# data[].attributes.headline
Kid's Guide for Coping with the Pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Kid's Guide for Coping with the Pandemic

# data[].attributes.body
Good talking points and learn how to make a "zine!"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Kids, this comic is for you.

You've been living through this pandemic for months, and you might be feeling sad, frustrated or upset. But there are lots of different ways to deal with your worries - and make yourself feel better. Here are some tips and advice to help you through.

Print and fold a zine version of this comic here. Here are directions on how to fold it.

This comic is based on interviews conducted by NPR's Cory Turner with Tara Powell at the University of Illinois School of Social Work, Joy Osofsky at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Krystal Lewis at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown's School of Public Health, and Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president of curriculum and content at Sesame Workshop.

Your turn
What advice do you have for coping in the pandemic? Email with the subject line "Kids and coping" and we may feature it in a story for NPR.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
COMIC: A Kids' Guide To Coping With The Pandemic (And A Printable Zine)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids, this comic is for you. You've been living through this pandemic for months, and you might be feeling sad, frustrated or upset. But there are lots of different ways to deal with your worries - and make yourself feel better. Here are some tips and advice to help you through.

# data[].attributes.body
10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

# data[].attributes.headline
Why Play is so Important During Times of Crisis and Stress

# data[].attributes.subject
Why Play is so Important During Times of Crisis and Stress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When a child's environment is stressful and confusing, they often naturally turn to play to help self-soothe, gain a sense of control, and sort out their emotions. A child's play provides a powerful, resilient tool for cultivating peace, confidence, and empathy. These qualities can help children navigate times of change and uncertainty. Current events in the news, illness, divorce, death of a loved one, or moving can all be major sources of stress for children. Healthy stress management for kids is so important because child brain development may be influenced by stress.
Click on the image to view the full-size timeline
What Are Some Signs of Stress in Children?

Some of the signs of stress in children are:

Decreased appetite or changes in eating habits

Headache

New or repetitive bedwetting

Frequent nightmares

Sleep disturbances

Upset stomach or gastrointestinal pain

Mood swings or acting out

New anxious habits such as thumb-sucking, nose-picking, or hair-twirling

Drastic changes in academic performance

Bullying or defying authority

It's important to recognize the signs of toxic stress in children so it can be managed in a healthy and productive way, such as play therapy, spending quality time together as a family, or simply giving children the time and space they need to play in their own way.

How Does Stress Affect Child Development?

Long-term stress, or toxic stress, can affect both behavior and physical health. When a situation is perceived as challenging or scary, the body responds with chemical reactions that affect heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. If these adjustments are temporary, they help us adapt or survive. However, if the stress response happens too frequently or lasts too long, it can lead to lifelong chronic disease. As children's bodies and minds are still growing, high levels of stress early on have been linked to impaired behavioral, emotional, and physical development and well-being.

How Can Play and Play Therapy Help Children During Times of Crisis?

Play and play therapy help children cope with stress by giving them a safe outlet to experience and work through complicated, overwhelming emotions. Play can help children express feelings that they may not fully understand. This infographic provides 29 reasons why play is so important during times of crisis, stress, and change. During life-altering crises like the pandemic coronavirus, children and adults can find a sense of sanctuary and normalcy by playing, laughing, and staying active.

"Children at play are insulated from the alarming world around them. Play is a sanctuary of safety." - Dr. Gordon Neufeld

"Play is children's language. They act out pretend scenarios as a way to express concerns, ask questions, and, crucially, reshape a narrative. In a pretend scenario, children are driving the plot and can change the outcome of a scary situation or try out different solutions to a problem." - Kate Cray

"Play is critical for stress relief, as it allows kids to create fantasies that help them cope with difficult situations." - Melinda Wenner

"During times of crisis, play has a significant therapeutic role helping children recover a sense of normality and joy." - International Play Association

"As children and adults get absorbed in the fun of playing, their spirits rise, their happy-meter goes up, and they experience an exhilaration that positively impacts both physical and emotional health." - Chicago Children's Museum

Sharing laughter and fun fosters empathy, trust, compassion, and intimacy with others. Taking time to reconnect with family and loved ones can make the world feel more safe even when times are uncertain.

Recent research supports that laughter is a powerful, easy way to boost mood and emotional well-being. It stimulates organs with oxygen and eases stress hormone levels.

"Playing gives children a taste of being in control, of having some agency in their everyday lives. Playing gives them space and time to reconcile themselves to - and make sense of - an uncertain world." - Tim Gill and Penny Wilson

"Play is how we are made, how we develop and adjust to change." - Stuart Brown, M.D.

For all ages, playing and having fun can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This promotes an overall sense of well-being and peace.

Studies show that a decline in free play and pretend play correlates with a decline in empathy. Play helps children develop patience and understanding, connecting them with the humanity in others.

Play often involves movement. Being active can help boost the immune system! However, it is important to build up intensity because overdoing it can suppress immune function.

Completing puzzles and other brain-engaging games can help prevent memory problems and keep your mind occupied in a healthy way.

"Play is an important part of emotional development. It's associated with emotional resilience, high self-confidence, and reduced anxiety and has been shown to relieve emotional distress around trauma." - Kimmie Fink

Being active relieves tension, quiets restless thoughts, creates a sense of focus and achievement, and improves sleep.

"Nature is often overlooked as a healing balm for the emotional hardships in a child's life." - Richard Louv

"Play is training for the unexpected." - Marc Bekoff

"As children absorb scary and confusing news, many turn to play seeking understanding and respite." - Kate Cray

Chronic stress is toxic, especially to developing brains. Outdoor play provides several remedies; being immersed in nature is scientifically proven to alleviate stress, and playtime encourages a healthy release of bottled-up emotions.

"It energizes and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities." - Stuart Brown, M.D.

Play outside (safely and responsibly)! A study by Mind found that 95% of interview participants stated that their mood improved after spending time in nature.

"Playing has a significant therapeutic and rehabilitative role in helping children recover a sense of normality and joy after their experience of loss, dislocation, and trauma." - International Play Association

"If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow." - Alfie Kohn

"Your physical experience will always influence your emotional experience, and exercise is the magical elixir of life." - Gretchen Rubin

"It energizes and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens up new possibilities." - Stuart Brown

"A moving child is a learning child." - Gill Gonnell and Cheryl McCarthy

"Play keeps us vital and alive. It gives us an enthusiasm for life that is irreplaceable. Without it, life just doesn't taste good." - Lucia Capacchione

"To play is to lose yourself. To play is also to find yourself. To play is to connect, too. To play is to reach out. And to reach out is to reach for resilience. And to reach out for resilience is to find the strength of understanding that we're all in this together." - Scott G. Eberle Ph.D.

"All children need time and space for free play every day, now possibly more than ever." - Helen Dodd and Tim Gill

Embed this image on your site:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
29 Reasons Why Play is So Important During Times of Crisis and Stress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When a child's environment is stressful and confusing, they often naturally turn to play to help self-soothe, gain a sense of control, and sort out their emotions. A child's play provides a powerful, resilient tool for cultivating peace, confidence, and empathy. These qualities can help children navigate times of change and uncertainty.

# data[].attributes.headline
Worried About Sending Your Kid to College During COVID?

# data[].attributes.subject
Worried About Sending Your Kid to College During COVID?

# data[].attributes.body
For students and families grappling with decisions about college this fall, this article covers a lot of useful topics and suggestions to consider.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Anxious about sending your child off to college in the midst of a pandemic? You're not alone! Whether this is your first (or only) kid to fly the nest, or perhaps your very last "baby" leaving, COVID19 concerns may be lurking in your brain or keeping you up at night. If so, read on, because I'm sharing my answers to a bunch of parent questions and concerns brought to me by Suzy Mighell, creator and founder of the popular blog and lifestyle brand EmptyNestBlessed.

Should I be worried about COVID and sending my child back to a college campus this fall?
Parents, I believe EVERY mom and dad has a right to worry (and some of us often take this to the extreme), so I won't deny you that, but I think we have many things to worry about with our college kids...adjustment to living away from home, time management, making new friends, academic challenges, parties...and yes, COVID adds another layer, but it shouldn't overwhelm everything else. On the plus side, colleges that are able to open their campuses have many new strategies in place that I believe will happily reduce other diseases, too- like colds, flu, strep, and mono. Please also try to keep in mind that over 80% of COVID cases are mild in otherwise healthy young people. This is NOT to minimize the severe cases that occur, nor the possibility of transmission to others with risk factors, because certainly this virus can be lethal. However, I think for most of our kids, a bigger stress from COVID may be the fluctuation of in-person vs online classes, as each campus deals with inevitable outbreaks. Personally, our family will have one college senior doing remote learning (because all her classes went online as of this week) and another headed back to grad school 1000 miles away. I share your concerns, and I am doing my best to be "alert, not anxious" (thanks to @RealDoctorMike for this appropriate catch phrase.)

What is the best advice for avoiding COVID on campus?

You already know the FIRST THREE:

Pay attention to your campus rules, especially social distancing demarcations.

Use a clean, fresh mask daily (Translation: have a BIG supply- a laundry cycle's worth)

Wash hands with soap and water when possible, ALWAYS before eating or touching your face, and cleanse for the full 20 seconds even when using sanitizer- don't splash & dash!

10 MORE Tips!

Use dorm/apartment bathroom before heading to class (avoid public restrooms when possible- poor ventilation, lots of traffic, possible aerosolized virus from toilets)

Wear glasses (Consider them extra protection, like goggles, and also there is no concern of contaminated fingers touching contacts that then go in to your eyes)

Avoid crowds & closed spaces

Choose outdoors over indoors (Beach > Pool > Hot tub)

Consider slipping a zinc lozenge into your mouth, under your mask- before or during a forced crowd situation (mass transportation, classroom)

Although there is conflicting evidence, zinc has been shown to shorten the course of viral illnesses like the common cold, and zinc lozenges can reduce viral replication, attachment and infection in your mouth- meaning you are less likely to "catch" respiratory viral infections, possibly including COVID19.

Zinc lozenges can create a bad taste or nausea, and should not be used in excess of 40mg/day in adults. Definitely avoid using zinc nasal sprays, which have been associated with possibly permanent loss of smell.

Optimize your health- diet, sleep, exercise & treat seasonal allergies

Get your flu vaccine when your campus offers them in September! The last thing you want is to be knocked down with the flu, and then catch COVID on top of that.

STOP smoking. Everything. (Yes, vaping counts, as does any form of tobacco or pot.)

Got asthma? Be sure you are using your maintenance inhalers (don't wait for a flare up)

Sterilize your phone & other high-touch surfaces every day (like light switches & doorknobs)

What should be included in a "COVID care" kit - preparing in case they get COVID?

Thermometer (a digital oral one is most accurate)

Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol)- may be needed in combination to lower high fevers and help control body aches.

Pulse Oximeter (& nail polish remover if you use nail polish, because polish can decrease the accuracy of readings)

Over-the-counter cough syrup & cough drops

Pedialyte powder (For rehydration, especially when nausea/vomiting present)

Copy of your insurance card, front & back (see below)

Also consider the following, although no definitive COVID data yet:

Zinc lozenges*- such as Cold-eeze (see above)

Baby Aspirin* - although we typically AVOID using aspirin with viral illnesses in young children and teens (because of a potentially serious complication, Reye's syndrome), there is ongoing debate for using aspirin (such as a single, small daily dose) in COVID infections to prevent the blood clotting complications associated with this disease. Again, this is something to discuss this with your primary care physician before using!

Acid blocker*- Pepcid (famotidine)- Retrospective larger studies from China and a recent small study in the US suggest people taking this medication may have better outcomes when infected with COVID. (To be clear, I'm not recommending this to treat COVID, though studies are looking at possible benefits. I do, however, recommend having an acid-blocking medication in your first aid kit anyway, so might as well be this one as research continues.)

What tips do you have for how a college student should isolate if they have COVID?

Most universities will have housing set aside for mandatory student quarantine, especially for any students living on campus.

Off campus students may or may not have access to university quarantine space, so they will need to self-isolate ideally in a single bedroom and use a bathroom that no one else is sharing. This may involve other roommates doubling up for the isolation period. (Translation, if you have not yet signed a lease and it is feasible, consider a one bed/one bath per student situation, or plan for an extra bed/bath for a higher number of students that still allows a single bed/bath to be isolated off as needed.)

Current recommendations are to isolate for 10 days starting AFTER your:

Known exposure (meaning close contact- for at least 15 minutes, within 6 feet of someone who tested positive for COVID, whether or not you were wearing a cloth face covering) OR

You had a positive test without symptoms

AND isolate until you have at least 24 hours WITHOUT fever (meaning no fever WITHOUT using Tylenol, Advil, Aleve or Aspirin products)

AND isolate until you have steady improvement in your other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, body aches, nausea, etc.)

If my child gets COVID, should I MAKE them come home?

No, remember most otherwise healthy young people who get infected will have mild disease. 🙂

However, if you live in reasonable driving distance, have few/no risk factors yourself (& by extension your immediate contacts- like possibly your parents- also have no major risk factors) AND you have space and ability to truly isolate them in your home, it's reasonable to bring them home if they prefer to be there and you can safely be there to provide for their ongoing needs.

If my child gets COVID, should I go to their college and take care of them?
Although most of us would have that immediate reaction/desire, the answer is probably NOT- see above, plus realize that you can't take them to a hotel or fly home with them, and you most likely will not be allowed to visit them in their campus quarantine or hospital. Would I go anyway if my kid were in that minority, sick enough to be hospitalized? Okay, probably so...but with the understanding I would not be allowed inside the hospital. I would be going for me more than them.

If my child gets COVID, and I'm not with them, how should we advise them on when they would need to go to the ER? (especially if living in an apartment with no RA)

If your student has ANY chest pain, shortness of breath, blue lips, OR a drop in pulse oximeter* reading from normal by several points, it's time for someone to take them to the hospital ASAP.

*This means they need to know their normal pulse oximeter reading (typically 95-99% at sea level). Use the pulse ox a few times this summer & when they arrive at school (because different altitudes can affect the readings) so they know their baseline number. For clarity, I want to repeat that any shortness of breath regardless of your pulse ox reading means you should be evaluated immediately by a health care professional.

A second benefit of a pulse ox is a quick reading of your pulse; know that fevers raise your pulse rate; this is helpful information for your clinician if you call in or have a tele-visit.

High fevers, dehydration/unable to keep down liquids

Confusion, unable to stay awake

What should my child know about their health insurance plan (like ambulance rides are expensive, or which hospital is covered on their plan?)

They NEED A COPY of their insurance card - please have them use their phone to take a pic of both the front and back of their insurance care now, and then "favorite" it so it's easily found. Additionally, I recommend stashing a couple paper copies of the card in their first aid kit.

Yes, ambulance rides are very expensive, but in a true emergency, don't hesitate one minute to call 911 (like anyone short of breath, unconscious, or vomiting/trouble breathing after drinking alcohol).

Check with your insurance company regarding any preferred hospitals/doctors for your student's university town. Doctors will treat anyone who shows up at the ER, but insurance companies have varying reimbursement plans.

Should my child sign some sort of HIPAA waiver before they go to college so that I can have access to their health information/talk to their doctor about their condition?

YES, because your student's health providers cannot talk with you unless your adult (18 or older) has signed a release, which is easy if they are conscious and clear headed, but so much easier if you can fax over your already completed forms.

Also consider: medical power of attorney.

