After surviving Katrina, there’s something familiar about the stress, questions, and unknown of the COVID-19 crisis and response. And while this is unprecedented in my lifetime, New Orleanians (and others on the Gulf Coast) have developed a pretty good foundation to disaster response.
My concern during times like these is typically children, and in particular, children who are vulnerable as a result of poverty, racism, and access to resources. This blog in particular will provide information to support children during COVID-19. And here’s a little nugget for you from women’s work champion Lelia Gowland, if you have the option to work from home and are wondering how to do that with children requiring care.
Talking to kids about COVID-19
While you are stocking up on toilet paper or worrying about how you will work while schools are closed, your children are picking up on your stress. Take a moment to talk with them about the crisis and listen to their questions. Even if you’re unsure of the answers, reassure them that you will face these challenges together–as you have faced others in your life. Some helpful resources:
Parent and Caretaker guide for helping families cope with COVID 19
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – A Parent Resource (English Resource)
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – A Parent Resource (Spanish Resource)
Helping Teens Manage Anxiety during the crisis
Accessing meals
Early learning centers and schools are not only a source of education and care, but also consistent meals.
Here’s a list of national locations
In Jefferson Parish, Mark Twain Pizza is offering slices of pizza for $1.00 starting on Tuesday, 3/17.2035 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
And here are some New Orleans-metro area supports
Engaging ALL Learners
My best friend in the Boston-area, whose schools closed this past week, suggests we go to the library and borrow books in case libraries close.
Jefferson Parish libraries have unfortunately closed.
New Orleans libraries close on Sunday, May 15.
Engaging Young Learners
The Louisiana Department of Education has put together this great list of resources for young learners.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers research-based resources, tips and ideas for families—from child development to reading, writing, music, math, and more!
Bright by Text provides quality information and trusted resources to families of children prenatal to age eight partnering with LPB. Text: LPB to 274448
Vroom offers free, easy-to-use learning tips for children 5 and under delivered daily directly to your phone. Sign up for free at https://www.vroom.org/.
Ready4K is an evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered via text messages. Text: Readby4th to 70138
ABCmouse.com® Early Learning Academy is a comprehensive, research-validated curriculum for children 2-8
Suddenly Homeschooling?
At Home Learning Ideas is a listing of resources related to curriculum and COVID-19.
Scholastic is offering day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing for children Pre-K through 6th grade.
Free subscriptions to educational resources–These education companies are offering free subscriptions to educational resources to engage children at home.
Adventure Academy™, A multiplayer online game (MMO) that serves children in 3rd through 8th grade with thousands of learning activities in a fun and safe virtual world.
ReadingIQ® A digital library and literacy platform for children 2-12 designed by reading experts to improve literacy skills. Families can use the redeem code: SCHOOL3673 to sign up. Questions can be sent to support@aofl.com
Keeping cultured
Nightly Met Opera streams –To lift your spirits, help you sleep, or drown out stir-crazy kiddos:)
How about an art history lesson with these 12 virtual museum tours?
Emmy O'Dwyer 