Hello friends!

This past week has already been such a blur, with the school cancellations and constant updates on COVID-19. We’re showing up this week to let you know that we are right there with you, trying to navigate “at-home learning”, and helping kids cope during this complicated time. So we’ve been brainstorming some practical tips to help you & your families.

1) Talk about it

If your child or student asks about COVID-19, don’t avoid the topic. Listen to what your child knows already from hearing other grown-ups or kids talking about it. Then calmly help them understand the difference between facts and rumors by checking on helpful updates from the World Health Organization or the CDC. Talking about it too extensively might cause more anxiety, but providing a space to share their fears and questions will be helpful. Also, BrainPop has a great video that calmly explains the virus to kids. Watch the video here.

2) Help kids feel their agency

It’s helpful to give kids tangible things they can do to prevent sickness. They can wash their hands with soap often for 20 seconds or more, get lots of sleep, eat healthy foods, drink water, and help disinfect the house.

3) Keep structure and routine as much as possible

You can use this schedule or have fun creating your own. Start the morning with the Good Day Cha-Cha to set the tone, go on a walk, then have a craft/art time. If you need ideas, you can use activity pages from our 68 page Curriculum. Then, based on what grade your child is in, you can find fun, educational activities on Teachers Pay Teachers to help with academic time.

There’s also an amazing website called BrainPop that is offering free access to families & schools. I use BrainPop videos often in my classroom, and this would be a huge asset to your at-home learning toolkit. They provide videos on subjects including Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health & SEL, Engineering & Tech and more. Most of the videos provide a quiz, worksheets, and extra activities to go with them. This is an amazing resource that is usually only provided to teachers through their school district. Sign up for free access here.

4) Get up and moving

If you’re able to go outside, spend the day walking, riding bikes, and getting some fresh air. If you need to stay indoors, here are some ideas.

GoNoodle has a plethora of videos for exercise, movement, academics, dancing, etc. They even have a series called “Indoor Recess” that I’ve used in my classroom before. They burn energy in no time! Also, our videos on Youtube are helpful for getting kids moving.

5) Strengthen coping skills

Instead of trying to hide your anxiety, be honest with your kids by reassuring them that it’s totally normal to feel stress and worry during a time like this. Try a meditation practice or some mindfulness activities together, or learn a new deep breathing technique.  Practicing yoga is another great way to focus and process emotions.

Be sure to take advantage of our new expanded Online Curriculum!

As always, we truly appreciate your support and hope you find tons of value in our music and curriculum. Don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram & Facebook or reach out through e-mail!

-Paige & Adrien-

Narwhals & Waterfalls