WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE KIDS STUCK AT HOME BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS?
HELP FOR PARENTS AND CARERS DURING SCHOOL SHUTDOWN
Click on the buttons to access the indicated web pages:
Emergency, crisis and legal support
There are free services to help you with food, housing and bills. See urgent help with money. You can access to free legal advice and support if you need it: https://moneysmart.gov.au/covid-19-financial-assistance |
WORRIED ABOUT WHAT TO DO? HOW TO DO IT?
GREAT ADVICE FROM A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
EXCERPT
......."Our kids are just as scared as we are right now. Our kids not only can hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before. Although the idea of being off of school for weeks sounds awesome, they are probably picturing a fun time like summer break, not the reality of being trapped at home and not seeing their friends.
Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behavior issues with your kids. Whether it’s anxiety, or anger, or protest that they can’t do things normally - it will happen. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behavior in the coming weeks. This is normal and expected under these circumstances.
What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be ok. And that might mean that you tear up your perfect schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips of the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing......
....If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every single day..."
Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behavior issues with your kids. Whether it’s anxiety, or anger, or protest that they can’t do things normally - it will happen. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behavior in the coming weeks. This is normal and expected under these circumstances.
What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be ok. And that might mean that you tear up your perfect schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips of the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing......
....If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every single day..."
Helping children cope with stress during the CoVID-19 outbreak from
World Health Organisation.
World Health Organisation.
model calm behaviour; show resilience
ursula dubosarsky -
australian children's Laureate 2020-2021
collection of free
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don't worry be happy
Lyrics
It might seem crazy what I'm 'bout to say Sunshine she's here, you can take a break I'm a hot air balloon that could go to space With the air, like I don't care baby by the way Huh, because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do Here come bad news, talking this and that (Yeah) Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back (Yeah) Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine (Yeah) No offense to you, don't waste your time Here's why Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do Hey, come on, uh Bring me down, can't nuthin' (happy) Bring me down My level is too high to bring me down (happy) Can't nuthin', bring me down (happy) I said, let me tell you now, unh (happy) Bring me down, can't nuthin', bring me down (happy, happy, happy) My level is too high to bring me down (happy, happy, happy) Can't nuthin' bring me down (happy, happy, happy) I said Because I'm happy |
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do Come on, unh bring me down can't nuthin' (happy, happy, happy) Bring me down my level is too high (happy, happy, happy) Bring me down can't nuthin' (happy, happy, happy) Bring me down, I said Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you, eh eh eh Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth Because I'm happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you, eh hey Because I'm happy Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do, heh come on Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Pharrell Williams Happy lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group |
a coronavirus social story
Don't walk your cat, and other advice for a kid worrying about Coronavirus - FREE E-BOOK $0.00
On Friday evening (21/3/20) Visual Artist Jade Amalos approached Kate McCulley-Watson to write a short social story for her seven-year-old daughter Sienna, who, like a whole generation of children, was experiencing a lot of fear and anxiety due to the Corona/Covid-19 Virus.
Once finished, they felt that this document may benefit a wider range of children experiencing similar feelings to Sienna. Jade provided superb illustrations to speak to the anxious child in a way that words often cannot. As an Early Education Teacher, Kate knows that visual is often the best medium to communicate to an anxious child (or adult) in times of high stress.
Visit Little Mummas Creations to download this free ebook.
On Friday evening (21/3/20) Visual Artist Jade Amalos approached Kate McCulley-Watson to write a short social story for her seven-year-old daughter Sienna, who, like a whole generation of children, was experiencing a lot of fear and anxiety due to the Corona/Covid-19 Virus.
Once finished, they felt that this document may benefit a wider range of children experiencing similar feelings to Sienna. Jade provided superb illustrations to speak to the anxious child in a way that words often cannot. As an Early Education Teacher, Kate knows that visual is often the best medium to communicate to an anxious child (or adult) in times of high stress.
Visit Little Mummas Creations to download this free ebook.
show kids how to be grateful for what you have
show kids how to think about and be kind to others
Congratulations Mrs Wooten, Mrs Talbot and their Kindergarten purple class. I bet the workers in your community were delighted to receive your beautiful poster. You were very kind and thoughtful.
Visit the website for more Kind ideas.
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check out the pages below for age appropriate
IDEAS & activities:
keep calm at home
Children thrive on routine as it can help our kids to feel calm and regulated.
Consider keeping their regular bedtime and morning routines,
Take time to sit down for lunch and recess
Plan a daily schedule with the children and get them to write it out-they could add little visuals like they have in school.