BOTTOM LINE: We can't make our kids bullet-proof, but we can help them more successfully fly the nest by thoughtful preparation for the many illnesses, injuries and anxieties that come with college. Look for my next post about creating the best college first aid kit! Insert speed-talking commercial announcer voice: This post reflects current evidence on 7/22/20, and COVID19 information evolves by the hour. I am answering these questions through my lens as an intentionally non-politically biased (or at least centrist), board-certified family physician with a focus on college medicine, as well as being a parent of college students myself. I am unapologetically pro-vaccine and encourage preventative health and behaviors at all times. Please discuss specifics with your own doctor, as I cannot know your specific medical history. Additionally, please note I have no financial interest or personal connections with any of the products or services listed above, but these are in fact the products I have in my own home and first aid kits. I'm also excited to share my new book with you: The ULTIMATE College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness .
Again, thanks to Suzy! Click on Empty Nest Blessed for easy access to the complete list of my recommended college first aid kit contents. While no one loves the pandemic, I am certainly grateful it pushed me into the digital meeting world. I love ZOOMing across the country, connecting with amazing new groups across so many different platforms!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Worried about Sending Your Kid to College During COVID?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Anxious about sending your child off to college in the midst of a pandemic? You're not alone! Whether this is your first (or only) kid to fly the nest, or perhaps your very last "baby" leaving, COVID19 concerns may be lurking in your brain or keeping you up at night.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Assist lead counselors in running our fun and educational online programs

Level up your professional skills- public speaking, conflict management, leadership, and facilitation skills especially!

Mentor younger students, under the guidance of our awesome counselors

Join an active, fun, and growing community

Make new friends and meet peers with similar interests

Collin (AKA Shallowbobbyss)

"My favorite part about volunteering for Connected Camps is the positive atmosphere. It's fun working with the kids and seeing the cool stuff they come up with! Volunteering has taught me patience and the ability to talk in a crowd. When volunteering, I'd get to go out of my comfort zone and take the lead."

Charlotte (AKA Aquasong341)

"My favorite part about volunteering at Connected Camps is definitely the reaction of campers when they figure out the solution to a difficult problem that they had been working on. Whether it be in coding, redstone engineering, or any of the activities we do in camps and labs, it always brings a smile to my face when I know that they are proud of what they have accomplished and learned!"

Gabriel (AKA TheMCLionSheep)

"You get to be open to the kids, and you never know what kind of personalities you may find. In general, Connected Camps is teaching me to better communicate with others, and effectively teach.

High school student

Access to stable internet with necessary bandwidth

Corresponding game and device/console used in our program. Review the supply requirements listed here if you have any questions

Headset or microphone and access to TeamSpeak and Zoom

Be located in the United States

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teen Volunteer Program - Connected Camps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Develop leadership skills and earn community service hours doing something you love! Are you a highschool student? Do you love Minecraft, Roblox, or esports? Do you want to gain leadership and professional skills? Apply for our volunteer program! What do Connected Camps volunteers do? Hear what some of our current Volunteer Counselors have to say [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Wonderopolis is an informational site for families that asks and answers interesting questions about the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you ever tasted an Arab taco?

When was the Arab taco invented?

What is shawarma?

Find it out

How are currency exchange rates determined?

What was the gold standard?

Which type of currency exchange rate system does the U.S. use?

Find it out
Which of the following is usually NOT a factor in determining currency exchange rates?

Test your knowledge

How can I use Wonderopolis?

What are the parts of a Wonder?

How do writers make a Wonder?

Find it out
Based on information from the Wonder, what was Lou Castro known for when he was alive?

Test your knowledge

What is an okapi?

Where do okapis live?

What do okapis eat?

Find it out

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease | Wonderopolis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease

# data[].attributes.body
From the producers of the Maker Faire, Family Maker Camp encourages making and hands-on learning at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Maker Camp is a free program full of projects, adventures, inspiration, and community. We are looking for Maker Camp Community Partners. That means you! Anyone can register: schools, libraries, clubs, or pods that are ready for a summer of making. The versatile framework is customizable for in-person, hybrid, or remote camps.

Maker Camp 2021 launches July 6, 2021 with rich project resources and a great line up of featured makers including Mario the Maker Magician and Code Joy. More information about our Featured Makers, project resources, and materials coming soon.

Get Involved

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe

Watch Past Video Sessions and Builds

See More

Contribute to our Project Library

Submit a Project

Join Us:

See our 2020 Makers!

Kits and Books From Maker Shed

Make: produces a variety of great products and helpful project tutorials to enhance your making experience.

Our websites use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Some of these are essential for the basic functionalities of our websites. In addition, we use third-party cookies to help us analyze and understand usage. These will be stored in your browser only with your consent and you have the option to opt-out. Your choice here will be recorded for all Make.co Websites.

Accept

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Maker Camp is a free program full of projects, adventures, inspiration, and community. We are looking for Maker Camp Community Partners. That means you! Anyone can register: schools, libraries, clubs, or pods that are ready for a summer of making. The versatile framework is customizable for in-person, hybrid, or remote camps.

# data[].attributes.headline
Collection of Virtual Summer Camp Class options

# data[].attributes.subject
Collection of Virtual Summer Camp Class options

# data[].attributes.body
Choose from dozens of week-long sessions for students K-12.

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies for Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)During the COVID-19 Pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies for Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)During the COVID-19 Pandemic

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies for ADHD in the time of COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies for ADHD in the time of COVID-19

# data[].attributes.body
For those with organizational and attentional weaknesses, this info sheet includes many strategies to help support you during this time.

# data[].attributes.headline
For high school seniors: How to talk about starting college amid COVID-19 ~ by Julie Lythcott-Haims

# data[].attributes.subject
For high school seniors: How to talk about starting college amid COVID-19 ~ by Julie Lythcott-Haims

# data[].attributes.headline
Tips to reduce frustration and get work done while working from home with kids during quarantine - Dr. Korb chats with KTLA Morning News.

# data[].attributes.subject
Tips to reduce frustration and get work done while working from home with kids during quarantine - Dr. Korb chats with KTLA Morning News.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dr. Damon Korb joined us live via Skype with tips for parents on how to work, parent and shelter in place. His tips will help reduce frustration and may actually help you get some work done. Dr. Korb is one of the country's most renowned behavioral and developmental pediatricians. His most recent book is called "Raising An Organized Child - 5 Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration and Promote Confidence." For more info on Dr. Korb and his book, you can visit his website or follow Dr. Korb on Twitter @DrKorb.

This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on April 23, 2020.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips to reduce frustration and get work done while working from home with kids during quarantine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Damon Korb joined us live via Skype with tips for parents on how to work, parent and shelter in place. His tips will help reduce frustration and may actually help you get some work done. Dr. Korb is one of the country's most renowned behavioral and developmental pediatricians.

# data[].attributes.headline
Resources to help develop a growth and resilient mindset. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Resources to help develop a growth and resilient mindset. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Big Life Journal: Growth Mindset for Kids & Teens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We create effective tools and resources to help kids and teens develop a growth mindset so they can face life's challenges with confidence and have every opportunity in life. Our products are based on the latest research, and that's what makes them so unique and effective.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to our supplemental Social Emotional Learning Activities page!

As you will see below, many of the supplemental SEL activities and lesson plans include characters from our game-based, social emotional learning interventions. And when you use the online programs with your students, these activities will reinforce the learning that occurs during game play.

These supplemental resources - lessons, activities, and worksheets - are in the following SELskill areas: Communication, Cooperation, Emotion Regulation, Empathy, Impulse Control, and Social Initiation.

These resources are age-appropriate for elementary and middle school students and are typically used in a classroom or a small group setting. And in most cases, if materials are required for the activity, they are items that you already have in your classroom or office.
Note: Please share this page on your school website so other educators may also benefit.
Social Emotional Learning at Home

Additional Resources for Social Emotional Learning

Our classroom management plan is a step-by-step guide and includes proven strategies, tips and printables for elementary school teachers, and it covers four key components for establishing a successful, well-managed classroom.

These free downloadable posters will decorate your classroom and be great teaching resources, reinforcing social and emotional skills in your classroom and reminding students to practice their skills like emotion regulation, impulse control, empathy, and more.

Social Emotional Learning Quotes

For each of the topics below, we have curated a list of quotes. You can incorporate these quotes in your social emotional learning lessons, add them to social media images, create classroom posters, or write one on your whiteboard each day.

Need Something More Engaging And Effective For A Few Students?

Simply request a FREE Centervention educator account and start using our online programs!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
95 Free Social Emotional Learning Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
95 free social emotional learning activities, worksheets, and lessons to help students in elementary and middle school. Most are no-prep and ready to go.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.headline
Digital book about coronavirus for children.

# data[].attributes.subject
Digital book about coronavirus for children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
So, we've reached an unprecedented moment in our lifetime where we find ourselves having to opt for self-containing and staying indoors because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of children and teens are out of school indefinitely to limit social contact that contributes to the spreading of the virus. Families are spending more time together indoors as a way of quarantining from the outside world.

It's all about survival.

While it may not be the way any of us planned to spend the next several weeks, it is time to try to change a negative into a positive as much as possible. I am sharing 36 Indoor Activities for Teens During a Quarantine to encourage you to get creative while trying to make this difficult crisis as enjoyable as we can for our teens, who are going through an array of emotions right now.

Here's my list:

1. Write letters to elderly in nursing homes

This may be one of the most important things you can do for your community while in your home. Sit down with your teen(s) and write letters to the elderly and those who are in nursing homes, unable to see their families or loved ones due to the virus.

This can help the elderly feel less isolated and will make their day.

2. Start a family book reading club

My daughter and I started a book club last year, taking turns selecting books to read together. Choose a book that you can order via iBook or Kindle and have a select amount of chapters to read each day. Then sit down together and discuss the daily chapter selections.

3. Play board games

Family game night has never been more important. Break out the Scrabble board, or Monopoly, or opt to play Uno or another card game.

4. Disney + and Chill

Frozen 2 is now on Disney +, alongside an array of films and programming that will delight your oldest and youngest children. Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime are great options, too!

5. Question of the Day

Encourage each family member to create a question of the day, and have fun during mealtimes answering them.

6. Cook together

Get your teen involved in the daily meal prep by cooking with them. They make great sous chefs! For kid-friendly recipes and meal inspiration, click 8 Kid Friendly Meal Ideas for When Stuck in the House.

7. Dance party

Did you grow up during the disco era? Why not bust some moves with your teen, showing then that you can shake your groove thing just as well as they can.

8. Email family members

Create a family email address and send electronic greetings daily, allowing your teen to communicate with other family members.

9. Take a virtual trip or tour

Google Earth and the internet are a great way to see some world! Select a faraway destination and go online and share a virtual trip together. The possibilities are endless. Virtual field trips count, too!

10. Storytime

Take turns building a story. You can start if off, then have your teen continue the story alongside other family members. It can be fun seeing how the next "scene" or chapter turns out.

11. Share non-Coronavirus news and info

Make it a point to share news and information daily that is not about the pandemic.

12. Get active

Make sure that while you are binge-watching movies and TV shows that you get active and moving. Try to workout as a family while indoors (jumping jacks, jogging in place, lifting small weights, etc.)

Give incentives for the teen who has the most steps.

13. Unplug Hour

Have your teens unplug for at least one hour a day. No TV, computer, phone, gadget, etc. Use this as a reading or learning time.

14. Eat as a family

Make it a point to eat together everyday as a family.

15. Photo a Day

Take a photo of your teen each day as a reminder later as to how they survived Covid-19.

16. Indoor planting kit

Indoor planting kits are all the rage these days, and you can plant flowers, herbs, and even some veggies in the comfort of your own home. It's a great way to teach your teen about homesteading and growing their own items.

17. Journal

Give your teen a journal for them to write down their thoughts and feelings while being indoors.

18. Word a Day

Pick an obscure word a day and have them learn the meaning. Take turns picking out the word.

19. Make a weekly menu

Allow your teen to help you come up with the weekly menu. Let them think up with dishes that they can also help you prepare.

20. Paint away

Got paper and paint? Have a painting hour together, using YouTube painting tutorials.

21. Arts and crafts

Speaking of painting, how about coming up with some group arts and crafts that you and your teens can do together.

22. Spa day

Grab some beauty essentials from around the house and have a glorified spa day.

23. Assign homework

If your teen's school hasn't assigned classwork to be done at home, use an online curriculum to assign homework so that they are continuing to learn while at home.

24. Create a family mission statement

Have your teen develop a family mission statement that expresses the values your family represent.

25. FaceTime friends and family

Encourage your teen to be active socially, even if it has to be done virtually.

26. Chore list

Chores for teens during a quarantine? Uh, YES!

27. Family newsletter

Wanna let your extended family know how you and your brood are doing? Create a family newsletter and assign your teen to be the editor. Have them use Canva to create it, then send it to friends and family via email.

28. Chat in real life

Have discussions with your teen daily. Keep the lines of communication open, always, but especially during these times.

29. Wish list

Have your teen write out a Wish List of activities they want to enjoy once life gets back to normal.

30. Coloring Books

Adult coloring books and help with anxiety and stress. Order a few online for you and your teen, and spend time daily coloring.

31. Tea time

Why not enjoy High Tea a few times a week?

32. Talent show

Your teens have talent-so do you! Have fun putting on a family talent show.

33. Podcasts

Sit together and listen to podcasts, Let your teen pick a few to listen to, and then you can select a few as well.

34. Family history

How about chatting about the family tree while sharing family history?

35. Play instruments

Practice makes perfect. Encourage your teen to continue playing their instruments.

36. Go live

Have some fun interacting with the outside world by going live on Facebook or Instagram. Show 'em what your quarantined life looks like.

There you have it! 36 Indoor Activities for Teens During a Quarantine. Hunker down, but make sure to make the most out of it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
36 Indoor Activities For Teens During a Quarantine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
So, we've reached an unprecedented moment in our lifetime where we find ourselves having to opt for self-containing and staying indoors because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of children and teens are out of school indefinitely to limit social contact that contributes to the spreading of the virus.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to talk to your kids about coronavirus.

# data[].attributes.subject
How to talk to your kids about coronavirus.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus | Parenting Tips & Advice | PBS KIDS for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to explain coronavirus to a child with anxiety.

# data[].attributes.subject
How to explain coronavirus to a child with anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photo-of-boy-3142299/

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

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Explain Coronavirus to a Child with Anxiety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Join in with Fancy Dress Friday on 3rd April

This is great news for parents and kids who are reeling from the news of school closures due to the Coronavirus. Joe Wicks, famous as The Body Coach, has said he will become 'the nation's P.E. teacher' by giving daily online P.E. classes for kids!

Joe is holding kids' workout classes on his You Tube channel, and he will be doing them every weekday at 9am during the school closures.

To make it even more fun Joe is making this Friday's workout a Fancy Dress Friday! Joe announced the new twist on the daily PE sessions on his Facebook page, along with a photo of himself dressed up as Spider-Man. He said:
"Fancy getting dressed up for the workout on Friday? I'll be dressed up in something fun. Get involved. Be a right laugh won't it? Share your photos and videos with the hashtag #FancyDressPEwithJoe"
The workouts are designed to be kid friendly, will last half an hour, and won't need much space so they can be done indoors if you're self-isolating.

We think this is an amazing idea, and it should help keep the kids active as well as bringing some structure and routine to the day while we're all 'home schooling'.

I'm going to do this every day with the kids, and maybe it will make me a bit healthier too! Thank you Joe x

Need some help home schooling? Here's all the free online learning resources available for parents during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get more deals from playpennies with our daily newsletter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Joe Wicks Is The Nation's P.E. Teacher With Free Daily Kids Workouts On You Tube

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join in with Fancy Dress Friday on 3rd April This is great news for parents and kids who are reeling from the news of school closures due to the Coronavirus. Joe Wicks, famous as The Body Coach, has said he will become 'the nation's P.E. teacher' by giving daily online P.E.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KQED is offering an at-home learning response to school closures for all children and youth in California. This response includes a new educational schedule for broadcast on KQED Plus in the Bay Area as well as free corresponding digital learning media and activities for at-home learning. KQED is also providing support for teachers and parents in navigating this new learning landscape throughout the state. These At-Home Learning educational resources are made possible through an unprecedented collaboration between KQED and PBS SoCal/KCET in Southern California.

