How can I help my child during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Talk to your kids about all the positive people and "Helpers" who we appreciate and who care for us.
- Find resources and information HERE on talking about coronavirus with your children and teens. (Thank you to the New York Public Library)
- A book is a great way to start this conversation! Read these new books together and discuss them: Coronavirus: A Book for Children and First Aid for Feelings. Here is a link to over 100 new free books about Covid-19.
- For more information, see the Children's Psychological Health Center's pandemic workbook for tips on talking to children about the virus in a way that encourages a focus on mental health as well as physical health.
- Look through a current list of at-home learning resources (Thank you to Publisher's Weekly)
- Explore Wide Open School, a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors of Common Sense Media to help make learning from home an experience that inspires kids, supports teachers, relieves families, and restores community. Bilingual and English Language Learner resources are included.
- Read some tips about managing screen time for your children during this crisis (Thank you to the Institute of Museum and Library Services)
- Watch the WCDPL Fun-Sized Storytimes together to enjoy great picture books, see familiar faces, and get more ideas for at-home Reading, Talking, Singing, Playing, and Writing activities.
- Visit WBGU-TV for daily schedules for educational television and extension activities as well as PBS Learning Media PreK-12 Resources for Emergency Closings.
- Take advantage of stay-at-home activities developed by children's authors and illustrators. (Thank you to BGSU)
- Explore family activities to try during closures from the Ohio Department of Health.
- Share a virtual hug! Look for the love in your community! Go on a bear hunt in your neighborhood.
- Create, enjoy, and share small, but special moments together.
- Keep Calm And Read!
We are living through history.
- Consider printing out this COVID-19 Time Capsule kit by Natalie Long. We'd love to see you include the WCDPL Bear Hug project print-out in your time capsule as well!
Are you looking for a positive activity for kids of all ages during our compliance with Gov. Mike DeWine's Stay at Home order? Please consider participating in our community #WCDPLBearHug Project! Here's how you and your family can participate:
- Put a teddy bear in a front window.
- Print (download a coloring sheet from the attachment link below) and color in our #WCDPLBearHug sheet and place it in your front window.
- Locate Wood County on the Ohio state map that the bear is hugging and consider using that heart to express what else you love.
- Encourage your child to read to their teddy bear and/or set up a Stuffed Animal Storytime at home.
- While out getting exercise and fresh air - Enjoy a BEAR HUNT - look for teddy bears or the #WCDPL coloring sheet in your neighbors' windows.
- Practice social distance when you're out looking for bears.
- Read the story We're Going on a Bear Hunt, based on the picture book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, published by Simon and Schuster (used with permission) together.
- Click here to watch an animated short film based on the book on HOOPLA!
- Enjoy this article from the BG Independent Media on our #WCDPLBearHug project!
Please take photos of things you and your family are doing together and share on social media with #WCDPLBearHug #InThisTogetherOhio. Here are some of our photos from our community!