Consider keeping their regular bedtime and morning routines,
Take time to sit down for lunch and recess
Plan a daily schedule with the children and get them to write it out-they could add little visuals like they have in school.
Visit:
https://www.twinkl.com.au/resource/au-c-074-visual-timetable-for-home to download
What is a visual timeline?
A visual timetable or timeline is a visual account of a child's task or routine throughout the day. It communicates a sequence using images, symbols or photos and acts as a visual reminder of what is happening next to create routine and structure to a child's day to day activities. This can help children understand and manage the daily events in their lives.
See the FREE ACCESS offer for parents from Twinkl ------------>>>
https://www.twinkl.com.au/resource/au-c-074-visual-timetable-for-home to download
What is a visual timeline?
A visual timetable or timeline is a visual account of a child's task or routine throughout the day. It communicates a sequence using images, symbols or photos and acts as a visual reminder of what is happening next to create routine and structure to a child's day to day activities. This can help children understand and manage the daily events in their lives.
See the FREE ACCESS offer for parents from Twinkl ------------>>>
Educators: YES, you can download, modify, print, share, and re-use this.
We made it for everyone (parents, educators, guardians, family members) to tweak as needed, so please do!
Mummyhood101
We made it for everyone (parents, educators, guardians, family members) to tweak as needed, so please do!
Mummyhood101
What to say to your child instead of calm down
Teaching a child to calm down and handle emotions is incredibly difficult.
Especially since kids don’t understand ‘calm down’. Learn what to say instead of calm down now! |
Here are some tips from "Views from a step stool" for gently helping your angry child calm down.
Plus, 8 tools they can use to calm down anywhere. |
consider using rewards for good behaviour
Visit
The free printable rewards for good behavior and other fun and free printables.
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24/7 library access
Click on the button to find out more about the benefits of using your library.
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Have access to a wide range of books at appropriate reading levels- libraries are free!
if you have access to the internet:
Visit your local library website to see what e-resources they have available.
Join your state library for access to many e-resources. Click here for a NSW State library card.
if you have access to the internet:
Visit your local library website to see what e-resources they have available.
Join your state library for access to many e-resources. Click here for a NSW State library card.
access educational online learning sites
Be organised – Make sure to request any passwords to online learning sites used if your children have access to the internet. e.g., Studyladder; Prodigy, Reading Eggs, and many more available.
MATHS learning
don't forget to add some humour! |
have fun teaching
squiz kids - news podcast for kids
A news podcast for 8-12 yos.
In just a few minutes, we give kids (and their adults) a rundown on the big news events delivered free of opinion, and with positivity and humour.
Designed to slip easily into families’ morning routines, a new episode will drop at 7am each weekday.
there are many online reading options:
Story Box Library is working to support educators in continuing to provide a learning program to students in the cases of school closures and home isolation. Schools across the globe are responding to the outbreak of the Coronavirus and in some cases schools have closed or are making preparations for a potential closure. Story Box Library aims to assist schools that are closed by providing free access for an initial two months during these uncertain and unprecedented time. We are committed to continuing to offer this help in the event of longer term closures.
We’ve put together a simple, step-by-step guide about this offer of help, for teachers and schools to use.
How do I sign up for the free two months?
Step 1: Go to https://storyboxlibrary.com.au/subscriptions/school
Step 2: Complete your registration details and enter the promo code: SBLFREE2020
Step 3: You will receive email notification that your account is active (check your junk mail if you do not receive within a few minutes)
We’ve put together a simple, step-by-step guide about this offer of help, for teachers and schools to use.
How do I sign up for the free two months?
Step 1: Go to https://storyboxlibrary.com.au/subscriptions/school
Step 2: Complete your registration details and enter the promo code: SBLFREE2020
Step 3: You will receive email notification that your account is active (check your junk mail if you do not receive within a few minutes)
storybox library-Australian |
MANY Australian local library's have a subscription.
If you are a member of your library you can access Storybox through them.
I joined my local library online in around two minutes, including receiving a temporary borrower ID and password.
I was then able to go ahead and log in to access Storybox resources from home.
If you are a member of your library you can access Storybox through them.
I joined my local library online in around two minutes, including receiving a temporary borrower ID and password.
I was then able to go ahead and log in to access Storybox resources from home.