KQED is broadcasting a California state standards-aligned educational television schedule, created by PBS SoCal/KCET and the Los Angeles Unified School District. This TV schedule was developed to help schools and districts bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to learning for all students at home, regardless of access to internet or computers. Educational programming aligned with state standards runs each weekday starting Monday, March 16, on KQED Plus. The programming is time blocked for different ages and grade levels: TK-3rd grade from 6:00 - 8:00 am, 4th-8th grades from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, and 9th-12grades from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

To help teachers rapidly adapt, KQED has developed collections of free digital learning resources that can be used with these TV broadcasts or on their own. These resources are hosted on PBS LearningMedia and include videos and lesson plans. All of our resources for teachers are collected in this post: How Teachers Can Navigate School Closures Due to the Coronavirus, which includes links to

PBS LearningMedia collections

TV programming and digital resource alignment by grade and subject

Teacher training webinars

Tips for getting started with remote learning tools

Stay up to date. Sign up for the KQED Education newsletter.
...
Here are some ways to keep students engaged at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
At-Home Learning Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic | KQED Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KQED is offering an at-home learning response to school closures for all children and youth in California. This response includes a new educational schedule for broadcast on KQED Plus in the Bay Area as well as free corresponding digital learning media and activities for at-home learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program has played an important role in the continued recovery of the southern sea otter population with our research, rescue, rehabilitation, and surrogacy work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are. Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. Tune in to one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's web cams.

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn-at-home resources for students from Scholastic.

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn-at-home resources for students from Scholastic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Raise a reader by getting the best book recommendations, reading tips, and discounts delivered straight to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.headline
If COVID-19 Health Guidelines Trigger your OCD 

# data[].attributes.subject
If COVID-19 Health Guidelines Trigger your OCD 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the ongoing worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. COVID-19 is a new-to-humans viral strain in the coronavirus family that affects the lungs and respiratory system, causing symptoms like dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.

In response, public health experts around the world have asked us to take action to prevent and limit the transmission of this disease. This may create unique challenges for those of us diagnosed with a mental health condition, especially OCD, anxiety and related disorders. We must work to balance what's best for population health with what is best for our individual mental health.

COVID-19 is causing anxiety, panic and unrest across the globe with new guidelines and recommendations being published and changed frequently. For people in the OCD and related disorders community, these guidelines might cause extra concern, anxiety and/or uncertainty. A lot of the guidelines aren't specific or definitive, leaving a lot of space for OCD fears and anxiety behaviors to take over.

For many of us living with a mental health condition, the current situation may be worsening or intensifying your symptoms. For people in treatment, specifically for OCD, the guidelines might feel contrary to what you have been working on with your treatment team. Below are some simple steps to reconcile what's recommended for public health while maintaining our mental health:

1. Limit your news and updates to ONE verified, trusted source (such as the WHO if international, and the CDC if in the United States).

Focus on the facts these sources are telling you, rather than emotions you or others may be feeling about them.

3. Avoid searching online, media sourcing or having conversations throughout the day around the virus as this will cause increased anxiety that may lead to panic.

Disinfect surfaces once a day.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after being outside or in public, before eating and after you've coughed/sneezed/blown your nose. If soap and water are not available to you, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If you want to do more than this, pick a person to help you figure out what might be a reasonable and rational safety measure to take.

Engage in quarantine if recommended by a credible source (CDC or WHO) due to your level of exposure.

If you are not currently in treatment, live with OCD and are experiencing increased symptoms, consider reaching out and getting connected to someone. The IOCDF's Resource Directory is an excellent place to start, and you are welcome to call or email The Peace of Mind Foundation if you need help navigating it.
Most importantly: Be kind to yourself in these extraordinary times.
Below are some steps you should not do: in the midst of this pandemic:

3. Do not excessively wash your hands, as this may lead to injuring your skin and making it less protective against infection. Keep it to 20 seconds.

Call, videoconference, or text your friends and family.

Get involved in online support networks (such as HealthUnlocked ).

Reach out on social media.

COVID-19 is real, but so is OCD and anxiety. Work hard and together with your provider to differentiate between guidelines and recommendations for COVID-19 and your anxiety/OCD. Guidelines and recommendations should be followed and are healthy during this time, OCD and anxiety rules and rituals are not. For those of us living with OCD this time often comes with heightened anxiety, symptoms and even confusion. Try to follow the guidelines above and remember to continue with your treatment, especially if you are noticing increased symptoms. Tele-therapy is often a viable therapy option if in-person meetings are not feasible currently. Remember, help and hope are always available.
This article was written by: Elizabeth McIngvale, Ph.D., LCSW, Co-Director, Houston OCD Program, Founder, The Peace of Mind Foundation, Jeff Szymanski, PhD, Executive Director, International OCD Foundation, and Stephanie Cogen, MSW, MPH, Program Director, International OCD Foundation. Concerned about coronavirus? Stay safe using the tips from these articles:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to Do If COVID-19 Health Guidelines Are Triggering Your Anxiety or OCD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the ongoing worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. COVID-19 is a new-to-humans viral strain in the coronavirus family that affects the lungs and respiratory system, causing symptoms like dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hi Everyone!

I have created a helpful guide for all of you to survive the upcoming school closures.

Many of these activities listed below will require some supplies. Most items you could find at the Dollar Store.

Enjoy the list!

4) COLOURING CONTEST
Put out paper and markers. For each "round" give your children a theme like an amusement park or their dream house.

7) GLOW STICKS DANCE PARTY
Go to the Dollarstore and buy some fun glow sticks, turn off the lights, and blast some music!

12) MAKE PLAYDOUGH MATS
This will keep the little ones busy for a long time!
http://picklebums.com/2014/07/22/fun-food-play-dough-mats/#_a5y_p=2110571

17) MAKE A RETRO THEME DAY
https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2015/06/04/80s-retro-day-at-home/

22) PUT ON A MAGIC SHOW
Learn magic tricks and show family and friends.
http://www.funology.com/magic-tricks

23) BALLOON POP ROCKS EXPERIMENT
Do the Balloon Fizz Science Experiment
https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/07/22/balloon-pop-rocks-experiment/

23) MAKE CUPCAKES
24) HIDE AND GO SEEK IN THE DARK
Play Hide & Seek with the lights off using glow bracelets.

25) MOCK CAMPING TRIP
Make a mock camping trip
Use a play tent, sleeping bags or blankets, and flash lights. You can eat dinner in your tent and sing camp songs.

26) MAKE A "RESTAURANT" DINNER
Have your kids help you make dinner. Create menus with them to decorate and serve your spouse or neighbours.

28) MAKE A COLLAGE
Make a collage with magazine pages or family photos.

29) MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMEMTS
Find items around the house and construct different instruments. This teaches kids how to recycle waste into something useful and fun.
https://makingmulticulturalmusic.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/14-world-music-instruments-that-can-be-made-from-recycled-materials/

31) SALAD SPINNER ART
You can purchase a salad spinner at The Dollarama.
http://theimaginationtree.com/2010/09/salad-spinner-art.html

34) DO A JIGSAW PUZZLES
You can purchase puzzles at Dollarama for $2-$3
36) WATCH HOME MOVIES (ie. Mom & Dad's Wedding, Baby Videos)
37) DECORATE WITH PUFFY PAINT
The Dollarama sells Puffy Paint in the art section and you can purchase a top or a hat to decorate.
Make sure you let it completely dry before wearing it.
42) BUILD A VILLAGE OUT OF BLOCKS OR LEGO
43) MAKE A DEEJAY DANCE PARTY
Go to the dollar store and get glow sticks! Dress your kids in light colours. Close the blinds and the lights and activate their glow sticks. Put on their favourite songs and have them dance.
61) BOARD GAME NIGHT
68) MAKE A VIDEO
Bust out your cell phone or ipad, get your children to make a play.
Have them practice it a bunch of times. Find or make some costumes and have them perform their play on the video.
You can put it on the computer for them to watch.

69) CARD BOARD BOX CREATIONS
Take your children to the grocery or drug store and ask for extra used boxes.
Here are some cool ideas your can do with coard board boxes:
http://www.designdazzle.com/2013/09/15-cardboard-creations-to-make-for-kids/

71) NATURE ART
Let your kids run around your front or back yard and collect items in nature (ie. leaves, sticks, rocks, flowers)/
Give them bristol board and glue and have them make abstract art using their findings.

72) MAKE SMORES
Safely microwave your marshmellows.
73) MAKE A PLAYING CARD CASTLE 74) MAKE PIZZA
76) RELAY RACES
You can create some games to play:
* Potato Sack Races (using garbage bags or pillow cases)
* 3 Legged Race using Socks or Shoe Laces
* Spoon Race (holding a ping pong ball or egg)

77) MAKE EDIBLE PLAYDOUGH
https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/03/26/easy-play-dough-recipes/

79) MAKE AN AQUARIUM
All you need is two paper plates (cut out the middle of one), glue, googly eyes, foam, blue paint, saran wrap and rocks from outside.

80) HOME MADE TAP SHOES
Tape nickels to the bottom of your kid's running shoes and you've got a pair of tap shoes.

89) PLAY SHARK
All you need is a folded ironing board to be your boat. Keep the kids on the boat. If they fall off, they get "eaten" by the Shark, which Mom or Dad can play!

97) EXPLODING BAGS EXPERIMENT
This one is messy but a lot of fun!
https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2014/05/21/exploding-bags-fun-science-experiment/

98) MAKE A PET ROCK
Pick a rock outside. Let the kids paint them, decorate them

99) SUMO WRESTLING MATCH
Make the kids are supervised during this one.
http://allfortheboys.com/home/2012/2/2/sumo-boys.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
100 Activities To Do At Home During School Closures | Entertain Kids on a Dime Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi Everyone! I have created a helpful guide for all of you to survive the upcoming school closures. Many of these activities listed below will require some supplies. Most items you could find at the Dollar Store. Enjoy the list! 100 KIDS ACTIVITIES TO DO AT HOME 1) LAUNDRY BASKET SKI BALL www.frugalfun4boys.com/laundry-basket-skee-ball-with-ball-pit-balls 2) MAKE ...

# data[].attributes.headline
Autism and Coronavirus: Helping Students Understand

# data[].attributes.subject
Autism and Coronavirus: Helping Students Understand

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's important about Autism and Coronavirus?

Why do we need to tell students with autism about the Coronavirus? Because most students with autism already know about it. It doesn't matter if they are young or older. They may have a lot of language or demonstrate limited communication skills. But in some way they probably know something is different. That's how it works.

Our students will notice something strange like a person wearing a face mask. They will pick up fragments of information from TV or people talking. Perhaps they sense your anxiety. Or they may even see pictures of people wearing hazmat suits.

It all creates anxiety. And student anxiety will rise when schools close and the student's daily schedules and routines change unexpectedly. And that is exactly what may be happening.

Several states have already announced closing schools for several weeks. Probably more will follow.

How do you help?
Parents and teachers need to give information to their students. But here is what's important to understand. Just telling them is not enough. This is a really important time to make it visual.

Create a conversation book
Creating written conversations is really one of my favorite visual techniques. I'll describe the procedure here. Of course, you'll modify it as needed for your child or your student, depending on age and level of understanding. But here it is.

Get a folder or binder or notebook
1. Label it.
I think books need names. You can call it The Coronavirus Book. Or call it "Emily's Book." Or you or your student may come up with something more creative. That's OK. Just give it a name.

2. Have a conversation with the student about the coronavirus.
But here's what is important. Write down whatever you talk about.

Ask the student with autism what he/she already knows about the coronavirus. Write it down.

Explain the situation in a clear but simple way. Write it down.

You might also explain that what you hear on TV can be very confusing. But write it down.

Ask him what questions he has. Write down the answers.

Tell her what questions you have. Write the answers.

You can ask things like:

What are you worried about?

Does something make you afraid?

What do you need to do to be safe?

Why do you need to wash your hands?

Be sure to affirm to students that they are safe. Parents and teachers will help them.

Remember this
Don't get hung up on the writing part. You can write it. The student can write it. Type it on the computer. It doesn't matter. Remember, this is not a lesson in handwriting. It's a communication activity.

Add some pictures
Find them on the internet. Draw them. Take photos. Cut them out of a magazine. Use a computer picture program if you have one. They don't all need to be the same style. But the pictures will add context. They will help the student remember the conversation. And they will add some entertainment to the activity.
Here' an example of a simple conversation
Here's a really important part
Sometimes people try to write all of the information in one big conversation or one big story. I prefer to do it in a different way.

I like to cover the information in several smaller conversations on different but related topics. Write each one as a separate page or "chapter" in your book. For example, separate topics can include:

Why do I need to wash my hands.
What is a virus
Why do people wear masks.

Make sure it's personalized
What kinds of topics do you need to have conversations about? Make sure you are including topics that are very important to this individual.

What surprised me?

Why Disneyland is closed.

Why I can't watch March Madness on TV.

Why Louie is not going to work.

Why they didn't have any toilet paper at the grocery store.

Why we won't go on vacation during spring break.

When will I go back to school?

What is a virus and how does it work?

What does a virus look like?

Don't be surprised if the topic of greatest interest to this student is not really the main point of the national emergency. That's the way students with autism make connections sometimes.

This is an interactive activity
Remember, you are having conversations with the student and then you are writing that information in the book. That means you do this together. You can write what you think needs to be in the book but also write what he/she communicates. It's interactive.

There's not a magic formula for written conversations. But when you know a student, you'll know what to include in the book.

What students do
When students are unsure or anxious about situations, it's not unusual to revisit topics over and over. If that happens, here's what you can do.

When a topic gets expanded, say "Oh, we didn't put that in your book yet." Then add that information or question to your Coronavirus Book. (This is one reason I like to make separate pages or chapters for different topics. Then we can add information to the correct page.)

If the student is more apt to repeat or perseverate on a concept, you can say, "We already wrote about that in your book." Then direct him to find that topic in the book and re-read it or go over it again.

It's a strange thing, but having the information in a visual or written form seems to "anchor" it a bit. Revisiting it over and over helps the anxiety go away.

The book becomes a very important tool
Putting this information in the book gives you and the student the ability to go back and review it over and over again. You are showing the student that you understand his questions and concerns. Recording the conversations in writing makes them "stick."

It's strange, but that ability to repeat and revisit the topic provides a sense of comfort that a conversation that is only verbal doesn't accomplish in the same way.

This is what's tough
Unexpected surprises are the worst for these students. It's difficult because they can't prepare for the unexpected and they can't easily shift when something occurs. But the conversation book is a perfect tool to help with that.

If you are anticipating something that will possibly or probably happen, try writing about it in your conversation book. Give information that something MIGHT happen. It's a great concept to learn.

It's a long-term tool
Using a book for written conversations is not just a tool for autism and the coronavirus. This is a technique you can continue to use long term. It gives an opportunity to expand conversation skills, develop memories and deepen understanding.

P.S. These written conversations are somewhat different from Carol Gray's Social Stories TM which are another tool for giving information to students. Creating her Social Stories follows a more structured formula and defined criteria. Here's a story that Carol wrote called My Story About Pandemics and the Coronavirus.

The written conversations that I'm describing in this post are a less formal but a very valuable tool to capture the spontaneous conversations you have to help students understand our confusing world.

