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Discussing Covid-19 with children

4/27/2020

If you are like me with young children at home, you have faced questions about why they are not going to school, why they can't see their friends, and why everyone seems to be worried. These are big questions that can be hard to explain, especially when you don't want to cause fear. Luckily there are some really great resources out there to help with this! Although most of them are written for younger students, I am pretty sure our bigger kids would benefit as well!

PBS Kids has put together these tips for talking about Covid-19, including links to video clips on washing hands and staying healthy!

Sesame Street did an episode with Elmo's Virtual Playdate. There is also a town hall where Big Bird asks questions directly from children about Covid-19. Don't miss this PSA for parents!

For slightly older kids, NPR did a quick segment with accompanying comic just for kids to explain Covid-19.

Give kids the (age-appropriate) facts! These tips straight from the CDC or these from Kids Health will help make sure you and your family have accurate information about the virus.

Above all, make sure kids feel safe and empowered to stay healthy. Stress washing hands, avoiding touching their face, and avoiding physical contact with people outside their home. Remind then that we are staying home to keep ourselves and our friends and family safe and healthy.

Si eres como yo con niños pequeños en casa, te has enfrentado a preguntas sobre por qué no van a la escuela, por qué no pueden ver a sus amigos y por qué todos parecen estar preocupados. Estas son preguntas importantes que pueden ser difíciles de explicar, especialmente cuando no quieres causar miedo. ¡Afortunadamente, hay algunos recursos realmente buenos para ayudar con esto! Aunque la mayoría de ellos están escritos para estudiantes más jóvenes, ¡estoy bastante seguro de que nuestros hijos mayores también se beneficiarán!

¡PBS Kids ha reunido estos consejos para hablar sobre Covid-19, incluidos enlaces a videoclips sobre cómo lavarse las manos y mantenerse saludable!

Sesame Street hizo un episodio con Virtual Playdate de Elmo. También hay un ayuntamiento donde Big Bird hace preguntas directamente a los niños sobre Covid-19. ¡No te pierdas este anuncio de servicio público para padres!

Para los niños un poco mayores, NPR hizo un segmento rápido con un cómic de acompañamiento solo para que los niños explicaran Covid-19.

¡Dé a los niños los hechos (apropiados para su edad)! Estos consejos directamente de los CDC o de Kids Health lo ayudarán a asegurarse de que usted y su familia tengan información precisa sobre el virus.
Sobre todo, asegúrese de que los niños se sientan seguros y capacitados para mantenerse saludables. Estrés lavarse las manos, evitar tocarse la cara y evitar el contacto físico con personas fuera de su hogar. Recuerde que nos quedaremos en casa para mantenernos seguros y saludables a nosotros mismos y a nuestros amigos y familiares.

Launching Remote Learning

4/9/2020

While schools remain closed, remote learning starts for all CPS students on Monday, April 13th. Detailed plans for Brighton Park Elementary students are below. Each teacher will be providing daily activities for students to engage in at home! Teachers will also be using Google Hangouts Meet to hold virtual classes with students. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

During this time of remote learning, your child's teacher will be providing you with weekly learning plans. These will include a variety of activities that your child can do either independently or with some support depending on your child's age. The following are the targeted times that a child should spend on academic work during the day at home. This time can be spread out during the day. Don't forget to also provide opportunities to play, get exercise, do chores, and spend time with family!

Preschool - 60 minutes a day
Kindergarten to 2nd grade - 90 minutes a day
3rd to 5th grade - 120 minutes a day
6th to 8th grade - 180 minutes a day

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Creating a schedule and routines

3/15/2020

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Children (and adults!) of all ages need structure and routine. In order to help keep cabin fever at bay, consider creating a schedule for your children while at home during the school closure. A schedule should be similar every day and provide time for both structured and unstructured activities. Every week day, engage your child in academic activities, physical activity, time to be creative, as well as time for play and for chores! See below for ideas on how you might build a daily schedule:

Morning physical activity: Go for a walk (keeping social distance) or ride a bike. If the weather isn't great, do some yoga or have a dance party in the living room!
Morning academics: At least some of the academic time should be screen free. Make use of the work sent home by teachers, but also read books. Encourage your child to keep a journal during this time.
Free play: Although consistent routines help children know what to expect and help with behavior, children should all have some unstructured time in their day to choose their own activities, explore interests, and play imaginative games.
Lunch: Make sure to make use of our free meals for children!
Chore time: During uncertain and stressful times, it helps for children to feel proactive and positively contribute to their family/household. Children of all ages can complete some kind of chores, whether it is helping to wash dishes, putting away their toys, or doing some cleaning! Take advantage!
Afternoon academics: There are tons of quality and free resources online for students of all ages and in all contents. Check this blog, our Facebook page, and our family email newsletter for links to different online activities for students.
Creative time: Get out the crayons, paper, and let your child express themselves! Items that would normally head to the recyclable bin can become art! Check back for easy (and mostly mess free) activities you can do at home.
Afternoon physical activity: Don't forget to schedule lots of time for your children to stretch, play, and let off some of that extra energy! We will provide links to sites that provide guided physical activities. However, getting outside is good for the body and mind! Fresh air, room to move, and sunshine will help the whole family!

Here is a link to sample schedules put together by Khan Academy - a free online learning resource you can use at home!

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Activities for Learning at Home

Discussing Covid-19 with children

Launching Remote Learning

Creating a schedule and routines

Keeping busy at home

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