STORYBOX HAS 182 NSWPRC BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR KIDS TO READ
YOU CAN CHECK WHICH LEVEL THE BOOKS SUIT BY VISITING NSWPRC BOOKLISTS
YOU CAN CHECK WHICH LEVEL THE BOOKS SUIT BY VISITING NSWPRC BOOKLISTS
STORYLINE ONLINE- AMERICAN
online educational resources: teachstarter
Support for Parents Affected by School Closures
If you are a parent and new to Teach Starter, welcome! Teach Starter provides an extensive collection of digital teaching resources for primary school teachers to use with their students. These resources are professionally designed by a team of experienced teachers, illustrators, designers and editors, to ensure that they are high-quality, curriculum aligned and ready to use in the classroom.
Many of our resources are also suitable for students to complete independently or with assistance from an adult. To assist parents in finding suitable resources, we have put together a range of year level specific Learning From Home resource packs that can be downloaded for free.
Visit their Helpful Links & Resources to access:
* World Health Organization for global updates on the Coronavirus
* A brilliant list of Free Educational Resources being offered due to School Closures
* Free Learning From Home Resource Packs for Teachers and Parents
* Free Teaching Resources suitable for Learning From Home in the event of School Closure
If you are a parent and new to Teach Starter, welcome! Teach Starter provides an extensive collection of digital teaching resources for primary school teachers to use with their students. These resources are professionally designed by a team of experienced teachers, illustrators, designers and editors, to ensure that they are high-quality, curriculum aligned and ready to use in the classroom.
Many of our resources are also suitable for students to complete independently or with assistance from an adult. To assist parents in finding suitable resources, we have put together a range of year level specific Learning From Home resource packs that can be downloaded for free.
Visit their Helpful Links & Resources to access:
* World Health Organization for global updates on the Coronavirus
* A brilliant list of Free Educational Resources being offered due to School Closures
* Free Learning From Home Resource Packs for Teachers and Parents
* Free Teaching Resources suitable for Learning From Home in the event of School Closure
- free until the end of term 2 -writing legends
class hook-educational videos
Easily find educational videos from TV shows and movies to use in your lessons.
reading can be entertaining or informative
use the national library online services
including digital classroom
You can follow and connect with us online – perhaps enjoy our freely available digitised collections or National edeposit publications, an online learning session, podcast, read a blog or make a Trove list.
Trove, the National Library Catalogue and eResources can still be accessed online.
DIGITAL CLASSROOM
Trove, the National Library Catalogue and eResources can still be accessed online.
DIGITAL CLASSROOM
Our Treasures Gallery showcases significant items of Australian culture and history. It is a rich collection reflecting the Library’s status as the country’s first national cultural institution.
The Treasures are varied and include the Endeavour journal of Captain James Cook, the landmark papers of Edward Koiki Mabo and Keith Murdoch’s Gallipoli Letter.
Visit Barbara Braxton's Book Reviews to find plenty of fabulous reads.
Read books rich in Australian history.
Horace the Baker’s Horse is the perfect way to show how our history is told through story and to encourage our students to discover theirs, share and compare
The inquiry questions for Foundation of the HASS strand of the Australian Curriculum are:
What is my history and how do I know?
What stories do other people tell about the past?
How can stories of the past be told and shared?
The story is set in 1919 and the scourge of Spanish flu is sweeping the nation.
Read books rich in Australian history.
Horace the Baker’s Horse is the perfect way to show how our history is told through story and to encourage our students to discover theirs, share and compare
The inquiry questions for Foundation of the HASS strand of the Australian Curriculum are:
What is my history and how do I know?
What stories do other people tell about the past?
How can stories of the past be told and shared?
The story is set in 1919 and the scourge of Spanish flu is sweeping the nation.
EPIC online reading |
Visit my EPIC online reading page for more details.
Click on the button on the right. |
To our Epic teachers,
We know things are feeling uncertain, and even a little scary right now, for so many of you and your students. We feel it too and want to help.
Starting immediately, we’re offering your students Remote Access to Epic for FREE through the end of the school year (June 30th) — no credit card required -- to empower your students to keep reading and learning at home during COVID-19 school closures. Your students will have anywhere, anytime access to the full Epic library on all devices, and you can stay connected by assigning books or collections and monitoring their progress.
We’re asking you to please share an invitation directly with parents and guardians, since students can only take advantage of this free access if you send their parents or guardians a Remote Student Access invitation through your teacher account so you can see their progress.
Here’s how to get them that invitation:
Do you know other educators who may be interested?
New Epic teachers must create their free educator account, upload their rosters, and send the Remote Student Access invitation to their students' families.