P.P.S This is important. It doesn't matter if students can read. Create your book in a way that the student will understand. If they can read it, that's great. Or you can read it to them. Include enough pictures to keep their interest. It's really a personalized formula.

P.P.P.S How have you been preparing your students with autism to manage this unexpected Coronavirus crisis? Please share below.
Here's another helpful post. Check out the Autism Survival Toolbox

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism and Coronovirus: Helping Students Understand

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What's important about Autism and Coronavirus? Why do we need to tell students with autism about the Coronavirus? Because most students with autism already know about it. It doesn't matter if they are young or older. They may have a lot of language or demonstrate limited communication skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here.

Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

Learn more about Google Earth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here. Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

# data[].attributes.headline
Drawing classes with famous illustrators.

# data[].attributes.subject
Drawing classes with famous illustrators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Work-from-home has become the new normal for adults in the U.S. at the same time that school closures have forced millions of children inside. Parents are trying to juggle being teachers, caretakers, and coworkers while also staying sane. So illustrators have stepped up to create virtual resources and free classes for kids, parents, and anyone else who needs a creative break in the midst of the pandemic.

Know of others to add to the list? Email codtips@fastcompany.com.

Drawing classes

Carson Ellis
Frequency: Daily
Where to find it: @carsonellis
Illustrator Carson Ellis is leading art classes for adults and kids alike with her Quarantine Art Club. Every day will have a different drawing prompt to get the creative juices flowing, so after watching a couple quick step-by-step video clips, you can take your eyes off a screen for a change and put pen to paper. The first assignment? Draw a self-portrait. Everyone from fellow illustrator Mister Hope to 8-year-old Olive Herrera took the challenge. See what your other club members are working on with the hashtag #quarantineartclub. (Each prompt also has its own hashtag.)

Wendy MacNaughton
Frequency: Daily on weekdays; 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT
Where to find it: @wendymac
Wendy MacNaughton, the well-known San Francisco illustrator who did the art for Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, launched a daily drawing class on Instagram for "kids of all ages, parents of kids, parents of parents, aunties/uncles, friends and pets." The first class involved both: students drew each other and a dog. While she initially intended it to be a five-minute class, it ended up going for 20. MacNaughton is offering the classes via Instagram Live, but if you can't make the set time, it will be on her Instagram story for 24 hours. Be sure to use the hashtag #drawtogether.

Trisha Zemp
Frequency: Ongoing
Where to find it: @trishazemp
Designer Trisha Zemp has made her stop-motion kids camp free. You need to take a few steps in order to access it: share her post announcing the free service in your Instagram stories and tag her account. If your account is private, DM her a screenshot of your story. She'll then DM you a code to access the camp at no cost. "I am hoping that by offering this resource, it can distill some of the worry that many of us are feeling. (And keep kiddos busy with creative play!)," she wrote in the post. Zemp notes that the class is for kids of all ages-which means grownups are welcome too.

Jarrett Krosoczka
Frequency: Daily on weekdays; 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
Where to find it: Krosoczka's YouTube channel
Children's book illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka has launched a daily YouTube series called " Draw everyday with JJK." If you can't catch the episode when it goes live, not to worry-all the videos are posted on his YouTube channel. The first episode provides a quick introduction to the series, which will "give you practical tools so you can tell stories using words and pictures on your own." Or it will just give your kids the opportunity to draw Baby Yoda with the help of a professional. Each episode is about 20 minutes long.

Jarrett Lerner
Frequency: Daily
Where to find it: Lerner's website
Comic book illustrator Jarrett Lerner is releasing a series of illustrated activities each day, including blank comic book pages, a "character-maker," blank clothes your kids can help design, and a "Finish This Comic" Activity, which is like MadLibs for artists. The activities will be archived on his site so you can access them whenever your kid needs some brain stimulation and you need what one mom called #creativesilence.

E.B. Goodale
Frequency: Daily on weekdays; 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT
Where to find it: @ebgoodale
Children's book author and illustrator E.B. Goodale is launching a drawing class for toddlers aptly called "Drawing with toddlers." This one has a looser structure: Goodale will take requests for what to draw live, "or you can just sit back and watch the chaos." It's specifically geared toward toddlers "because that's what I've got on my hands," she says in the post, "and their attention span is short. It will be a messy experiment!"

Thyra Heder
Frequency: TBD
Where to find it: @thyraheder
Heder is breaking out of the 2D with all sorts of creative projects on her Instagram feed and stories: You can make animal costumes inspired by her book Fraidyzoo out of cardboard and Scotch tape, or even simpler animal masks out of cereal boxes with step-by-step instructions. The best part is you don't need to leave the house-all of her projects use basic supplies and kitchen staples.

Read alongs

Other illustrators will be using Instagram Live to read their books aloud during a daily story time. Times are posted on their Instagram feeds should you and your kids want to participate:

Oliver Jeffers
Frequency: Daily; 2 p.m. ET/11a.m. PT
Where to find it: @oliverjeffers
Jeffers will be reading his popular books like How to Catch a Star, Lost and Found, and more every day on Instagram Live. The posts will be up for 24 hours, and then the recording will be available on his website, according to his post.

Sophie Blackall
Frequency: Every few days
Where to find it: @sophieblackall
Children's book author and illustrator Sophie Blackall is reading from some of her favorite books too, includingIvy and Bean and Hello Lighthouse. Each video is about 10 minutes long. She hasn't announced a set schedule, but the videos so far have been posted two days apart.

Mac Barnett
Frequency: Daily; 9 a.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
Where to find it: @macbarnett
Children's book author Mac Barnett is starting his own daily book club and will be reading one of his books everyday for about a month, according to his announcement post. The video will be available on Barnett's Instagram story for 24 hours after it's posted. So grab a hat, join in, and start reading.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stuck at home? Take free drawing classes from famous illustrators

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Work-from-home has become the new normal for adults in the U.S. at the same time that school closures have forced millions of children inside. Parents are trying to juggle being teachers, caretakers, and coworkers while also staying sane.

# data[].attributes.headline
Khan Academy options, including daily learning schedules for children 2-18

# data[].attributes.subject
Khan Academy options, including daily learning schedules for children 2-18

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

We're a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

Learners, teachers, districts, and parents:

Why Khan Academy works

Personalized learning

Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.

Trusted content

Created by experts, Khan Academy's library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It's all free for learners and teachers.

Tools to empower teachers

With Khan Academy, teachers can identify gaps in their students' understanding, tailor instruction, and meet the needs of every student.

DISTRICTS

Khan Academy boosts

In a recent study, students were over twice as likely to meet grade-level standards with Khan Academy. Districts across the country are partnering with us to ensure all their students succeed.

TEACHERS

"I'm finally able to truly differentiate my classroom. This has been priceless for my students' engagement."

DUSTIN FAUTH / 4th grade teacher / Falmouth, MA

We empower teachers to support their entire classroom. 90% of US teachers who have used Khan Academy have found us effective.

SOURCE: 2018 ConStat U.S. Online Education Customer Survey

LEARNERS AND STUDENTS

You can learn anything.

Build a deep, rock-solid understanding in math, grammar, science, history, SAT®, AP®, and more.

"I come from a poor family. At home it's one room, just a room we live in. When I was a child, I used to fear mathematics. But now, I am in love with mathematics because of Khan Academy."

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Every child deserves the chance to learn.

Across the globe, 617 million children are missing basic math and reading skills. We're a nonprofit delivering the education they need, and we need your help. You can change the course of a child's life.

Key supporters

Supporters of our COVID-19 response

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can learn anything. Expert-created content and resources for every course and level. Always free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's no surprise that authors are incredibly good at bringing their own books to life. Whether through live or pre-recorded visits, read-aloud videos, or other virtual author activities, kids will connect with books like never before! Here are some of our favorite options to try.

Pre-Recorded Virtual Author Visits

Check out these videos of presentations authors have given at schools and libraries. There are authors here that will interest students at any age.

Arree Chung

Hear Chung talk about the process of creating his book Mixed: A Colorful Story. The allegory of one color who thinks it's better than the others is meaningful at any age.

Bao Phi

Bao Phi's lovely book A Different Pond showcases the relationship between a father and his son. As they fish for the food their family needs, the father tells his son about a pond from his own childhood in faraway Vietnam.

Jasmine Warga

Author of the Newbery Honor book Other Words for Home, Jasmine Warga gives an engaging talk about how she writes.

Jennifer L. Holm

From her Babymouse graphic novels to the Sunny series and beyond, Holm writes books that middle grade readers absolutely love.

J.H. Reynolds

Do your students love the thrills and chills of the MonsterStreet series? Then they'll love seeing its author answer kids' questions about reading and writing!

J.K. Rowling

Every kid will recognize the author of the beloved Harry Potter books! See her interview with the Harry Potter Reading Club in this video.

Kate Messner

Kate Messner writes fiction, nonfiction, novels, chapter books, and picture books, so there's a good chance most kids have read at least one of her books.

Katherine Applegate

Lots of kids read The One and Only Ivan in class, and Applegate has plenty of other popular and award-winning books as well. Hear her talk about her books (and even show off her adorable dog!).

Lois Lowry

Here's another name kids will recognize. Whether they love The Giver, the Gooney Bird series, or any of her other numerous works, they'll enjoy listening to her speak and answer audience questions.

Max Brallier

The Last Kids on Earth book series is now a Netflix series too! Listen to author Max Brallier talk about his writing process and give kids a writing challenge of their own.

Live Virtual Author Visits

Want to set up a virtual author visit live for your class or school? If you have a particular author in mind, visit their website (or their publisher's) to contact them and find out if they do virtual visits. Scholastic offers virtual author visits through their catalog, so that's a great place to start.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has a terrific roundup of virtual author visits and writing workshops too. Here are some to consider.

Gutman has written all sorts of books for kids, and he's happy to do virtual school visits. Find his offerings and prices at his website.

Nonfiction children's author Kurtz loves to present his books to kids of all ages. His virtual offerings include readings, interviews, and concept-based workshops.

Long does both in-person and virtual author visits based on her popular books, like How I Became a Pirate. Visit her website to see her offerings and book a visit.

Biebow's colorful book about the inventor of Crayola crayons is a delight. She offers free virtual visits, plus interactive in-person workshops.

Known for Dahlia in Bloom, Koehler offers both virtual author visits and writing workshops. She does professional development workshops for teachers too.

Virtual Author Read-Alouds

When you hear authors read their own books, it gives you a whole new perspective on their works. That makes read-alouds some of our favorite virtual author activities.

Hale's YouTube channel includes a playlist called Storytime With Uncle Bruce. Hear him read about Clark the Shark and other hilarious characters.

Gutman has a whole collection of read-alouds on his Facebook page, like Miss Blake Is a Flake. Kids will love his wacky style!

Visit her YouTube channel to see the author read her book Where Are My Books? She's got a few other read-alouds too, along with drawing tips.

Fabien Cousteau is the grandson of famed sea explorer Jacques Cousteau. His book series explores his own experiences under the water, and you can watch his read-aloud on Facebook.

You'll feel inspired when you hear Byers read her heartfelt book I Am Enough.

Lin reads aloud from her picture books as well as chapters from her longer books on her YouTube channel.

Watch Knowles read the first chapter of her middle-grade novel Where the Heart Is, while giving students a fun writing exercise.

Hear Cook read a variety of books from her collection, like Wilma Jean the Worry Machine. Her YouTube channel also includes interviews, advice, and other fun virtual author activities.

Watch Messner read Fergus and Zeke and the 100th Day of School in this YouTube video.

This read-aloud of Fry Bread includes some of the author's thoughts on writing the book and the recipe he included at the end.

Listen to Henderson read the first chapter of her book The Magic in Changing Your Stars on YouTube.

The author regularly shares read-alouds of his books, like I Love You Like a Pig, on his Instagram page.

The author has added a collection of videos of herself reading from her picture books on Instagram. Titles include When We Are Kind and You Hold Me Up.

Hear readings from Shusterman's books on his YouTube channel, including excerpts and complete short stories.

The author created a Stay at Home: Story Time section on his website. Initially made during the 2020 COVID lockdown, these videos are still lots of fun to watch.

Visit Reynolds' Facebook page to see him read from some of his most popular books, like The Dot.

The award-winning author and illustrator reads from her book The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in this YouTube video.

The author reads his picture books on his YouTube channel, where he also has lots of drawing videos for inspiration.

Other Virtual Author Activities

So many wonderful authors and publishers have YouTube or Instagram channels! Join them as they teach you how to draw, offer writing tips, and lots more.

Kids will do more than just watch these videos. They'll write, draw, and create on their own, inspired by famous authors and illustrators.

Watch story time, Cressida Cowell's summer camp, author interviews, how-to-draw videos, and a whole lot more.

The prolific author has a robust website full of videos, activities, podcasts, and more virtual author activities to engage kids of a variety of ages.

The Lunch Lady author and illustrator has a series of videos showing kids how to draw some of their favorite characters. His YouTube channel also has cartooning tips, writing tips, pep talks, and shorts.

This YouTube channel is rich with content, including interviews, tour journals, how-to-draw tips, and so much more.

The Kennedy Center sponsored this series of videos with the beloved author of classics like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Author and illustrator of hits like Smile and Drama shares drawings, time-lapse videos, and more on her Instagram page.

Aspiring illustrators will enjoy this series, where any kid can learn to draw creatures of every kind.

These half-hour chats with well-known middle grade authors are the perfect length to share with your classes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Big List of Virtual Author Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out live and pre-recorded author visits, read-alouds, and other virtual author activities like drawing sessions to share with students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Audible accounts are free while schools are closed.

# data[].attributes.subject
Audible accounts are free while schools are closed.

# data[].attributes.headline
Compilation of Resources and Tools from the NCLD (Nat. Center for Learning  Disabilities)

# data[].attributes.subject
Compilation of Resources and Tools from the NCLD (Nat. Center for Learning  Disabilities)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our nation is facing an unprecedented public health crisis. With the outbreak of COVID-19, parents are navigating their new normal with children at home, jobs to keep, and serious concerns about nutrition and medical care. At the same time, educators are wondering how to connect with and reach all of their students from a distance.

Every student deserves access to educational opportunities - even if that means virtual education during this pandemic. And if educators are expected to innovate and act nimbly during these unprecedented times, we must provide the resources schools and districts so desperately need to effectively design those learning opportunities and educate all students.

NCLD and its community of parents, educators, and advocates will work together to navigate this new reality as safely as possible. To that end, we will continue to update this webpage to be a resource to our community.

Educating All Learners Alliance

Educating All Learners Alliance

NCLD is a proud founding partner of the newly launched Educating All Learners Alliance, a resource hub aimed at helping educators reach all students during the #COVID19 pandemic. Learn more.

Meet the NCLD Team

Carrying out the NCLD mission to improve outcomes for the 1 in 5 individuals with learning and attention issues.

Young Adults Initiatives

Help empower and advocate for young adults ages 18-26 with learning disabilities and attention issues.

Tell Congress: Pass the RISE Act

We need your help! Ask your member of Congress to support students with learning and attention issues.

Support NCLD

Thanks to support from generous partners like you, we are able to create programs and resources to support the 1 in 5 individuals with learning and attention issues nationwide.

$20$50$100$250$500 Other amount

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our nation is facing an unprecedented public health crisis. With the outbreak of COVID-19, parents are navigating their new normal with children at home, jobs to keep, and serious concerns about nutrition and medical care. At the same time, educators are wondering how to connect with and reach all of their students from a distance.

# data[].attributes.body
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wishing you and your family only the best right now. 💜🧡

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Information

Are you wondering what happens in your body when it's exposed to coronavirus? Yale School of Medicine PhD student Clara Liao explains how coronavirus turns cells in your bodies into virus-making machines. The video also shows how infection leads to symptoms like dry cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, how the immune system sometimes fights off coronavirus disease, and what happens when it's a losing battle. After watching it, you'll understand why washing your hands for 20 seconds prevents infection and why social distancing is essential.

