The new coronavirus pandemic has caused an impact on the life of millions of people all over the world. Every day more and more countries are closing schools, malls, airports, and even parks to reduce the number of people on the streets that could possibly get coronavirus. While the cure for this new virus is found, students will have to stay home to prevent catching and spreading the virus. Having your kids at home may be something that you’re used to if you’re a homeschool parent, but for parents that have their children in the traditional school system, this is a whole new experience that can challenge tasks and time management at home.
If you’re not convinced why you and your kids should stay at home or if you want to explain to your kids the reason for it, we recommend you to take a look at the simulations about how coronavirus is transmitted: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
Here’s a list of EdTech companies that are giving FREE access to resources and educational games to help parents, educators, and students learn while they’re in quarantine:
Free Math Resources
- Prodigy: Prodigy is a free, Pokemon-style math game that has been proven to improve student scores and confidence! It is aligned to the Ontario and other State curriculum for grades 1-6, and features content from each of the five major strands. You can sign up at prodigygame.com
- 7 Generation Games: 7 Generation Games make educational adventure games that make math scores go up! Kids who played 7 Generation Games saw math scores improve 30% in just 10 weeks. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get free stuff every week.
- DreamBox Learning: DreamBox Learning Math’s instructional design that allows for exploration, builds conceptual understanding, establishes fluency, confidence, and the creative application of mathematics. If you sign up before April 30th, you can access a free three-month trial: dreambox.com/at-home
- Khan Academy: Khan Academy has one of the best sites for free at-home learning for math with self-pacing content for students.
In case you want to tell your kids about COVID-19, here’s a video with some recommendations by Toronto Star.
Here are a few pointers to help quell fears your children may have as the talk escalates around COVID-19:
- Remind them that, as of now, children aren’t at high-risk of contracting the virus;
- Show them how to cough into their sleeves;
- Practice washing hands with them for 20 seconds;
- Talk to them about why wearing masks are helpful to healthcare workers, but not necessary otherwise;
- Try to be calm and assertive in your discussions.