Back to School Resources for Families During COVID-19
Over the summer, BES School nurse, Ian Ridell, and BES School Psychologist, Kathy Secinaro, were featured as guest speakers on a New England Hemophilia Association forum where the topic was geared towards preparing families for returning to school during these challenging times. Here is a clip of that presentation that includes relevant information and tips for parents as they prepare to send their children back to school or have them in remote learning:
The National School Nurse Association made 3 short educational videos targeted for people of all ages (Kindergarten - staff). They are about 90 seconds long each. https://www.nasn.org/nasn/nasn-resources/practice-topics/covid19/nasn-return-to-school-video-series
The following list was compiled and intended to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the 2020-2021 school year. From how to explain COVID-19 to preschoolers, to helping teens find a calm in an unfamiliar world, scroll through for suggestions on how to support your child and transition to a new learning environment.
Resources for Elementary School Aged Children
· Talking to your kids about Coronavirus
o Take a look at the CNN/Sesame Street coronavirus town hall videos or PBSKids’ Daniel Tiger episodes on COVID-19 and infection control.
o Sources: PBS.org, CNN.com
§ Sesame Street Town Hall Part 1
§ Sesame Street Town Hall Part 2
· Coronavirus and how it makes you feel
o This is a charming animated video, although it was clearly produced before masks became a standard recommendation, and focuses on shelter-in-place orders as a mitigation strategy. There is great content towards the end on what to do if kids are feeling worried.
o Source: Calm Kid Central
· Mask Social Stories and Activities
o This resource for younger children is complete with activities and references for all things related to COVID-19.
o Source: Autism Little Learners
§ COVID-19 Activities and Social Stories for Kids
· Coronavirus stories and social narratives for children
o Sources: Little Puddins, Autism Speaks, Carol Gray Social Stories
§ Social Narratives for Children
§ Handwashing and Getting Sick
§ COVID-19 I Can Help - Carol Gray Social Story
Resources for Middle and High School Aged Children and Youth
· Relaxation and emotional wellness
o Calm is one of the most popular relaxation apps. There is a free version and they currently have a list of FREE resources to support mental and emotional wellness during this time.
Sources: Calm.com, Ten Percent Happier
o Take a moment to breathe and/or go for a walk! Play some music that makes you calm or happy. Here is a link to a coronavirus sanity guide.
o The following apps are for mindfulness and meditation and help with lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety.
· Talking to older children about Coronavirus
o Check out this video for slightly older children from Brain POP
o This article provides tips for parents with older children at home.
§ Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis
Resources for Kids of All Ages and Parents
1. Coronavirus
· Talking to children about Coronavirus
o Source: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
§ Coronavirus Informational Videos
· Children’s Center Resources
o Source: Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
§ Johns Hopkins Children's Resources
· COVID-19 Information: Information is rapidly changing about this new virus – to have the most current and correct information, stay informed by accessing this website
o Source: CDC.gov
· Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use at Home
o Source: CDC.gov
· Parent Resource about talking with children about COVID-19
o Source: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health
§ Parent Resource on Talking to Children about COVID-19
· How do we maintain stability in the midst of unpredictability?
o Sources: Psychology Today
· Helping Families Manage Anxiety
o Sources: Lynn Lyons, LICSW
§ PODCASTS: Supporting Your Family's Mental Health Through The New Normal
· NYS Parent Portal Parenting tips, activities and information on how to talk to your children about the Coronavirus
o Source: New York State Parent Portal
§ Tips and Resources for Parents
2. Mental Health & Child Development Resources
· Trauma, Grief, and Stress Resources
o Source: Child Mind Institute, SAMHSA.gov
§ Grief
§ Stress
· What to do when siblings won’t stop fighting
o Source: Child Mind Institute
3. Online Learning
· Online Learning Survival Guide for Students and Parents
o Source: DrLizAngoff.com
· Now is also a good time to learn about keeping your family safe online. Consider making an online safety plan or use tools such as parental controls to manage what your children can access.
NEHA-school-2020.mp4