Clara Liao is a first-year PhD student in Yale's Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program. She is interested in the molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and molecular neuropharmacology. Correction/Note: COVID-19 lasts on surfaces for 24-72 hours, depending on the surface. The information in the video is up to date as of 3-29-20.

Credits Clara Liao - Yale Neuroscience Ph.D. Student

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Covid-19: An Illustrated Scientific Summary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you wondering what happens in your body when it's exposed to coronavirus? Yale School of Medicine PhD student Clara Liao explains how coronavirus turns cells in your bodies into virus-making machines. The video also shows how infection leads to symptoms like dry cough, fever,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Download the free UCLA Mindful App for iOS and Android

With this easy-to-use app, you can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere, anytime with the guidance of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Scientific research shows mindfulness can help manage stress-related physical conditions, reduce anxiety and depression, cultivate positive emotions, and help improve overall physical health and well-being.

Mindfulness is the practice of training the mind to be present through moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body sensations and environment.Mindfulness promotes an attitude of openness, curiosity, and awillingness to be with our experience. Through regular practice, taught through this app, you can develop a meditation practice and learn to bring more mindfulness into your daily life.
This app offers:

Basic Meditations for getting started, in 14 Different languages

Wellness Meditations for people suffering from challenging health conditions

Informative videos exploring how to get started, supportive meditation postures, and the science of mindfulness

Weekly Hammer Podcasts and Drop-in Recordings -- 30 minute meditations on different themes you can search for and bookmark

A timer to meditate on your own

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With this easy-to-use app, you can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere, anytime with the guidance of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center. Scientific research shows mindfulness can help manage stress-related physical conditions, reduce anxiety and depression, cultivate positive emotions, and help improve overall physical health and well-being.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances.

You're not alone.

There are strategies for managing stress such as:

Be mindful of your intake of information from news sources about the virus, and consider taking breaks from it.

Maintain social contact with supportive relationships like friends, family or others, by phone, text, or internet.

Treat your body kindly: eat healthy foods, avoid excessive alcohol, and exercise as you are able.

Call your health care provider if your anxiety interferes with your daily activities.

Learn about additional strategies to manage your stress for health.

Hotlines if you need to talk to someone

If you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.

There are additional resources available if you are in crisis:

Find behavioral and mental health services

If you have Medi-Cal and are in need of mental health services, call the number on your health plan membership card, or call your local county mental health line. For help finding what services are covered, call the Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman at 888-452-8609 Monday through Friday from 8am - 5pm.

If you have a health plan through your employer or purchase your own health insurance, and are in need of mental health services, call the number on your health plan membership card.

If you feel like you are coping with your stress by drinking or taking drugs, there is help available from the substance use disorder programs in your county or call the national treatment locator at 800-662-HELP.

Call the California's Aging and Adult Information local service line at 800-510-2020 for help finding information and assistance in your area.

If you feel unsafe

Partner abuse is never okay and there are people standing by to help, especially during this health crisis. If you can, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or text LOVEIS to 22522 for 24/7 help in English or Spanish. If you can't call, visit TheHotline.org to learn how to create a safety plan or get immediate help with the 24/7 "Chat Now" feature.

Call or text the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 800-VICTIMS line for information on victim services programs in California.

Visit the California Victims Compensation Board website to find information on county victim service providers in California.

There are additional resources available:

Helping others

Protecting children from abuse and neglect

Community members play an important role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. If you are worried about the health or safety of a child, call the local CPS hotline for the county where the child lives or find a local child abuse youth victim service provider.

You can call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-4-A-CHILD to speak with a professional crisis counselor who can provide assistance in over 170 languages.

You may also be able to help children and youth who have been abused or neglected by stepping up to serve as a foster caregiver. Please contact your local county's Social Service or Human Service department, or call the toll-free line at 800-KIDS-4-US.

Family support

If you are concerned about a family in need of food or assistance, or you need resources yourself, call 211, contact your local non-profit Family Resource Center, or apply for public benefits, which may include health care, cash aid, and food and nutrition assistance, through your county's Social Services or Health and Human Services department.

You can call the California Parent & Youth Helpline at 855-427-2736 Monday - Sunday from 8:00am - 8:00pm to get emotional support from a trained Parent Advocate.

NAMI California has resources for family members supporting loved ones with mental health conditions. You can call their HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI to get information, resource referrals and support from 7:00am - 3:00pm or email info@namica.org.

Caregivers can find resources at the Department of Aging website , including guidelines to protect the health and safety of both you and your loved one from COVID-19.

County Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services: Call 833-401-0832 24/7 for concerns about adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources for emotional support and well-being

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text 838255 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or click Chat Now Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in [...]

# data[].attributes.headline
COVID-19 Articles and Information from the AAP

# data[].attributes.subject
COVID-19 Articles and Information from the AAP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
HealthyChildren.org - From the American Academy of Pediatrics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Footnotes

1 Fever may be subjective or confirmed

2 Close contact is defined as-

a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case

b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)

If such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection), criteria for PUI consideration are met"

See CDC's updated Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19 (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to those exposed in health care settings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Footnotes 1 Fever may be subjective or confirmed 2 Close contact is defined as- a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Podcast recommendations and a collection of resources to keep kids busy and educated over the Coronavirus break.
With the school closures from Coronavirus/Covid 19 now coming in fast and furious (and yes, that includes my three kids' school), parents and caregivers are scrambling. Suddenly, we have weeks of unplanned time before us, with no real guess at when the kids will be back at school, and no real desire to park our kids in front of the tv for hours at a time.

The podcasters at Kids Listen have put together this collection of podcast episodes to help ease the pain somewhat. We've gathered together episodes that will keep your kids learning (including about the corona virus), laughing, and even letting loose a little. We've also included some other resources at the end outside of the Kids Listen universe because - we're all in this together. And we've got this.
Knowledge is power. In these episodes, kids can learn about the coronavirus and Covid-19 in an age-appropriate way.
This post will be updated as more episodes come in. And we will be turning this into a Kids Listen playlist as soon as possible, so check your Kids Listen app for updates!

is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. In the episode Understanding Coronavirus and How Germs Spread, the podcast tackles coronavirus in its usual deft way, leaving kids feeling empowered rather than scared. Relatedly, Brains On! also put out this episode on how flu vaccines work.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids explores stories of science discovery - how science actually works. In this special episode,Answering Kids' Coronavirus Questions, they share questions from listeners with an infectious disease pediatrician. Dr. Juan Dumois provides clear answers and explanations of how we know what we know about coronavirus, and what kids can do to protect the people they love. Tumble also has a great episode about viruses and two scientists who teamed up to make vaccines faster. It's called The Sign of the Ninja Virus.
School's out, but don't let those brains go to mush!
The podcast ! is another great one to add to your list. Shabam! is a new type of science show that blends fictional stories with real science. The first season is all about the spread of disease. You can find the first episode here.

Book Power for Kids, another kid-driven podcast, reviews books in a fun, friendly, accessible way. Here, Book Power for Kids swoops in for the rescue with two great episodes about having an adventure without leaving home. What better time than now to have a pile of books waiting to be read! In this episode, Leilani reviews Hilo: The Great Big Boom, by Judd Winick. And in this episode, Chaska review The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander.

The Good Words Podcast is for kids and grownups to take a deep dive into words while learning together to use words better and to use better words. Since school closings have become Ubiquitous, you can learn more about that word here. And while your whole family is stuck together at home for a while, you also might want to learn about the word Magnanimous!
A break for your kids, a break for you. Win-win.
Of course, I have to put in some episodes from our podcast, Cool Facts About Animals - a podcast by kids and for kids. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Justin Schmidt, made famous for his Schmidt Pain Index Scale, about what the most painful stings are. And in this Earth Day episode, we talk about animals facing extinction and what kids can do to help.

Unspookable, best for kids ages 8-12, is a spooky look at the histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories. In these two hand-picked episodes, Momo and Media Literacy, and Friday the 13th, you'll get hooked on Unspookable's unique approach to storytelling, blending modern context to history- and science-based storytelling.

Grammy and the Star Soup, from the lively and silly storytelling podcast April Eight, is the first in a series of three interrelated stories ending in a leprochaun tale for Saint Patrick's Day, Birdie and the Unexpected Guest. These are stories of sibling relationships, unexpected friendships, magic, and mystery. They are filled with lovely songs and silly limericks!

This Week in the Multiverse is a serialized storytelling podcast. In the episode Fortnite of Many Earths, hear a tale about video games from other Earths that will make the video games of this Earth seem boring it will inspire your kids to do something else!

Buttons and Figs, a podcast for kids about playing with words, is a treat for the whole family. In Nonsense Play, with Calef Brown, use nonsense to take your minds to other places. This helps you focus attention on things you may not have seen before and encourages laughter, the best medicine. Also check out A Colony of Collective Nouns because, although we may not be able to join a crowd right now, we can still play with collective nouns!

Circle Round remains an enduring favorite in our household, and our go-to car-trip podcast for stories from around the world. In the Mountain Spring, a magical folktale from Japan and Korea, listeners will be whisked away to a faraway mountainside, where a kind, generous old man and woman discover the proverbial fountain of youth. The episode stars real-life husband and wife Greg Naughton (an actor/writer/singer-songwriter) and Kelli O'Hara (a Tony Award-winning Broadway legend). Also check out The Beggar and the Baker's Daughter. Comedian Margaret Cho headlines this English tale about a greedy woman who bites off more than she can chew. Children will love the enchanting story and grown-ups will love the hilarious Margaret Cho!
Things can feel a little overwhelming. It's good to take a breath.
is a fictional serialized podcast featuring the Ventura twins, who are yanked into another dimension where they receive the mission to preserve their culture's true history. Check out the episode "," where the twins seek an invisible danger with the help of Monsi Roman, a primary school student on campus for a local science fair. The character of young Monsi is based on NASA microbiologist Monserrate Roman. You can find an interview with her here.

Be Calm on Ahway Island helps kids learn to meditate and relax. In the episode , learn to meditate around the big feelings of going to the doctor, beecause kids might feel nervous about being sick or going to the doctor. In Robot Build, kids will get their imaginations going while staying in.

is another great podcast for relaxing and meditating that helps children calm down by being guided through visualizaton and breathing exercises. In the episode Mycelium Mindfulness, kids will explore the hidden and fascinating world of fungi. They also introduce a loving kindness practice, sending friendly wishes to yourselves and others. In this uncertain time, it's even more important for us to be kind to those around us. The episode is perfect for this period, because some children may be feeling increased anxiety during this time listening to news or overhearing their adults talking about the coronavirus.

And a few other podcasts we recommend -

The Show About Politics and The Show About Science, hosted by the effervescent and knowledgeable Nate.

Six Minutes - my son's fourth grade class listened forward to this podcast in class, a sci fi, robot-filled adventure.

Activist, You - a podcast dedicated to interviewing and learning from young activists.

Captain Ryan Stories - adventure stories for kids.

Professor Theo's Mystery Lab - superhero, timetravelling, adventure-loving fun.

The Fifth Grade Futurists - A podcast created by 5th-grade students from Troy, Michigan about our global goals for a better future.

The Fourth Grade Innovators - A4th grade class in Michigan sharing their learning with the world. From wise word quote discussions to book reviews, this podcast will help inspire listeners to level up their life.

Here are some other educational and fun things to consider to keep the kids entertained:
New! DIY science experiments from Physics Girl.
New! Angela from Story Spectacular is providing all sorts of free printables to keep your littles ones busy. Make an April Fool's pop-up card here, and find free activity pages, song downloads, and more here.

New! Mark Rober will be doing regular livestreams on YouTube explaining science topics in simple terms with demos.

New! Free stories on Audible! The Terrible Two is a favorite in this house if you like pranks and shananigans.

Listen and Learn. Kids Listen is starting a podcast y'all! It's called the Kids Listen Activity Podcast. On it, you'll find podcasts from your favorite podcasters (like Tumble Podcast, What if World, Noodle Loaf, and others), and follow it up with an activity - a great way to spend an active hour of learning and listening.

Beloved author Mo Willems will offer daily drawing clinics with his Lunch Doodles videos. Catch it live, or view the archived version.

Tumble Podcast Resources. Curriculum packages, worksheets, transcripts & music for some of Tumble Podcast's most popular episodes are available for free at their Teacher Store. Use COVID at checkout. As long as schools are shut down, the code will be up!

Animal Learning Activities with Scientist Olivia Sanderfoot. Learning modules on owls, honeybees, monarchs, and more plus an offer to be a pen pay. Amazing.

Picture book read-alouds. Compiled by Pernille Ripp, lots of links to creators of books reading their stories.

More kid lit read-alouds. Including read-alouds in non-Engish languages, from KidLit.tv.

Jess Keating offers writing lessons. Ten videos to help tackle writing projects.

Aquarium viewing. Tune into the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium via numerous webcams. You can see the coral reef cam, jelly fish cam, and others.

Submit a question to an author. GRACE LIN YOU GUYS is creating a 5-10 minute podcast featuring other children's authors. Submit a poem, book review, or question here.

Free Art Lessons from NY Times Best-Selling Author/Artist Jarrett J. Krosoczka. These will be streamed live on his youtube channel at 2 pm ET, and lessons will be archived.

From Scholastic Learn at Home - Day to day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. "Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!"

From Ask a Scientist. Learn live via Skype from a scientist studying super cool things across all disciplines. To be on the list about when sessions occur and updates, fill out the Google form here. Find the schedule here.

From National Geographic Kids. The " Explore " section of the National Geographic Kids website is filled with projects, tips, videos, and enhanced learning experiences for kids.

From Kiwi Crate. Kiwi Crate's DIY section has lots of simple projects that teach your kids about science in a hands-on way, with minimal supplies needed.

Seattle Symphonyis sharing free rebroadcasts of their concerts. Check here often as they update their schedule.

Crazy Aunt Lindsayis a tried-and-true favorite for DIY science projects. Check out her site here.

Go Noodle. Free movement and mindfulness exercises to restart and reenergize the kids.

Take a Virtual Museum Tour. Thanks to Parent Magazine for curating this list of 12 museums that you can tour from the comfort of your couch.

Please comment below with other resources! We need all the help we can get!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Podcast recommendations and a collection of resources to keep kids busy and educated over the Coronavirus break. With the school closures from Coronavirus/Covid 19 now coming in fast and furious (and...

# data[].attributes.headline
Guide to helping families cope with COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.subject
Guide to helping families cope with COVID-19.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.headline
How can parents help kids process their disappointment.

# data[].attributes.subject
How can parents help kids process their disappointment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
School and events are shutting down, impacting children in unexpected ways. Here's how to deal with the letdown.

Credit... Lilli Carré

As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we're working to answer the questions on many parents' minds. 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.

When I told my 10-year-old daughter that her elementary school would be shutting down for two weeks, she didn't seem to mind. But after Lexi had time to process the news and realized a friend's birthday party, a dance competition and the "Jump Rope for Heart" fund-raiser at school were also looped into the cancellation list, I was met with tears and a string of questions, both of which caught me off-guard.

With the new coronavirus leading to school closures and event cancellations across the country, parents are getting mixed reactions from their kids that range from joy over extra time off to confusion and sadness over missing a highly anticipated event - and even fear of the unknown.
[10 questions parents may have about coronavirus.]
Whether they're forced to skip a musical performance, a tryout for a spring sport, a visit to their grandparents or a family vacation, simply telling children that disappointment is a part of life doesn't cut it. In fact, breaking this news may also spark anxiety in parents.

