By popular demand I am posting things here to help you help your students. You can watch these videos with your kids and have them explain things to you. This would help them understand what they do and don't get which will in turn give them a talking point with me for the class!
Valence electron video: What are valence electrons and how do we write the Lewis Dot structure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yADrWdNTWEc
Alkali metals in water: Video shows that elements in the same GROUP react SIMILARly