The school year is coming to a close. Students and educators will miss those end-of- the-year events and goodbye hugs. However, there are plenty of virtual tools to help keep children engaged and learning all summer long. Check out these resources and be sure to follow our Facebook page for more tips. Have a healthy summer!
Mom (or Dad) and Me at Home
Young children need one-on-one time with parents or grandparents now more than ever. Plan for 30-60 minutes of special attention to help counteract the adverse emotional impact of the pandemic. A fun “Mom and Me” art project you can easily do at home is this Pointillism for Kids from Crafting Chicks. All you need are some simple supplies like crayons, markers, or paint and Q-tips.
Storytime is another option for special time with mom. Books choices might include:
- You Be Mommy
- I Love You, Mommy
- I Love My Mommy Because
- Are You My Mother?
- Llama, Llama, Misses Mama
Don’t forget time with dad. Does your school usually do “Donuts with Dad”? Take advantage of this opportunity to create a healthier home version such as “Puzzles with Pop” or “Poetry with Pop.”
Backyard Wellness
One of the many things children missed out on when schools closed was Field Day. But you can easily create your own Field Day in your backyard using items you may already have around the house. Make an obstacle course with cones, bases, hula hoops, pool noodles, and other items. Have sack races using pillowcases. Have a ball toss. If you’re limited on space, try some old standbys like “Red Light, Green Light.” Learn more from this video from our Blue Zones Project colleague.
If your school missed Wellness Night too, challenge your child to explore wellness at home. Ask them to brainstorm activities that can be done alone (jumping rope, for example), with siblings (such as races around the neighborhood), or what they might recommend to their PE teacher when school reopens. Students can also explore local resources online for when they’re ready to get out and put wellness into action, such as Fort Worth Bike Sharing for physical activity, the Tarrant Area Food Bank for nutrition, and Nanda Yoga for mindfulness.
Learn All Summer
Are your child’s favorite summer camps and activities cancelled? Free virtual camps offered by Varsity Tutors can keep young minds warmed up. Topics include art, languages, science and more.
Children 4 to 18 years old can learn to code and create their own games at Code.org. Activities are available online or unplugged. Kids ages 4 to 10 may also enjoy Kodable.com as an introduction to computer science.
Or use extra time at home this summer to learn a new life skill through Thirty Handmade Days. Some things to choose from include: how to tie shoes; how to floss teeth; how to play an instrument; how to do laundry; how to mow the lawn; how to write a letter; how to play a card game; how to read a recipe; simple sewing; how to tie knots; how to write a resume, and many more.
Spend time in the kitchen and help children learn how to cook. Here are some reasons why and ways to do it from Practical, By Default.
Social and Emotional Learning Resources
The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) offers free resources and webinars for adults on supporting youth during social isolation and crisis.
Could your child use a little downtime? Promote mindfulness by creating a calm space and making a calm-down bottle. View this video from our Blue Zones Project colleague to learn how.