So how can parents help kids process their disappointment? I asked a few experts for their advice.

First, check your own emotions.

"Fear can be contagious, so above all, parents need to monitor and manage their own worry, especially in front of their children," said Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and art therapist in New York City. "The good news is this also means that calm is contagious."

Regardless of a child's age, honesty is the best approach, but Gayle Cicero, Ed.D., a clinical assistant professor at the Loyola University Maryland School of Education, advised not using phrases that kids simply don't have the capacity to understand. "Terms like 'the right thing to do' or 'think about the elderly' or 'for the greater good' are hard to grasp when, developmentally, kids are in a stage when their worldview centers around them, their family, and perhaps their neighborhood and friends," Dr. Cicero said.
[How to talk to kids about coronavirus.]
When breaking the news of cancellations, parents should focus on validating their children's emotions, whether that is disappointment or fear or something in between, said Dr. Neha Chaudhary, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

"Kids often gain comfort in knowing that they are not alone," Dr. Chaudhary said. "It may help for parents to say that a lot of kids are feeling the same way and even admit that they are a little worried, too. At the end of the day, the most important thing that parents can do is to send their kid the message that it's OK for them to feel what they are feeling. These are the interactions that help a child feel seen."

Naming your child's emotion (for example, saying, "That must be so disappointing") helps them begin to realize what they are feeling, said Leighanne Scheuermann, an educator based in Dallas. "In the long term, your child is more likely to remember how you respond to their emotions and also will recognize the efforts you made to make the situation better for them," Scheuermann said.

Disappointment can be linked to a feeling of loss of control in children, said Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Ed.D., a psychologist and pediatric mental health specialist psychologist in Connecticut. "When you have to talk about canceled events that kids were looking forward to, think about it as a learning opportunity to manage disappointment," Dr. Capanna-Hodge said. "We often are so worried that our kids will get upset when we should be thinking: 'What can my child learn here? Can they learn about managing stress and feeling upset?'"

When Rachel Engel's 8-year-old daughter, Sydney, found out that her dad, currently mid-tour in South Korea with the Air Force, had to cancel his trip home to Kansas last week, she was confused. The family had been building a chain out of colorful construction paper to count down the days until his visit, and Sydney threw the remaining links into the trash after hearing her dad wouldn't be coming home. Engel noted after they talked through her daughter's disappointment, Sydney felt better and went to her dance class later that day.

It helps just to be a listening ear so your child can freely vent her frustration. Of course, as parents, there is an urge to swoop in and wipe out disappointment. But, Dr. Cicero said, parents can actually get in the way of a child's development when they do this. "Plus, there's something so therapeutic about a person willing to hear you out and just be with you," she added.

When a child's emotions are really starting to disrupt his usual disposition or he seems stuck in a funk, it's probably time for some direction from you.

A fun technique to distract younger kids, said Alexandra Friedmann Finkel, L.C.S.W., a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in New York, is a color game. Have your child choose a color and look around the room to point out everything he can see in that color. "This can help a child break the worry spiral and calm the body and mind," Finkel said.

Once your child is in a good place emotionally, don't make any promises about rescheduling events or making up for lost time, Dr. Goodman said. Instead, she advised focusing on what you can do now for enjoyment or to support your community.

For example, rather than the planned movie party with friends that Suzanne Cope's son, Rocco, of New York, was looking forward to, they improvised and celebrated his seventh birthday at a park by flying kites and riding bikes with one other family.

[Schools are closing for coronavirus. Now what?]
If your child is upset about missing the chance to star in a play, ask if she wants to put on a play with stuffed animals, Scheuermann suggested. Can you FaceTime Grandma for her birthday or support a local business by having a cake sent to her? If a vacation has been canceled, have the kids create a poster board of activities they wanted to do on that trip. Essentially, find a way to modify the missed activity so it can be creatively executed at home.

In tackling school closures, a routine is crucial, whether the teachers sent home a lesson plan or not. "Just by putting a routine in place can help alleviate stress for children and their parents," Dr. Capanna-Hodge said. "Create a homeschooling schedule and go over it every morning with your children and teens. Make sure to have consistency in your day-to-day and incorporate breaks, exercise and snack time." Keep a physical copy of the schedule your child can look at, too.

Since research shows that those with a positive outlook can manage stress better and actually live longer, this is a time to help foster resilience in children, Dr. Capanna-Hodge said. "While some kids have a glass-half-full outlook naturally, others need to develop that over time, and these kinds of disappointments are great opportunities to do that."

Erinne Magee is a Maine-based journalist. Follow her on Twitter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Handling Your Kid's Disappointment When Everything Is Canceled

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
School and events are shutting down, impacting children in unexpected ways. Here's how to deal with the letdown. As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we're working to answer the questions on many parents' minds. This is a fast-moving situation, so some information may be outdated.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dr. Damon Korb joined us live via Skype with strategies for parenting in a pandemic. Dr. Korb is one of the country's most renowned behavioral and developmental pediatricians. His most recent book is called "Raising an Organized Child - 5 Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration and Promote Confidence". For more information on Dr. Korb and his book, you can visit his website or follow Dr. Korb on Twitter @DrKorb

This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on March 25, 2020.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strategies for parenting in a pandemic with Dr. Damon Korb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Damon Korb joined us live via Skype with strategies for parenting in a pandemic. Dr. Korb is one of the country's most renowned behavioral and developmental pediatricians. His most recent book is called "Raising an Organized Child - 5 Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration and Promote Confidence".

# data[].attributes.headline
Offer options for more self-directed learning while at home.

# data[].attributes.subject
Offer options for more self-directed learning while at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On March 18, 2020, Simone Kern tweeted that simply "recreating schools at home" passes up a golden opportunity to engage kids in authentic, self-directed learning.

Gregg Vignal / Alamy Stock Photo

With students at home because of the coronavirus threat, social media feeds filled up with color-coded learning schedules from well-meaning parents. But they've struggled to implement those schedules-partly because the tightly structured, time-in-seat approach of traditional schools often has more to do with crowd control than optimizing learning.

The sudden shift to work-from-home might provide a good kind of disruption, opening up a golden opportunity for students to engage in authentic, deep learning that is more self-directed, more playful, more aligned with young students' development-and much easier for parents to manage than stacks of worksheets.

Giving students some choice over their learning builds intrinsic motivation, independence, and creativity. They can investigate real-world problems that interest them, research solutions, or build models or write reports that empower them. While it can be difficult in a traditional classroom of 20-30 students, at home parents can allow their children much more flexibility to choose topics to study, books to read, and ways to use their time.

Freed from the strict curricular requirements of most schools-which focus far too much on testing and standards-parents can allow time for deep exploration, building critical thinking skills and at least as critically a real desire to learn that will transfer to related topics of study.

Exploring Science

For young kids, play is scientific discovery. Throwing toys, squeezing a sponge, or spinning in circles teaches physics lessons. Promote free play with open-ended toys like blocks, scarves, blanket forts, and cardboard boxes. Set up a science experiment with household objects. Older students can take the lead on executing the experiment and then writing up their findings in a lab report.

Nature is a pathway to scientific exploration. Students can spend time in a backyard or park and talk about what they see: water cycles, ecosystems, and food chains. Collect wildflowers and research their names. Start a birdwatching journal or a garden.

Understanding Social Studies

Find books about history or cultures your kids want to research. Many local libraries have made digital catalogues free during the crisis. After kids complete the reading, challenge them to create a puppet show, poster, or picture book summarizing what they've learned.

The technique can also be used for movies or shows. Model inquiry and even skepticism, which are crucial to developing critical thinking skills. Watch historical or international movies with your kids and talk while you watch. Ask what they think about what's going on, point out historical inaccuracies or biases, and notice similarities and differences between the culture in the film and your own.

Mastering Math

In math, like other subjects, keep it simple. Young children can practice counting or age-appropriate math facts with real objects like buttons or coins. Cooking is another great way to teach real-world math. Internalizing what one and a half cups of flour looks like lays the foundation for learning fractions. Practice multiplication and division by halving or doubling a recipe. Board games offer another opportunity to practice math by counting money or moving a particular number of spaces.

Learning English Language Arts

Encourage kids to read by allowing them to choose their books. Making reading social is more effective than mandating a particular quantity of reading, so consider holding some time sacred to read as a family and then talk about what you've read. Simply talking to your kids-about anything- is beneficial. It is how we're hardwired to learn language.

Consolidating learning-the act of reviewing information to reinforce concepts so that they stick for the long term-doesn't need to be complex. Discussing what you do each day can help reinforce new knowledge.

If your child is at least 3 years old, try some early reading instruction with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Everything the teacher needs to say or do is written out in this scripted curriculum of 15-minute daily lessons, so it's perfect for busy parents.

Writing is another basic technique for improving English comprehension. Challenge older kids to write their own picture book or short stories. The National Novel Writing Month's Camp for Young Writers in April sets benchmarks for students to write their own novel. Teaching handwriting in different media keeps young kids engaged-try using markers, crayons, or paint, or tracing letters in trays of sand or rice.

Embracing the Arts

Visual arts enhance brain function and well-being, and music improves memory and verbal intelligence. All the arts promote motor skill development, creativity, and problem-solving. Encourage kids to paint, draw, sculpt with homemade play dough, or do fiber crafts like making friendship bracelets. The materials don't need to be complex-basics like glue sticks, paper, scissors, and cardboard boxes can be enough.

Music is another key area for exploring the arts at home. Kids can learn new songs or make up their own, or turn a household object like an old can into a musical instrument. Share your favorite albums for a music history lesson. For kids who play instruments, print out sheet music for favorite pop songs, video games, and animes, or offer choice by letting them pick a classical piece to learn from more than150,000 pieces in the public domain. If you have a dusty, old instrument in a closet, start a family band. Ask kids to explore the dramatic arts by planning and performing a puppet show, play, or dance.

Finding Time for Play and Movement

As long as screens are off, very young kids will be active, but older children who are used to "sit and get" schooling might need some encouragement. Try a morning family workout to kick-start your metabolism and get those happy brain chemicals flowing. Children can meet up with friends to work out together through video conferencing. Provide choice by letting each family member pick from free workouts online in yoga, dance, or martial arts. Eventually, let kids lead the family in their own workout routine.

Learning Life Skills

With people in the home more, there's more cooking and cleaning to be done. Doing chores develops problem-solving skills, gross and fine motor skills, and work ethic. Make chores fun for little ones by imaginative storytelling. "We're pirates and these toys are treasures-who can get the most treasure back in the treasure chest?" or "A giant is coming who hates dirty floors. If we don't mop this up before he gets here, he'll eat us up!" Older kids are often motivated to do chores if you involve them in the process. Hold a family meeting to list out all the chores that must be done daily and brainstorm how you'll tackle them together.

See the Opportunities

Don't feel compelled to do every subject every day. Kids may spend a whole day doing one or two activities. Authentic learning takes place within real-world, meaningful contexts. As long as kids are moving, creating, or playing, they're learning. Let curiosity and fun be your guides.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Learning at Home Should Be More Self-Directed-and Less Structured

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On March 18, 2020, Simone Kern tweeted that simply "recreating schools at home" passes up a golden opportunity to engage kids in authentic, self-directed learning. Gregg Vignal / Alamy Stock Photo With students at home because of the coronavirus threat, social media feeds filled up with color-coded learning schedules from well-meaning parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sesame Street | Preschool Games, Videos, & Coloring Pages to Help Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger & Kinder

# data[].attributes.headline
Battling Boredom: Parenting in a Pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
Battling Boredom: Parenting in a Pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At this point, you have protected your family by sheltering in place, sanitized your house, implemented routines and clarified the house rules. You have a plan to ensure your family has the food, medicine, and toilet paper they need. Some parents have transitioned to working from home and others have set up their children's on-line education program. You are doing your best to keep the troops entertained. Yet, it is...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Battling Boredom: Parenting in a Pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At this point, you have protected your family by sheltering in place, sanitized your house, implemented routines and clarified the house rules. You have a plan to ensure your family has the food, medicine, and toilet paper they need. Some parents have transitioned to working from home and others have set up their children's on-line education program.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to handle screen time while quarantined at home.

# data[].attributes.subject
How to handle screen time while quarantined at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You're trying to figure out your 18 th video conference call of the day-and you're not the only one who's been on their screen for hours. Despite your best efforts to encourage reading and crafting while maintaining some semblance of screen time limits, your kids still just want to veg out on videos. Are your children's brains going to turn to mush by the time this is all over?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend family routines across the globe, it's also intensifying our relationship with media in unprecedented ways. But to all the parents wracked with worry about letting their kids watch TV while cooped up at home, experts say: Relax.

Even though some studies have shown links between heavy media use and delays in language, increased rates of obesity, and sleep problems, experts agree that now is not the time to fret over such research. "There's no reason to add to the stress of this current moment with more guilt about using technology," says Jenny Radesky, a developmental behavioural paediatrician at the University of Michigan and the author of the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for media use. "Guilt doesn't help us plan. Instead, think about: What does my family need right now?"

Caroline Knorr, senior parenting editor for Common Sense Media, echoes a similar sentiment: Make your focus your relationship with your children, not how much they're consuming media.

"As long as you're having meaningful interactions with your kids throughout the day, it's OK," she says.

Rethinking 'screen time'

First, Radesky would like to hit reset on the term "screen time:" It doesn't really define the fraught relationship between technology and your children. The focus, she says, shouldn't be the duration of time, but how technology is inserting itself into our lives and routines. "Is it helpful or not helpful?" she asks.

After all, not all screen time is the same: "Skyping with grandparents is different from watching a cartoon," she adds, explaining that social interactions aren't even considered "screen time" by the AAP.

That's why Radesky suggests that parents schedule screen time for different purposes, such as learning, social connections, and positive entertainment, while also planning off-screen time for activities such as cooking, getting outside, and spending time with pets.

Radesky hasn't come up with a pithy term to replace screen time, but "intentional media use" comes close, she says. "If your child is going to be using technology for a lot of the day, try to make it more social, positive, and problem-solving," she says. That could be video-chatting with cousins or classmates, or watching television programs that engage children's thinking skills, such as shows on the BBC.

Don't be a micromanager

The most effective way to manage kids' screen time is to essentially lead from behind. Radesky advises giving them parameters but also some say in their daily lives.

The first step is to be transparent and give your children some context for why they should regulate their screen use. "We're going to make sure it doesn't take up our whole day because we want to do more together" is much more acceptable to kids than just "Put down that tablet."

With that context established, a parent might then give their kid the autonomy to decide when she watches a TV show and when she goes outside for a walk. ( C heck out these learning resources and educational articles from National Geographic.)

"They enjoy being able to self-determine," Radesky says. Providing this opportunity to kids also develops their executive functioning-crucial mental skills that include making decisions, following directions, critical thinking, and controlling one's behaviour.

One rule not open to negotiation, however: Children should put tablets or computers out of sight when they're not in use. Radesky says letting a child carry his device with him around the house can entice him to look at it whenever he's feeling bored.

Use media as a jumping-off point

Both experts recommend using media as a springboard for real-life activities. For instance, parents can suggest plenty of books about Minecraft that their children can read, Knorr says.

"I look for things that are more participatory and help kids use their imagination," she says. Recommendations include the iNaturalist Seek app and the Grasshopper coding app.

Especially for younger children, Radesky recommends transferring what they see in 2D to 3D. For example, after watching a nature documentary, the child can then act out a scene with toy animals. "We want their minds to drive what happens next," she says.

For older kids, Knorr suggests that parents talk to their children about the content of video games or apps they're using, as well as how that media makes them feel. "Encouraging kids to think critically about the media they're exposed to" means that parents stay informed and that kids feel like they're not simply consuming media just because all their friends are doing it.

