Navigating Covid - 19 at Home & at School
Resources, Links & Learning Opportunities!
The information listed below is to help you and anyone you are connected with, to find some resources, and experience some new content to add to your day & enjoy! Some parts will be for parents, other area for you as an individual, couples or as a family - be inspired. Although we can't control what is going on right now, we can support each other (digitally/virtual/in person), and use this time to accomplish positive things.
Counseling Services, I continue to see children, families, parents, couples, and individuals virtually. The virtual sessions have been going very well, although the play and personal interaction has shifted, the work of healing and engagement has been wonderful. Connecting through music, dancing, activities, strategies, techniques, laughing and crying, has been powerful, and much needed for myself and many. I am humbled and feel privileged that you continue to trust me to work together on such personal and private challenges. I look forward to when we can meet again or for the first time, in person, in my office . For now I am not comfortable to meet in person, once our numbers decrease, I will consider an in office date.
Understanding, learning and exploring our cultural climates, videos to watch as a family and discuss: https://www.weareteachers.com/anti-racism-videos/?utm_content=1591732747&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR08KjoPLomc1aVcwb9qhTa8gyvqgZCmYvSvyG9P_zNRHsgb1gEne1s6De0
Communication with Children about the Coronavirus
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The Time We Spring-Cleaned the World.
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Toolkit for Parents and Teachers:
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Digital Coronavirus Comic Book:
School, virtually and when we return in person. One day, our schools will open, and it is important they open delivering not only the best education they can, but also with the best care for the health and safety of all. There will be expectations that support a safe reopening, that will include wearing masks, social distancing and how to engage with those you haven’t seen in awhile – so I hope some of these tips will help!
Please continue to review the data and information from your County & State's Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Association of Pediatrics and the state roadmap to reopening. In terms of the virus in children, nearly all cases in children have developed from being in an infected household and not through social contamination in childcare.
Virtual Learning, will be most likely how children will being the school year, and/or there will be increased components. I encourage you to have some online learning now, to allow for practice with focus, wiggling, navigating the keyboard and screen.
Blue light from computers have been link it to headaches, fatigue and insomnia.
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On a laptop or desktop, you have a feature in the settings for a display that is called a "night light," which is a blue light filter! You can adjust it to the percentage that you want - 20% to 40% is a good range, depending on the time of day.
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Blue light glasses for kids: https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Blue-Light-Blocking-Glasses/dp/B06XB35DVC
Typing can be a value learning tool, that reduces frustration, increases confidence and learning, plus it’s a good way to get online learning back into the home.
Reopening of schools will cover at least these three areas of consideration; The child’s home, their school, and your child’s interactions for schoolwork.
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At home: In order for a reopening to be successful, it is imperative that families consistently practice social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC and State and County public health departments, and as required by city/county ordinance. Success hinges as much on policies and procedures, as it does on the entire school community doing as much as they can before and after school to mitigate the risk of exposure.
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At school: there most likely will be a physical temperature check / verbal check on entry, you as a parent or caregiver must confirm the child is not ill. Procedures in place include handwashing / sanitize procedures, observation through the day for any illness & if a child becomes ill they will be immediately segregated and isolated – all schools will have a designed area for any sick/virus concerns. Class segregation, staggered recess, and distancing as much as possible. There most likely will be mask breaks and a code of conduct for students concerning safety of others.
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Children’s interactions: In general the expectations will be for all staff and students to wear masks, handwashing will be regularly enforced, classrooms and common contact areas will be sanitized several times a day, seating plans will be adhered to, route plans for students will be enforced and classes will be distanced by desk as much as possible.
The following information should be seen as help guide in communicating with your children, getting them ready, prepared, and feeling successful. Some recommended things to do with your child at home in preparation for coming back to school. Mask wearing (age 3 and up), Distancing and Handwashing.
Mask Wearing can be difficult, it feels restrictive and generally unpleasant, however, with practice and experience it can be overcome.
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Educate your child about why masks are needed - to protect themselves and their friends in case someone is ill but doesn’t know it. Have your child practice wearing a mask each day increasing the time until they can keep it on for an hour at least. Include mask wearing when grooming an animal, going for an evening walk, playing boardgames at home, to normalize and prepare.
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Here’s a great video to help, although it is for a younger audience, I encourage you watch this and all the videos in this email as a family, together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=36&v=4KRuP1QGmhU&feature=emb_logo
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Use a DIFFERENT or cleaned mask each day, using the same mask for several days means it becomes unhygienic and and an odor is most likely to present itself . Some companies are offering masks for each day: www.schoolmaskpack.com but local providers are just as good.
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Masks should be aired regularly in the day to help dry them out but must be placed on a clean surface that doesn’t touch other masks when doing so.
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Practice taking it on and off without touching the face – not as easy as it seems!!
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I would recommend having your child bring two masks when at school, in case one gets dirty or wet.
Social Distancing, as a family talk about social distancing – they will all want to hug friends, hold hands and sit close to each other, that will need to be limited. Having talks and practicing will get them familiar. You can explain to them, its an extension of the mask and it’s about keeping everyone safe - so when they are in school or out in the public arena staying 6 feet apart is a good way to protect others.
