As we move deeper into sheltering at home, our patience and creativity might be wearing thin. I know mine is. However, we can continue to find new ways to find more silver linings in this coronavirus storm. As I work from home, I’ve learned that I can’t listen to the news updates all day long, or I become immobilized. Limiting news to a short time in the morning and evening helps me to focus on positive and productive options. This list is one of the outcomes of my commitment to supporting each of you during this stressful time. I hope you find a few silver linings for yourself and others here!
Good News Silver Linings
- “8 acts of kindness: Stories of good deeds during a pandemic,” article
- Yes, you can make delicious recipes from pantry staples!
- “Cities Clap, Ring and Howl, Showing Support for First Responders” video by MarketWatch
Mask or No Mask?
- “Wear a Mask. No, Don’t Wear a Mask. Wait: Yes, Wear a Mask,” article
- If you decide to wear a mask, it is important to know “When and How to Use a Mask,” video by World Health Organization (WHO).
- Effectiveness of cloth masks and what factors increase their effectiveness: “Use of cloth masks in the practice of infection control – evidence and policy gaps,” study by International Journal of Infection Control.
- Three simple masks you can make: 1) Deaconess version or 2) No-sew version or 3) T-shirt version
Broaden Your World
- Music Appreciation: “The Ultimate Beethoven Symphony Collection,” article by New York Times
- Coloring pages of famous Van Gogh masterpieces
- Take a virtual trip without leaving home
- Free online books for all ages
- Explore live cams showing a variety of subjects from aurora borealis to zebras
Resources for Adults Coping with Coronavirus Social Distancing
- Take the “Happiness Course,” the most popular class ever, free via Coursera
- “Staying Safe During COVID-19,” article by National Domestic Violence Hotline
- “How to Teach Social-Emotional Learning When Students Aren’t in School,” article by Education Week
- Fight stress and promote relaxation: “Breathwrk: Breathing Exercises” app for iPhone and iPad or “Prana Breath” for Android
How to Teach Puberty Education via Distance Learning
- “Puberty: The Wonder Years Adaptations for Distance Learning,” detailed guidance for educators who will teach Puberty: The Wonder Years this spring
- Online Professional Development to prepare educators for teaching puberty education:
- Online Training Course: self-paced online training by Puberty: The Wonder Years
- Virtual PD: by Advocates for Youth
Home Schooling Helps
- “Homeschooling your kids during the coronavirus? Here are 10 Tips,” video from MarketWatch
- “Fact-Checking Tools for Teens and Tweens,” article by Common Sense
- “Best News Sources for Kids,” article by Common Sense
- “Deceptive Detective,” poster by Common Sense 2020
- “Are You Home Schooling Your Kids? Don’t Forget Sex Education,” article
- Home Schooled with the Moth: Weekly Story Telling Activity
- “Goodnight with Dolly,” weekly story reading video series by Dolly Parton
- Minecraft offers free educational content for students stuck home due to coronavirus
- Watch eagle parents care for their three eggs on the Decorah Eagle Cam. The first two eggs just hatched! Lesson plans and daily chats are available.
- Earth, Sun, and Moon Activity Kits, for ages 4-8
Fun Physical Activities
- “50 Brain Breaks Kids Will Love,” article from We Are Teachers
- Try working out to the classic “Jane Fonda Exercise Challenge”
- Learn the Sun Salutation
