Hello Families!
I just wanted to take a minute to acknowledge that although we are very focused on our physical health (as we should be) we also need to remember our emotional and mental health at this time. It can be very difficult and overwhelming to be stuck at home and tackling all of these new things at once for the students and for you! I have attached a couple of resources for decompressing below, I hope you find some of them helpful!
Firstly, for an article about how to talk to your children about COVID-19 from PBS click here
Next, teachers LOVE this website called Go Noodle click on the link and register for a free account. There are tons of great activities for kids to get moving on this website, but I would like to point out the FLOW category in particular where different mindfulness and calming activities can be found that are developmentally appropriate for students of elementary age.
Also, this youtube channel cosmic yoga has many different videos for kids with developmentally appropriate yoga using fun stories.
For all of the parents! The Headspace and Calm apps found in any app store are wonderful and both have free trials. These can also be used with teenage children.
Finally, although we are necessarily somewhat isolated connection is still important! Having you child talk on the phone or google hangout to a friend or family member, or make a card for someone or play a board game with a sibling is a great way to stay connected.
I hope at least one of these suggestions was helpful!
Warmly,
Marika Anthony