping up with assignments or activities.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

According to the CDC, symptoms of fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath appear within 14 days after being exposed to the disease.

For some people, the symptoms are similar to having a cold; for others, they are more severe or even life threatening.

MODEL BASIC HYGIENE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PRACTICES

Practice daily good hygiene. Encourage your child to practice these simple steps to prevent spreading the virus.

Wash your hands multiple times a day for 20 seconds. Singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Happy Birthday" twice is about 20 seconds.

Compliment your children when they use a Kleenex or sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow. Teach them the importance of throwing away used tissues immediately after sneezing or coughing.

Sadly, handshakes and hugs need to be limited to immediate family members, at least for now.

Foster a sense of control. Offering guidance on what your child/children can do to prevent infection offers them a greater sense of control, which reduces anxiety.

Build the immune system. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly; this will help them develop a robust immune system to fight off illness.

BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.

Preschoolers -thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.

Elementary school children -irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.

Adolescents -sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information related to schools and physical and mental health, visit www.nasponline.org and © 2020, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East Wes t Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270 www.nasn.org.
Adapted from, Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses, NASP, 2020.

Contributor: School Psychologist Kathy Sievering

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Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

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Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most schools, places of public gathering, and nonessential businesses are closed, and parents and other caregivers are faced with helping their families adjust to the new normal.