We know things are feeling uncertain, and even a little scary right now, for so many of you and your students. We feel it too and want to help.
Starting immediately, we’re offering your students Remote Access to Epic for FREE through the end of the school year (June 30th) — no credit card required -- to empower your students to keep reading and learning at home during COVID-19 school closures. Your students will have anywhere, anytime access to the full Epic library on all devices, and you can stay connected by assigning books or collections and monitoring their progress.
We’re asking you to please share an invitation directly with parents and guardians, since students can only take advantage of this free access if you send their parents or guardians a Remote Student Access invitation through your teacher account so you can see their progress.
Here’s how to get them that invitation:
- Visit your Roster Page on a desktop computer
- Click the “Send Invite” button and enter the parent email address
- Click “Send Invite” and an email will be sent directly to the parent. The email will invite the parent to set up an account and connect to the classroom. This will be free of charge and no credit card will be required during signup.
Do you know other educators who may be interested?
New Epic teachers must create their free educator account, upload their rosters, and send the Remote Student Access invitation to their students' families.
Visit GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
17 GOALS
for free online stories
Click to discover OTHER FREE ONLINE READING
SITES TO EXPLORE
SITES TO EXPLORE
authors
The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read Alouds & Activities from we are teachers
Thank you Tamara for sharing
get your kids reading!
Visit my 2020 premier's reading challenge page for more info
many prc books are available for free through audible
Go online at https://www.kidsnews.com.au/spelling-bee
and try the bee! Improve your spelling and typing skills! |
SCHOLASTIC learn at home
Photo Credits: Adam Van Spronsen/Shutterstock (bear); Kinzie Riehm/Image Source/Getty Images (4 children);
Illustration by Allan Davey (Revolutionary War); Courtesy of Lily Hevesh/Hevesh5 (swirly sculpture)
Illustration by Allan Davey (Revolutionary War); Courtesy of Lily Hevesh/Hevesh5 (swirly sculpture)
try vooks Free for teachers and homeschool educators
Some of the vooks available and teacher guides.
listen to oliver jeffers read his stories
listen to david walliams read the world's worst children
neil gaiman has plenty of fun things available on his website
NEIL GAIMAN VIDEOS
Watch the latest Neil Gaiman videos and see Neil (and some famous friends!) read The Graveyard Book and Coraline in their entirety. |
have fun with jarrett j. krosoczka - author
lunch doodles with mo williams
poetry
technology - online activities
Technology has become a large part of just about everyone's life, including our children. But if that technology, including video games, Internet use and general screen time has taken over your child's life, it's time to regain control and teach them how to live a more balanced life. Visit Take Back Control
Use Screens Wisely –
Encourage curiosity in your children.
Quality websites to explore are listed under:BUILD CURIOSITYhalf way down the page.
Visit Virtual Tours & Cams for a wide range of resources. (Be aware that some are more teacher and class oriented)
Use Screens Wisely –
Encourage curiosity in your children.
Quality websites to explore are listed under:BUILD CURIOSITYhalf way down the page.
Visit Virtual Tours & Cams for a wide range of resources. (Be aware that some are more teacher and class oriented)
mick elliott advises us to keep calm
Visit his website to check out his books. https://mickelliott.me/
Author and Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador, Mick Elliott has created some posters for washing hands, keeping calm, etc. featuring his latest series character, Squidge Dibley. Thanks Rebecca Toltz
Author and Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador, Mick Elliott has created some posters for washing hands, keeping calm, etc. featuring his latest series character, Squidge Dibley. Thanks Rebecca Toltz
get active-inside and outside
Move Your Body – Whenever possible get the kids outside for some fresh air
If stuck inside visit Brain breaks, GoNoodle.com, Cosmickids.com and Gaia.com for whole body movement and yoga videos.
If stuck inside visit Brain breaks, GoNoodle.com, Cosmickids.com and Gaia.com for whole body movement and yoga videos.
brain breaks |
Parents and Carers will need to
set up an account. |
GO Noodle has a range of activities for your children.
I like the idea of the one below particularly, because what everyone is currently facing
is causing a lot of anxiety and worry for all.
Take time to do activities that instill calm!
I like the idea of the one below particularly, because what everyone is currently facing
is causing a lot of anxiety and worry for all.
Take time to do activities that instill calm!
try teaching some practical skills to your kids
50 online art and music resources
Art and music help kids develop discipline, creativity, confidence, critical thinking skills.