The current situation with COVID-19 is really difficult in countless ways, but I have loved seeing so many individuals and organizations step up to share their talents and resources to provide education and entertainment for all the children that now find themselves at home for an extended amount of time. Below is a list of resources and ideas that you may enjoy using in your homes. It is not an exhaustive list by any means but these are some of the resources I am using!
–Art classes and craft activities from Raising Wonder created by Sarah Jane Wright (co-author and illustrator of the darling Lola Dutch books): These are so well done and my kids are loving them! Each morning for the next several weeks she is e-mailing out a video and supplies to fit the theme (or find them on the website). My kids have completed the first three days and are loving building their little homemade community. The crafts have had a lot of play time after being built as well!
–Cosmic Kids Yoga: These YouTube instructional videos are always a big hit! She has yoga videos in so many different fun themes and it gets kids moving and strengthening their bodies in new ways.
–50 Simple Indoor Activities with a Printable from Book Nerd Mommy. Using a creative house template she provided lots of ideas for inside play and a great way to track them!
–Emily Arrow Music Class: I am sorely lacking in the music department so I was excited to learn about this music YouTube channel that combines with children’s books. This week she is adding new singalong story times each day.
–Mo Willems Lunch Doodles: Popular author/illustrator Mo Willems is inviting you to join along with his illustration process on YouTube and posting new videos every afternoon.
–No-Prep Math and Literacy Games from The Measured Mom: Intended for grades K-2, she is offering her printable learning games for free for a limited time.
-Free access to Scribd’s audiobooks and ebooks for 30 days: I have previously used and enjoyed Scribd’s paid subscription, but they are generously providing free 30 day access for everyone!
-Learning activities and crafts: You can see all the Letter of the Week Lessons and Read Around the World Lessons I have shared. You don’t have to do everything in the lessons and could just pull out the things that work best for you or those for which you already have all the materials on hand. They include crafts, snacks, games, songs, and more. There are many parts of the lesson you could adapt up or down for ages.
-Cooking with your kids: I don’t always enjoy cooking with my kids, but it definitely goes more smoothly when it’s not rushed and not high pressure. All this extra time at home is an ideal for a more relaxed cooking experience with your kids. A couple of my favorite things to cook with kids are Buttermilk Banana Bread and energy bites.
-Many other children’s authors and illustrators are doing read alouds of their stories or demonstrations of their art as well. Look up your favorites on social media and see if they are offering anything!
I hope you are able to find some happiness and quality memories with your children during this crazy time! Good luck!