Staying in touch with emotions

Though media can be a positive force, too often it serves as an emotional escape. When overwhelmed, both parents and kids might distract themselves with technology to avoid their feelings.

To prevent screens from becoming a coping strategy for children, make sure to continue to talk to them about their feelings. "You don't want technology to displace important moments when your child might instead need to say, I'm really mad, I'm really worried about Grandpa and Grandma, or I'm really overwhelmed," Radesky says. "It's so much easier to parent your children when you understand what drives their emotions and behaviour."

Parents should also be alert for any changes in their child's behaviour during this uncertain time, such as becoming more withdrawn or angry, or refusing to do schoolwork. These are signs they might be consuming too much media. "You know your kid best," Knorr says.

But even the best advice won't prevent a technology give-in when you're logging on to that 18 th video conference call. And that's OK. Says Radesky: "I would say to exhausted parents in survival mode to take it easy on themselves."

And maybe watch a Hulu show of their own.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rethinking your child's relationship with screens during the pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You're trying to figure out your 18 th video conference call of the day-and you're not the only one who's been on their screen for hours. Despite your best efforts to encourage reading and crafting while maintaining some semblance of screen time limits, your kids still just want to veg out on videos.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Want to explore our world? Here are 30+ great Virtual Field Trips for early learners to explore from your home. From zoos and landmarks to famous museums, you can explore the world with your child with over a month of virtual field trips!

One thing that the recent global quarantine has made us all realize very clearly is that we're all part of one earth. We all have many commonalities and many things that are unique to where we live.

As we are at home, working from home and spending more time with the kids, I'd love to suggest we spend a little more time exploring this amazing planet that we've been gifted to during our lifetime.

Google Earth is such an amazing tool to use with your child to encourage them to explore the world. You can be at home on your sofa or at our desk and be transported to anywhere on the earth(virtually).
Where would you want to go?
With your child start with where you live. Then go to their school and where you shop near you and then find where family and friends live. Next, explore some of their favorite spots you've vacationed and now it's time to explore where you've never been. But where do you start?

Let's start by exploring some amazing popular travel destinations that also happen to have webcams for you to step inside and explore.

Google's Art and Culture is a great resource to kick start your global search too. Did you know that Google's "World Wonders" project offers virtual tours of 132 famous sites? So many amazing virtual tours of museums for kids!!

30 Virtual Field Trips for Kids

I've put together a collection of locations for virtual field trips that I believe as a teacher and a mom that are appropriate for the kid to watch online. I'd encourage you though to talk about these locations as a family.

You can track your virtual tours with our Printable Virtual Field Trip Log!

Perhaps start working on a travel bucket list together and a virtual travel bucket list. That way your child can make their own itinerary too.
Where do you think your child wants to go to?
Animal Virtual Tours for Kid

Here's a list of all the zoos with webcams to explore.

For a little movement, try this zoo themed yoga

US History Virtual Tours

Create your own Living History Museum at home after your virtual tour!

US Landmarks Virtual Tours

US National Parks Virtual Tours

Find Your Virtual Park - Connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or neighborhood.

Museum Virtual Tours
Coloring Pages From Over 100 Museums
Virtual Tours Around the World
Recreate a famous landmark with math, art and sidewalk chalk
Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Get ready to explore these Fall Virtual Field Trips for Kids with these kid friendly fall virtual tours.

Try these Leaf Activities for hands-on fun in fall.

Winter Virtual Field Trips for Kids

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Explore 60+ Winter themed virtual field trips for kids.

Once you take a few winter virtual tours, explore these Winter Activities for Kids.

Spring Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Explore the best spring virtual field trips for kids. Explore moments in nature of spring flowers blooming and experience flower-covered trees, baby animals, and the animal life cycles of spring with this ultimate collection of spring virtual field trips for kids.

Ready for Spring? Try this hands-on Spring STEM Challenge!

Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Get ready to explore these Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids! Explore the ocean, amusement parks, outdoor adventures, watermelon farms, and more with these kid-friendly summer virtual tours.

Virtual Tours of Space

Live Webcams Around the World

Virtual Field Trip Activities for Home

Looking for ways to expand the virtual tour?

Once you've viewed one of the Virtual tours, you can...

Write up about what you learned

Draw a picture of your favorite part

Create a version with legos, building blocks or playdough

Find a book online to learn more about the location

Create a themed craft based on where you took a virtual tour

Recreate it with sidewalk chalk

Cook a dish from that region

DOWNLOAD OUR VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP LOG
There are so many amazing resources to explore virtually to learn about our amazing planet and the treasures and history within it.

One resource that I found to be the most amazing was Google Art and Culture resource. I high recommend exploring it as a family during this time.

Virtual Tours for Kids

Take this time to explore the world virtually and help us work together to protect and learn about these treasures around the world.
Want more ideas for home Parents! Check out our...
50+ STEM Activities for Kids
10 Ways to Tempt Your Kids to Go Outside and PLAY The BEST Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids Ball Games Your Kids will LOVE JOIN our free Virtual Book Club for Kids
Do you have a favorite virtual tour that you love? Please share with me in the comments.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to explore our world? Here are 30+ great Virtual Field Trips for early learners to explore from your home. From zoos and landmarks to famous museums, you can explore the world with your child with over a month of virtual field trips!

# data[].attributes.headline
Best Learning Games For Kids: Boost Their Executive Functioning Skills

# data[].attributes.subject
Best Learning Games For Kids: Boost Their Executive Functioning Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These are my favorite board games for kids that help them practice and learn executive function and self-regulation skills. These skills are going through major development in early and middle childhood. These are my favorite learning games for 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, and 9-year-olds!
In graduate school, I did my dissertation on effortful control, which is really a fancy way of describing the skills children use to control impulses. To do this we used several learning games to test 4 and 5-year-old's self-control abilities.

The type of games we used were similar to Simon Says, or games that asked children to move-slowly, wait their turn, following a change in the rules or switch between two sets of rules. All of these kinds of games were designed to specifically measure how well children had developed executive thinking.

Executive function is the cognitive or "mind" part of self-regulation. The Center for the Developing Child defines executive functions and self-regulation skills as:

the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Just as an air traffic control system at a busy airport safely manages the arrivals and departures of many aircraft on multiple runways, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.

It is no coincidence that playing board games are a great way to help our kids practice these skills and not just a way to test their skills.

The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard Universit y recommends that to help kids develop executive function skills you should play many kinds of games with your kids, including board games.

Learning games that challenge memory skills, attention skills, quick-response games, strategy games, logic and reasoning games, guessing games, and I spy games are all games that give kids the opportunity to practice executive function skills. I've included a link to their activity guide at the bottom of this post.

* This post may contain affiliate or referral links for your convenience. Clicking on these links directs you to a website to purchase the product. Nurture and Thrive receives a small fee for this service. Thank you for your support!

Learning Games are listed from least challenging to most challenging below.

Some of the learning games on this list will be too hard for a 5-year-old, but they will grow into it soon. There are also many games that your child may start playing when they are 6 years old, but that is still really fun when they are 8 or 9 years old.

To truly practice these brain skills you want games that are truly challenging for your child, but not too challenging- something that they can master with practice.

You will also notice that your younger child may focus in on one aspect of strategy, ignoring others. Whereas, older kids will begin to play the games in a more sophisticated way.

Go at your child's pace with this - you may gently point out other strategy choices (or simply model them), but I mostly prefer to let them discover this on their own as they play over and over. You can literally see the "lightbulb" go on when they realize a new way to win the game.

Reading is not required for any of these games.

Best Learning Games for Kids Ages 5 to 9

The object of the game: Don't Knock it Down! Players are supposed to use one hand to hang their piece on a spot that isn't occupied. You can modify the one hand rule if it is too challenging. The first to run out of pieces wins the game. This is a really fun and quick game that is actually quite challenging.

I recently brought this game to a class party and the first graders loved this game. This was probably the most popular game at the party. In fact, I brought it back again for the end of year party and it was a big hit the second time around as well. While this is labeled 4+ a group of 7-year-olds loved it too.

Skills Practiced: Planning, decision making, attention, following instructions, impulse control, taking turns, and regulating disappointment, excitement, and frustration.

We got this as a gift and my 5-year-old loves this game. The board is 6-feet long and has different time periods from prehistoric to the future. The object of the game is to get home before your time machine runs out of fuel. It is a cooperative game - meaning that players work together to get the time machine home.

Cooperative games are nice because children can be mentally challenged without having to regulate the disappointment of losing. These kinds of games are great for siblings.

As you move along the board you also search for objects and place finder rings on the board. The search for objects is similar to the "I Spy" books and is great for practicing attention skills.

Skills Practiced: Focused and selective attention, working memory, categorization, taking turns, counting, prioritizing, and following instructions.

The goal of this game is to plot a course to the treasure before the Ogre gets there. Players work together to win the game and beat the Ogre. I absolutely love that in order to set up the game, children will be using basic graphing skills. This is for the younger kids, 7-year-olds may be bored with this game. But, it could be fun for older-younger sibling pairs.

This one is great for spatial attention and planning. It has also was several awards, including the PAL (Play Advances Learning) seal of approval.

Skills Practiced: Spatial planning, working memory, inhibitory control, c ognitive flexibility, basic graphing, prioritization, coordination, taking turns, following instructions, and cooperation.

My son got this game for his 5th birthday from his cousin and we love it! The object is to discover which fox stole Mrs. Plumpert's prized pot pie before the fox escapes.

Players work together (cooperative game) to beat the fox. Like a game of Clue, players use dice to uncover suspects and clues. I think this may be my favorite game to play on most days because it's entertaining and pleasant - it's cooperative so I don't have to be prepared to help my son handle disappointment and I don't have to think as hard as I do for some of the more challenging memory or strategy games, but it's not boring either. Again, as a cooperative game, it is great for siblings, and the younger kids within this age group.

Skills Practiced: Counting, probability, attention to details, deductive reasoning, prioritization, planning, working memory, critical thinking, cooperation, taking turns, and suppressing impulses (resisting the urge to peek too soon at the Thief card in the "clue decoder.")

This is the junior version Catan. If you are a Catan fan, you will love introducing your child to this game series. If you are new to Catan but you like strategy games, this game is a great introduction into a world of games that you can play with your kids forever.

My brother-in-law introduced us to Catan and it is so cool to see how he and his brothers still gather around their parent's table at holidays to play. These days that table has grown as the brothers bring home their own families and pass on the game and the tradition.

If your child is 7-years or older, you might consider skipping the junior version and going straight into Catan. My son is 8, and we still play this one, but the real one as well.

In this junior version of the game, the object is to collect resources in order to build pirate hideouts or "lairs" and ships. The first player to have 7 pirate lairs wins the game. Players must think about where to build lairs in order to get resources that they need, watch out for the ghost pirate, and evaluate trades with the bank, the market or other players to get the resources they need. This is a great game for developing critical thinking skills.

Skills Practiced: Planning, working memory, inhibitory control, taking turns, prioritizing, competition, cognitive flexibility, counting, and critical thinking.

These are our new favorite games. We started with My First Carcassonne, but my son is 7 now and we like the regular version better. If you have an older child, skip the junior version.

In this game strategy for what you build and where you build it is key. You need to plan ahead, weight options, and make decisions. This is truly a fun game for adults and kids.

Another fun aspect of this game is that it changes every time you play it because you recreate the game board with each game. This keeps the game fresh and interesting.
Buy on Amazon: My First Carcassone or Carcassonne

This is my 5-year-olds favorite on the list and perhaps mine too. It is a gorgeous and brilliant game that is challenging and captures the imagination of children. Winner of the Kinderspiel des Jahres in 2009 (and 14 other awards!), this is a game that really challenges self-regulation skills. Every time I ask my son if he wants to play a game - this is his first choice.

The object is to collect 5 magical symbols by moving your wooden character along a board. But watch out! Invisible walls block your path! As the instructions say "Labyrinth, turn around, walls disappear, ways will be found." The wooden characters are magnets for a metal ball that you place under the board. Beneath the board is a grid-like structure that holds wooden "walls." To get to the magical symbols you have to learn the path through trial and error.

The challenge is remembering the path. Honestly, your child may be better at this than you are. Maybe that is why it's my son's favorite - he knows he can beat me. Ha! My mommy-brain is no match for his 5-year-old memory. Keep in mind though, this game can be very challenging. If you child gets frustrated, put it away and try again when they are older.

Skills Practiced: memory skills, inhibitory control, taking turns, prioritizing, competition, cognitive flexibility, counting, and critical thinking.

This is another more recent favorite. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Toy Award and the Mensa 1996 Best New Mind Game Award, this is a fun and fast-paced card game that challenges memory, strategy, timing, and math skills.

This is another one that is fun for both adults and kids. If you are anything like me, your memory isn't what it used to be, so while adults have more strategy and math skills than kids- they often have better memories, so it is fun for everyone!!

My son loves playing card games with his grandparents. This one and Five Crowns Junior are great first card games for kids.
Buy on Amazon: Rat-a-tat-cat
This is a "fast response" game. The object is to match the order of colors on the card either vertically or horizontally with your stack of cups. The first one to finish rings the bell. A quick-paced, fun, and challenging family game.

Challenging is the keyword. This is just on the cusp of difficulty for my 5-year-old, mostly because of the racing aspect. If he races on his own, he does fine. But if I try to play with him he gets so distracted by what I am doing that he can't focus on his stack. That takes ALOT of regulation. I imagine at age 6, he will love this game.

This game requires cognitive flexibility at a quick pace - you have to change how you stack based on the direction of the card. This is a hard skill for kids to master and truly fun for the whole family.

Skills Practiced: Attention, cognitive flexibility, quick decision making, inhibition, taking turns, competition, and working memory.

This is currently my 8-year-old's favorite game to play and probably ours as well. Winner of the Spiel Des Jahres 2017 this is a fun family strategy game.

Building on the basics of dominos, player build kingdoms by matching landscapes. Points are multiplied based on the number of crowns on the landscapes. I highly suggest watching one of the many videos online that show how to play - it's really an easy game to play, but hard to explain.

Planning, spatial awareness, decision making - the multiple layers of strategy are great for practicing executive function skills, yet it is a light enough game that the whole family can enjoy.

This is a new game that is available in a limited edition first-run, but if their Kickstarter campaign is successful it will be more widely available. Click over to support their campaign today!

We received this game to review and it has quickly jumped to the top of the pile in terms of which game we chose to play on family game nights. It is truly fun for the whole family and younger players could team up with parents to play older siblings.

My son loves the 3-D aspect of the game, which is like checkers, but in modular form. Thinking in 3-D is definitely challenging, especially when it comes to jumping in a straight line to different levels in order to capture your opponent's pieces. There are also special pieces that allow you to beam around the board, leaving the linear game of checkers far behind.

Honestly, I haven't figured out all of the possible strategies yet - thinking in 3D challenges my brain - so this game is a seriously good brain-stretching exercise for parents as well.

During the game, each player has the chance to build onto the board which can completely change board and your strategy (mind blown!)

Spatial planning, divergent thinking, and strategic decision making are just some of the executive function skills this game will help your kids (and yourself) practice.

I am always on the lookout for great children's games. Comment below and let me know what your favorites are and I will check them out!

More on Self-Regulation:

Here is the link to the Center on the Developing Child's guide to developing self-regulation and executive functioning skills in children at all ages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Board Games For Kids: Boost Their Executive Functioning Skills

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These are my favorite board games for kids that help them practice and learn executive function and self-regulation skills. These skills are going through major development in early and middle childhood. These are my favorite learning games for 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, and 9-year-olds!

