Resources for Keeping Tech in Check While Social Distancing
What can we say that hasn’t already been said? We are living in unprecedented times that will test us in ways we’ve never been tested before. We are grateful for our ability to communicate, and share and access information through technology. We also understand that we must still “keep tech in check.” Connection through technology cannot replace true human connection. As life slows down, we have an opportunity to form new, healthy habits. It won’t be easy as many of us struggle to homeschool while working from home full time. Be gentle with yourself. Reinvent how you do things as a family. Try, review and reassess. Try again tomorrow. Work together.
There was a time, not so long ago, when we didn’t have technology to give us ideas or guide us through our day. Tap into kids’ natural curiosity and creativity. Tell them they are strong and their minds are powerful.
When choosing technology, choose high-quality, interactive content that encourages kids to learn and move. Utilize technology to help kids connect with their friends and families. Use FaceTime and apps like house party. Schedule online “play dates” throughout the day. Get involved, if you can.
Prioritize screen time and then log off, shut down the Internet connection and get outside, be creative, bake, play a board game.
See our blog on Filling the Screen-Time Void. We posted this last year, but great advice on how prepare yourself and your family to fill the screen-time void.
Check out these suggestions from the Children’s Screen Time Action Network.
Here is a great resource from Defending the Early Years on managing screens during COVID. It’s loaded with suggestions for families.
(These ideas are intended to keep kids busy for at least 20 minutes with minimal direction from you. Of course, how long kids are engaged will depend on their age and experience self-entertaining. You might have to build up to this, but you can do it. We will keep adding ideas as we find them. Please email us with suggestions.)
Prepare
Create two lists - one of all the possible activities your family is interested in (think hiking, reading, baking, drawing, board games, camping). Display it somewhere that’s easy for kids to see. A second list can include all the chores that need to be done. Decide how many chores need to be done each day. If your child can’t find something to do from list 1, they can find something to do from list 2.
Schedule out your day. Try to balance inside and outside activities and screen activities with non-screen activities. This works particularly well for elementary and older kids.
Check out this long list of screen-free activities. There’s one for almost each day of the week.
We totally get it, you’re likely working from home, homeschooling and managing your own life and emotions. Try to work on creating independence. Check out this “Let’s Grow Independence” resource.
read
Mo Willems is offering daily “Lunch Doodles” episode. It’s definitely worth checking out.
No doubt kids will be getting assignments from school but consider the following:
Create a virtual book club for kids to connect over a book
Listen to audio books: Try Libby and Audible (Free streaming for kids 0-18)
12 Story Library - An online book publisher with related resources. For example, check out 12 Children Who Changed the World to read about Malala Yousafzai and watch a video about Ruby Bridges.
This site lists virtual book readings and other reading and writing events for kids.
Storyline - Other actors and celebrities reading stories
Josh Gad, voice of Olaf, reads stories live on Twitter every weekday evening at 7pm
David Walliams - hilarious British Author reading his own silly stories to kids (audio only) about the Worst Children Ever. New book posted everyday at 11am.
Here’s a list of 50 books all kids must read before they turn 12.
write
Writing prompts are especially helpful in our house. You can find several online. Print them so they’re handy.
Have kids keep a Daily Journal reflecting on their day. No doubt these will be a valuable reminder of a momentous time in history. ELementary age kids can write a simple “First, then, finally” description of their time or one event and include pictures. Middle schoolers and high schoolers can be encouraged to do the same - write about the entire day or in detail about one event. Encourage kids to include how they felt, who they were with.
COVID-19 Time Capsule - check out this amazing printable time capsule for preschoolers and elementary-aged kids.
math
Dads Worksheets - Fun and easy to print math worksheets (9,000). Guaranteed to keep kids busy for days, weeks even (we’re going to need it!)
Card Games and Tricks - solitaire, go fish (make 10s), garbage, 21 cards card trick.
Science
Check out these sites which offer great printable science experiments and activities:
NASA Printables - K-5 Activity Book, Crossword Puzzle, Word Search, Launch a Straw Rocket
Grow Butterflies - if you live in MA, you can order from The Butterfly Place. If you don’t, you can probably find a Butterfly Sanctuary nearby.
social studies / history
Elizabeth Behrens / Be the Bridge - These videos consist of a history lesson, read-aloud story, and then a variety of project options that parents can do with their children (or have their child do independently), based on the content of the lesson. The lessons are appropriate for children in grades 1-6.
Virtual Family Field Trips - Check out this list of virtual field trips with including resources and activities.
Virtual Museum Tours - 12 famous museums offering online tours. Encourage kids to write about or draw their favorite piece of art.
Cooking
Now is the time to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help prep, cook and cleanup meals. Check out these sites for ideas:
Raddish - This site is awesome! They provide recipes, themed meals and more. Some recipes have an educational component and if you’re really into it, they have complete lesson plans. You can find free content under “Bonus Bites.” (Baked Cinnamon Donuts, Apple Chips, Swedish Pancakes)
exercise
There are so many online movement apps, websites and videos, we simply don’t have the time to review them all. Many local organizations are also offering online courses through Zoom and Facebook Live. Here is one from our friends at Gymnastics Academy of Boston.
Get offline: Encourage kids to create their own forms of movement and exercise without having to rely on a screen to give them direction. Practice sports skills. Create yoga posses. Run laps around the house. Do jumping jacks, burpies, squats… Each day have a different kid lead an exercise class. Kids are naturally active and the possibilities are endless.
Check out All Trails and find trails near you!
For creative nature ideas, check out Nature Club Kids.
art
Free draw is best. Today, I took a cue from our elementary school art teacher and encouraged the kids to draw a picture of themselves playing. What did we end up with? A picture of the yard with soccer net and ball created with cutup pieces of construction paper, a 3D design, a drawing of a dog, and a drawing of a little girl playing outside.
Stock your house with all sorts of art supplies. You can also get creative with household items like cans, egg cartons and recycled paper. What can you create?
Looking for inspiration? Here are some other resources:
Sewing - How to Make a Mask
Pinot’s Pallet is offering “Take Home Kits” - plan a family paint night!
music
Broadway actress Laura Benanti is encouraging kids to post videos of cancelled performances on Twitter, tagging #SunshineSongs. Check it out.
In that vain, encourage kids to create plays, musicals, singing performances. Record them and send to family and friends.
Have a dance party. Encourage “dancing through the decades” and expose kids to music from many different eras.
Family Movie Night
We now have plenty of time for Family Movie Nights! Check out these lists for ideas:
Common Sense Media’s list of Documentaries