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https://www.hmhco.com/products/iread/family/

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https://www.hmhco.com/learningsupport

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https://www.hmhco.com/blog/free-learning-resources

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iRead Library Support

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iRead Weekly Tracker

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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Whether you're a parent or a teacher, or both, you are now coping with the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Across the country, schools have been shut down, and while some districts are turning to remote learning as a solution, others have announced that they have ended classes for the rest of the school year.

Amidst these sudden and sweeping changes, there are no doubt kids in your life-whether they're kindergartners or high school seniors-who have major questions, concerns, or fears about this ongoing health crisis. You can expect them to turn to you for answers, information, or simply reassurance that everything is going to be all right. How do you respond? Many experts and educators agree on the best course to follow.

Give kids space to talk about their feelings.

Encourage them to ask anything they want about the coronavirus and how it is affecting the country and the world.

Be positive, calm, and reassuring.

Kids will look to their parents and/or teachers to determine how afraid they should be. As noted by Katherine Cowan, Director of Communications for the National Association of School Psychologists, "Across the board, how adults are responding, how information is conveyed, how nervous or anxious they are-that's how kids will receive the information."

For adults and kids alike, Cowan says, "Panicking is not helpful. On the other hand, we like to say that overpreparedness is not the same as panicking-so if you end up stocking up on more toilet paper than you actually needed, that's not a bad outcome." Cowan recommends focusing on the steps being taken by schools, and by adults in general, to keep everyone-especially kids-safe and healthy. You can also emphasize that health experts in the United States and other countries are working hard to learn everything they can about the virus, find a way to stop it from spreading, and ensure that people stay healthy.

Stick to the facts.

No matter what grade the child is in, you can explain that the illness is caused by a virus and describe in general what a virus is. You may also consider explaining the ways in which the coronavirus is different from and similar to the common cold or the flu. For example, like the flu, the coronavirus is a respiratory illness that affects the lungs, nose, and throat. But the coronavirus is a new virus, so scientists still have much to learn about it. Always be honest, factual, and open to all questions, but consider the child's age when deciding how much detail to share. "Make sure that what you're sharing...is developmentally appropriate," Cowan says.

Reinforce reliable sources.

For up-to-date, accurate information about the coronavirus and the ongoing efforts to learn about it, contain it, and develop a vaccine, you may wish to consult the websites of leading organizations including the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health.

Emphasize the importance of taking precautions.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds each time.

Stay home if you're sick.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve-not your hands. If you use a tissue, throw it out as soon as you're done with it.

Keep your hands out of your mouth, eyes, and nose.

Stop shaking hands-use other noncontact methods of greeting.

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How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus

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Children likely have questions, concerns, or fears about the coronavirus (COVID-19), and many experts and educators agree on the best ways to respond.

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From "once upon a time" and consistently until today, stories have served humankind well in difficult times. They teach us, amuse us, and distract us when quotidian affairs become overwhelming. Currently, the internet is exploding with resources to help students learn while schools are temporarily closed, but the best resource could lie within us: our stories, those we tell our children, and the stories they have to tell us.

And the best thing about stories? There is no assembly required.

Child psychiatrist Robert Coles argues that people's stories speak for themselves. A medical doctor who taught literature at Harvard University, Coles believes that the sturdiest moral lessons are acquired through stories-both oral and written.

"The whole point of stories," he observes, "is not 'solutions' or 'resolutions' but a broadening and even a heightening of our struggles. The beauty of a story is in its openness-the way you or I can take it in, and use it for ourselves." Stories embody "the moral contradictions and inconsistencies in our personal lives," and help us to decipher the barrage of information that threatens to overwhelm us.

Many multigenerational families are taking refuge together. This is an ideal time for sharing the stories that, too busy or engrossed in our digital devices, until now we have been unable to tell. Describe what it was like when you were a kid, when you got into trouble, when you were scared. Pull out old photo albums and show your little ones pictures from when you were a child. Pictures prompt stories.

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The Power of Stories: In Difficult Times, Storytelling Offers Respite...and Delight!

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While schools are closed, the best learning resource could lie within us: our stories, those we tell our children, and the stories they have to tell us.

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Adjusting to New Realities When Schools are Closed

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Adjusting to New Realities When Schools are Closed

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Adjusting to New Realities When Schools Are Closed: 5 Tips for Parents

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As parents, the realities of daily life changed overnight as schools closed, so follow these five steps to adjust to your new roles at home.