# data[].attributes.headline
Stand Up! with Pete Dominick. Pandemic Parenting Part II 

# data[].attributes.subject
Stand Up! with Pete Dominick. Pandemic Parenting Part II 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr Damon Korb Damon Korb, M.D., F.A.A.P. Director, Center for Developing Minds Author, Raising an Organized Child Damon Korb, M.D., a board certified behavioral and developmental pediatrician, examines the neurodevelopmental brain functions that determine how a child learns, behaves and socializes Kimberly Bierbrauer Kimberly Bierbrauer MA CCC-SLP is a Denver area speech language pathologist and ICF board certified coach.

# data[].attributes.headline
Working, Parenting and Sheltering in Place

# data[].attributes.subject
Working, Parenting and Sheltering in Place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tips to reduce frustration and get some work done.
For the fortunate parents who are able to transition their job to work from home during the current coronavirus shutdown, you are inevitably discovering how challenging it is to work and parent at the same time. In the recent piece, Parenting in a Pandemic, I discussed the importance of maintaining routines and limits. Family routines are important to reduce anxiety and improve behavior. They set a child's expectations and remove uncertainty from the day. Creating a flexible master schedule for the week is the first place to start, no matter the age of your children. It is also important to recognize that your work productivity is probably going to take a hit during this shutdown. Adjust and set more realistic expectations for you and your family. The following are age appropriate suggestions to help keep your family moving forward during this unprecedented situation.
Infants
While infants require a lot of direct attention, if you plan ahead, you can get quite a lot done while taking care of your youngest children. Working to keep a consistent nap schedule is critical, because nap time provides precious hands-free moments for getting work done. But, a lot can be done during your baby's awake time too. The key with infants is to have "stations" that you can keep rotating them through as they become bored with the current activity. A station is a zone designated for a particular kind of play. The more stations you have, the easier it will be for your child to keep occupied. By working nearby each activity area, you can be present to your baby's needs and relocate them once they become restless with their current play option.

In our first tiny apartment we lacked space, but we had plenty of stations for our baby. He had a play pen with balls and soft toys, a mat with hanging toys for the baby to bat at with his hands, a jumper hanging in the doorway, a windup baby swing, and an exersaucer stationary activity area with a built-in seat. As your baby is able to sit up, you can add spots in the home that have additional toys for your child to explore, bang and chew on. These toys can be swapped out each week so that you get the benefit of extended play time by introducing something "new" to your child. Be sure to chat with your baby as you're working - you can even just talk out loud about what you're doing - which will help keep your baby satisfied that you are nearby and engaging with them.

If you can stand while doing your tasks, carrying your baby in a swaddler or baby backpack is another way to get work done. Infants like your touch and they like to watch what's going on, so using a carrier may offer you another hour per day of hands-free time, especially if they end up dosing off from the motion.
Toddlers & Preschoolers
Toddlers also need more direct care than older kids. They need to be protected and kept safe. When you are home with a toddler, be realistic about her attention span. Frustration occurs when expectations are not met. If you expect to get 90 minutes of uninterrupted work, you will be disappointed. Instead, be strategic about when you can get your own work done. Most likely your child will need more sleep than you. Hopefully your toddler still takes naps, if so take advantage of that time. While your child is awake it will be difficult for a parent to get more than 15 minutes of work done without an interruption, but if parents are proactive these interruptions can be brief. Instead of waiting until your toddler gets bored, work close by and check-in with her every 5-10 minutes. A check-in could be a smile or a compliment (e.g. "I love what you are making."), and these encouragements will extend their play time. When you notice that a task is becoming boring, give her a nudge to move to the next station.

Since it is unusual for a toddler to spend extended time on any one activity, having lots of "stations" for toddlers is important too. Toddler stations will be play areas with more sophisticated toys than your infant play areas. Think about an area just for building blocks, a wooden puzzle spot, a table/highchair area for potentially more messy tactile play like play dough or an art area with coloring markers and crayons (save yourself - only use washable ones!). It's also great to have a room that is safe for playing with light balls, allowing them to throw, catch and toss around. Offering your toddler a blown-up balloon can also provide long fun stretches of play, especially if you provide some balloon challenges for them (i.e. how many times can you hit the balloon up with your head, your nose, your knee, etc.). Have a basket or shelf of favorite books that they can sit and look at by themselves. On dry days, have your yard or patio ready with an array of things to do outside too. A small sandbox can provide valuable free minutes of work, as can a non-spill bubble blower container. Now that we are stuck at home, parents can teach their child to move from zone-to-zone, finishing one activity before moving on to the next.

When 2 and 3 year-olds play with other children, they play in parallel. In other words, they play a similar activity next to their peer and every once in a while they take a peek to see what the other child is doing. You can imitate this play at home. Sit next to your toddler while she plays, but instead of playing with a toy, finish 15 minutes of your own task. Your child will appreciate your presence and your periodic check ins. Remember that there should also be breaks when you play directly with your toddler. When you do, let her wiggle to exercise her muscles and let her imagine and pretend to exercise her brain. Imagination teaches children to open their mind to possibilities. As kids grow up to become problems solvers, they will need to be able to consider the possibilities.
Children
Independence gets increasingly important as children get older and yet they still need the structure that a parent should provide. Keep routines while your child is sheltering at home and fill those routines with many types of activities such as regular meal times, physical play, imaginative exploration, artwork, building, helping with housework, cognitive activities, learning tasks, and free time. You can fit chunks of time in your family's daily schedule for you to do your work, and explain to your child that during these times they are going to get to be a "big kid" and occupy themselves with their own activities.

One way to give your child more independence is to offer choices within each of their daily activity categories. Parents can help kids to generate lists in advance for each type of these activities. For example, they can create a list of things that kids can build (trains, Lincoln Logs, Legos, blocks, Zoobs, marble runs, etc.) and a list of art activities (clay, painting, drawing, origami, pipe cleaners, etc.). As your child moves throughout the day, from one activity to the next, they can make their own plan or select one from the list of options that they helped to create. Lists can be used in so many ways, such as lists for things that they can do outside, list of books to read this week, and even things that they may want to do when this social isolation is over.

It may be very useful to plan a specific time for your child to watch a show or movie during the day, especially if you have an important call or meeting that you need uninterrupted. It is okay for your child to choose to use electronics during her free time, but maintain the same rules and limits that you would normally keep in place. Make sure that she views appropriate content and does not exceed her viewing time, because adding one more show today, becomes an ask for two extra shows tomorrow.

The older your children get, it will be easier for you to work at home. However, just like with preschoolers, your check-ins, encouragement, and schedules will help keep your child on task. Your older child will appreciate your interest, so be sure to comment (i.e. "Show me what you built" or "What are you reading about?"). In order to set realistic expectations for time management, use the 10 minute rule. For each year in school a child should be able to occupy themselves for 10 minutes, a 3rd grader, for instance, should be able to stick with an activity for 30 minutes and a 6th grader for 60 minutes. Use this guideline when setting up your daily schedule.
Tweens and Teens
One of the tricky things about teens is that they are capable of entertaining themselves for a long time, but often do not make good time management choices. They will stay up late, sleep in, and spend the day on their phone, gaming, or watching television if you are not planful as a parent. You might be tempted to leave them alone, if that affords you the opportunity to get more work done. However, tweens and teens - like children - still need structure and schedules.

In addition to the types of routines mentioned earlier, setting goals is useful for older kids. Teens are capable of forward thinking (like planning, anticipating, estimating), but don't often use those skills unless challenged to do so. Goal setting is a great exercise for their brains. It encourages them not only to think about possibilities, but also to make plans on how to accomplish them. If you know your work schedule, you can meet with your child to come up with an outline for the week that gives you the flexibility you need for your job.

With all after school activities cancelled for the time-being while families isolate at home, eating meals together should be easier than ever. Try to schedule your work so you can accommodate a family gathering. Perhaps this can be a silver-lining out of this unprecedented situation: having extra unexpected shared time together with your tween and teen is precious. Use this time to learn more about your teen's thoughts and hopes, and discuss your own. Our family takes turns at the table with each of us sharing our "high," "low," and funniest part of our days. It is a nice way to stimulate conversation and learn more about how everyone is handling the shelter-in-place at our home.

Without a doubt, families may be facing one of the most challenging periods of your child's life. Caregivers and children are adjusting to cancelled school and activities, disrupted child-care, loss of in-person social situations and playdates - all with the potential threat of job loss, illness and lack of everyday familiar food items. Reassess your work at home goals each week and utilize your partner and extended family for help if you need it. Thanks to the same technology you have available allowing you to work from home, your child also has the ability to do a facetime story hour with grandparents or cousins. Be creative, be safe, and be well.

________________________________________________________________

Damon Korb, M.D., a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and the Director of the Center for Developing Minds in Los Gatos, California, is the author of Raising an Organized Child: Five Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration, and Promote Confidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Working, Parenting and Sheltering in Place

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tips to reduce frustration and get some work done. For the fortunate parents who are able to transition their job to work from home during the current coronavirus shutdown, you are inevitably discovering how challenging it is to work and parent at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a quick video that will help explain to kids what we currently know about coronavirus.

# data[].attributes.body
There are a lot of unknowns in the world right now. But one thing is certain — Headspace is here for you. To help support you through this time of crisis, we’re offering some meditations you can listen to anytime.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are a lot of unknowns in the world right now. But one thing is certain - Headspace is here for you. To help you, we're offering some meditations you can listen to anytime.

# data[].attributes.body
Guided drawings from the Author of  The Pigeon Books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Doodles from Week 3!   |   LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems!

# data[].attributes.headline
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Hotline

# data[].attributes.subject
Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Hotline

# data[].attributes.body
1-855-278-4204

# data[].attributes.body
408-453-0400
They offer practical experience, support, education, comfort and understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and their treatment in Santa Clara County.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Staying organized is the key to keeping your sanity.
It is a well-known fact that children thrive when there are routines. This time of year most children wake up, get dressed, eat their breakfast, head off to school where they move from class to class, come home and have a snack, do some homework, have some free time or participate in an afterschool activity, eat dinner, and then get ready for bed. The daily life for most children is pretty mapped out and organized. But, as children suddenly need to stay sequestered home due to this unprecedented response to the coronavirus, unless parents are planful, it is easy for the structure to fall apart. When structure falls apart, restlessness sets in and chaos can take over.

It might be easy for a parent to treat this break as a vacation for their children, letting them sleep in, watch TV, play video games, and stay up late. But, even during vacations children behave better when there is structure. Here are some strategies to make being shut-in a more harmonious experience for everyone.
Keep Routines
Routines can be used to ensure that children continue to learn and grow, and they help to reduce boredom. Now that your child is out of school, make sure that learning continues. Certainly, have students do any required on-line classes and homework, but also have them read, try a new hobby, or learn a new activity.

Routines help behavior. Children behave best when they are familiar with situations and know what to expect. When children know what to expect they are more likely to mentally prepare themselves for change, making the transition from one activity to the next go more smoothly. Routines also help to reduce the fear of boredom. The idea of being bored is terrifying to some children and when they are bored they tend to follow their parents around like a sucker fish on a shark. Children fear that the boredom that they are experiencing may go on "forever" causing them to feel anxious. Anxious kids often act out. But, when parents have a schedule in place, children know what to expect. They know that the end of their boredom is only the next activity away, and this makes it much easier to cope with their feelings.

To keep a happy household, parents should try to maintain their child's daily schedule even though you all may be confined at home. Wake up and bedtimes should be set. Meals should happen at regular intervals. The routine should have quiet time for cognitive activities, like reading or doing homework. Plan time for exercise and there should be ample time for imagination, creativity, and play.

Older children should be encouraged to participate in the development of their daily routine. Allowing children to participate in planning helps to build their executive functioning skills. And, the more they participate, the more likely they will be to "buy-in" to the system.
Provide Outlets
People will get a little stir-crazy being stuck in their houses all day without visitors. Making things more complicated is the fact that many parents will need to continue to work from home. This creates the conflict between parental expectations and a kid needing to be a kid. It is unrealistic to keep a child quiet all day, so make sure the routine includes outlets to "blow off steam." Outlets will vary from child to child, depending on their interests. Exercise is always an important option. If you are able to go outside at your home, taking breaks to spend time outdoors is very helpful in maintaining mental health. Take some time to explore nature, ride bides and take hikes. If you live farther from nature, pogo stick, jump rope, have a crazy dance party, take walks or play catch in the yard or on a non-busy street.

Creative play can be an outlet for some children. This includes doing art work or elaborate play with miniatures, stuffed animals, and dolls. Parents should not fear the mess a child may make during play - clean up can be a separate step in the routine. Music is another great outlet. For some, listening to music is satisfying, but even better, now can be the time to learn to play an instrument. There are great on-line music lessons for just about every instrument.
Maintain Limits and Rules
When you first heard that school was cancelled, you thought, "What am I going to do to occupy my child?" Your child thought, "I am going to play on the computer and watch TV all day!" Parents should make it clear that even though school is out, rules have not changed. There will still be limits on electronics, regular bedtimes, and expectations for hygiene.

To clarify, each child has a variety of need to-dos and want-to-dos. There are certain things all children need to do, like take care of their health (exercise, sleep, nutrition), hygiene (brush teeth, shower, wear deodorant), homework (or ongoing learning during the COVID-19 break), and household chores. The want-to-dos can happen if the need tos are getting done. Children can understand this simple designation of things that must happen and things they want to do.

But, be careful when the want tos are only electronic screens. After using screen time on phones, tablets or computers, many children are more stressed and irritable, because the games are designed to get kids to want more. To be extra clear about the boundaries and limits for screen time, create a family media plan, and refer to the guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics that show more than two hours of electronics (television, computers, gaming devices) per day can be harmful to children.
Teach Life Skills
Part of your at-home learning routine can include teaching life skills. Young kids can learn to plant a garden, vacuum, set a digital clock, build something, and sew. Teach older kids how to do laundry, wash a car, and cook a meal. This break is an opportunity for all of us to get back to the basics and get out of our digital lives. Don't look at these activities as just chores, but things that your young adult will some day need to be able to do on their own. While you are all confined together, this is an excellent time to practice practical everyday skills.
Connect with your Family
Being home together is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect. We all live such busy lives that sometimes we forget that the most important things are the family members who are quarantined at home with us. Set up your routines so that the family is in sync. Set similar sleep times. When the kids are doing quiet activities, parents can work quietly. When possible, share in the same outlets such as exercising or going on walks together. There are many fun family activities you can do together, like reading/story time, playing board games, sharing music or singing. If you want to do electronics, think about family activities like watching a family movie or playing a team video game like Dance Central or Rock Band.

The goal is not to just survive this break, but to thrive. If you are feeling overwhelmed, turn off any media for a while. Overexposure to frequent sensationalized news reports about coronavirus may be anxiety-provoking and stress-inducing, particularly for children. Instead, be mindful and think about the things that you can smell, hear, taste, feel, and see, and this will help move your mind to the present. Focus on the things that are in your control. The thing that you have the most control over is your home. Maintain normalcy for your family by continuing routines and setting limits. Try to find the positive parts about the pandemic shutdown and share your thoughts with your children. This is an unusual moment in time, but by keeping your family working together with consistent plans and routines, this unpredictable situation should be much more manageable.

Damon Korb, M.D., a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and the Director of the Center for Developing Minds in Los Gatos, California, is the author of Raising an Organized Child: Five Steps to Boost Independence, Ease Frustration, and Promote Confidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Staying organized is the key to keeping your sanity. It is a well-known fact that children thrive when there are routines. This time of year most children wake up, get dressed, eat their breakfast, head off to school where they move from class to class, come home and have a snack, do some homework, have some free time or participate in an afterschool activity, eat dinner, and then get ready for bed.

# data[].attributes.headline
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
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

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.