Tips and Resources for Parents during the Covid 19 Crisis
Last week Governor Bill Lee requested that all schools remain closed until April 30th. That is an optimistic estimate as coronavirus cases are steadily increasing. Schools may not reopen until May, and in the worse case scenario, they may not open again for this school year. Many students may feel anxious, afraid, confused, and most of all, frustrated right now.
Our hearts go out to all of our students and parents who are trying their best to stay positive during this difficult time, especially our class of 2020 seniors who have worked so hard for the past 12 years to make it to this point. We are thinking of you. We want you to know you are not alone.
"I want to encourage all of our North Nashville students and parents to spend this time reconnecting with family and support one another, " said Thomas Chappelle, Principal at Moses McKissack Middle School, "read to each other daily, write in a journal, practice math skills by doing fun activities like baking, but most of all, stay positive and stay home as much as you can so you can remain healthy and come back when schools reopen. We can't wait to learn and grow with you again!"
If your child is struggling with understanding all that is going on right now:
Click here for tips on how to talk to your children about Covid 19.
Click here for an illustrated social story for little ones.
Mayor John Cooper has ordered that everyone stay inside the safety of their homes and all non-essential businesses should close. We know kids will get restless, and in turn parents and caregivers will get frustrated. Take a deep breathe. Parents, first show yourself some compassion. We are in unchartered territory. You can't pour from an empty cup!
Take some time for yourself and make your personal self-care a priority as well. When you have done that, then you can map out a plan for your children while you are home with them in the coming weeks. We know it's easier said than done - but we also know it's vital to making it through this challenge.
Here are a few at home activities and resources to explore with your children while #SaferAtHome:
Adventure Science Center
Browse their online collection of DIY science projects: https://www.adventuresci.org/diyscience
Go to a Virtual Museum
Google has teamed up with some of the most famous museums in the world, and you can visit them with your kids from the comfort of your home. From MoMA to the Arizona Capitol Museum, there are dozens of museums to choose from. The British Museum of London, for one, has a wonderful interactive site.
The Escape Game
Sign up to receive a puzzle every Friday in your inbox. Work online scavenger hunts and mystery games: https://theescapegame.com/teg-at-home/
Scratch from MIT
If your child is enthralled by computers or video games, introduce them to Scratch. Scratch is a program to teach children how to write their own computer code using a simple block system. It's designed for ages 8+, but if you have a slightly younger future programmer, there's a special version for kids ages 5 to 7 called ScratchJr.
Science Kids
There are lots of activities and projects for your kids to learn and play with on the Science Kids site. As with any other science project, they'll most likely need your assistance, so it can be fun for both of you!
National Geographic Kids
This is a great way to let your kids explore the world from their own home. National Geographic Kids takes their usual informative commentary and gives it a fun little twist. This makes it more interesting for kids while still giving them an inside look to the outside world.
Let's Roam
Activities designed for families, to spark creativity, discovery, and a sense of adventure: https://www.letsroam.com/roam_from_home/families
Nashville Children's Theatre
The NCT Drama School has created a series of fun activities you can do with your kids: https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/fun-at-home-activities
For the little ones, they have Teddy Bears' Picnic Activities: https://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/teddy-bears-picnic-activities
For arts activities click here.
Physical Education
And finally to make sure they get moving and stay healthy while inside - check out the Nation's P.E. teacher for free online P.E. classes.
We know it's not easy. But please try to be patient and compassionate with your children right now. They are doing the best they can. "As always, at the core of the mission of Gideon's Army is the health and safety of our children. That includes mental and emotional health," said Rasheedata Fetuga, Founder of Gideon's Army, "we want the children of North Nashville to know that we are doing everything we can to be there for them and their families during this difficult time."
Gideon's Army is still doing needs based deliveries to families in the North Nashville area. Please click here to fill out a request for assistance. Resources for tornado and Covid 19 can be found here. We are thinking of you all and will continue to do our best to keep you informed. As always, continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
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