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Consider other greeting methods with less hand contact such as ‘air hugs, ‘thumbs up’ ‘hands on your heart’ and ‘elbow bumps’ to greet one another - as long as it’s with little physical contact.
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Hand Washing is essential, and doing it properly is a different technique, that needs practice and modeling. Covid, like most other viruses, is broken down by the soap and water breaking its surface oils. Hands need to be washed regularly such as before and after food, bathroom or when coming inside from outside activity and at any time required by a parent, teacher or caregiver.
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Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJG72sycQB8&feature=youtu.be
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Wetting hands with water, getting soap on the hands and rub all over the hands and wrists, get a good lather and clean each finger and the thumb, the finger nails (by scratching them against the opposite palm) then rub between the fingers and the backs of the hand.
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Singing the Happy Birthday song, the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle, at least 2x to keep cleaning or at least 30 seconds. Rinse off completely, grab some paper towel, dry the hands / air dry if none is available, and use the towel to turn off the faucet and throw the towel in the trash.
Breathing Exercises, 1st & Always!
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Morning Meditation - a quick google search for 5 minute meditation and breathing exercises can give up a great start to the day. Here is a great one that is only 3 minutes. If you need longer or would like a longer practice, explore and see how profound a few minutes for yourself or loved ones can make a difference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfs5TJZ6Nk
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Belly Breathing is the best - Practice starting or ending your day with deep breathing. Mid- day practices or before you start a new activity can be very helpful in reducing stress levels and increasing focus and calm. Below are a few video to help children and adults, enjoy : )
Common + Sesame Street + Belly Breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mZbzDOpylA
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Finger Holds and Breathing -Breath is the source of life, bringing fresh energy into the tissues and cells to nourish body, mind and the whole person. When we breathe out, accumulated stress and toxins are released. Breathing through a stressful time is an effective way to let go of the tension that accumulates in the body. A few long deep breaths at a difficult moment can completely change the way we handle a situation. Breathwork combined with images of light or nature can promote feelings of peace, calm and focus - Explore:
Exercise - Yes Please!
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P.E with Joe or Body Coach TV offers free home workouts to everyone, no matter what their fitness levels & has over 250+ workouts and reaches millions of people all over the world. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ
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Cosmic Kids Yoga, Mindfulness, and Relaxation for kids (and adults if you're up for it!) Interactive adventures which build strength, balance and confidence - and get kids into yoga and mindfulness early! This is my go to when cooking dinner and need a few minutes, or should get on the mat myself and model good exercise and engagement with my son; utilizing Pokemon, Minecraft and/or terrific books and characters, this is a no brainier I have been suggesting for years!
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Joan is 73 years old, was 5'3'', 198lbs, and I had a 39" waist, she was on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux, She had edema in her ankles, her arthritis was extremely painful, and she had difficulty walking up and down stairs. She was tired, emotional, and in desperate need of a change. Her daughter approached her with an ideas to participate in an online group with other women who were all working to change habits and take the best possible care of themselves. Joan's motto was, "I don't mind if my changes are slow. I am going to go at my own pace and this time the changes are going to last the rest of my life.'' and she really meant it - 3 years years later; she creates balanced meals, knows how to move around with confidence in the gym and understands the importance of choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. https://www.trainwithjoanofficial.com/
Books & Reading - Reading & Books: Authors, actors, even astronauts in space are recording themselves reading books - enjoy!
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Recommendations on great diverse and multicultural children’s books, you, your children and their school will love. Check them out for yourself and consider purchasing one for your child's class, sign up to read it too!
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Free Literally Program, celebrities and authors bring the stories alive! https://www.storylineonline.net/
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The International Children’s Digital Resource is another great option. It presents children's literature from around the world written in multiple languages: http://en.childrenslibrary.org
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Nighttime with Dolly - who doesn't love Dolly? She is a great resource and advocate for getting books and stories into the hands of children. This website has great videos of her reading books, with content and communication after - deal for nighttime book time : )
Books for adults on personal growth:
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The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman - Sometimes I feel like I should get a portion of the profits connected to this book, I love it so much. You learn so much about yourself and connections to all your relationships, parents, significant others, your children, your boss, etc. Its a must read!
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The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer - By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization.
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Atomic Habits, by James Clear. Go get this book, it highlights the importance of tiny changes, marginal gains or even 1% improvements!
Art & Time Fillers
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I Spy Game Printables:
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Art Hub - This great father and child duo are awesome + they have sooooo many amazing things to draw. They have a great sense of humor, very supportive and step by step directions with a camera over head. Pause as much as you like, take your time and enjoy!
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Jenny K is an amazing resource, she is well known by many educators,counselors and homeschooling communities - she has recently opened an Art Lab (how cool is that!) in Tucson AZ. Check out her site, she has been doing great step by step videos. Whether its for your child or your inner child, check her out!
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Lego Challenge - My son has spent up to 3 hours focusing on these challenges. I never dare to interrupt him. What an ideal time to spend time of focus and engineering, dont interrupt. If you can spend time with them and get some pieces for them., What a great opportunity for you child(ren) to take the lead and you follow!
Another great website that has wonderful resources to definitely check it out:
