At Variety, we share concerns regarding the increasing risk COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having on our community.
We are closely monitoring news and advice from the Department of Health and doing all that we can to play our role in flattening the curve and protecting those most vulnerable in our community.
We know that in this uncertain time, it can be difficult to find the words to explain what is happening to children, maintain a sense of stability at home and keep kids engaged with their learning when they’re no longer able to attend school.
We’ve compiled a list of resources that you can use to help educate your kids about COVID-19, keep them learning at home and to prepare for life and social isolation.
TALKING TO KIDS
- Let’s Talk about Coronavirus by Shona Innes
Shona Innes is a highly-regarded clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting troubled children, young people and their carers. Shona has put together a story with incorporated activities to help explain COVID-19 to kids. Download and print the story here. - ‘Where’s all the toilet paper?’ Answering kids’ coronavirus questions
The kids have questions, and The Age has set out to answer them! Covering everything from why birthday parties are cancelled through to helping children understand their own emotions through this tricky time, this great resource is definitely one to look at with your little ones. Take a look here. - Social Story – What is the Coronavirus?
The Autism Educator have put together a helpful social story to assist kids with Autism in understanding what coronavirus can look like, what happens if someone has it, how to help stop the spread of germs, and what it will mean for their lives in the meantime. Download the social story here. - Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to talk to Your Child
Kids Health have put together some tips to help guide you through talking to children about the pandemic. They’ve included ways you can help your child feel calm and in control whilst still informed. View the advice here.
EDUCATION & LEARNING
- Scholastic Learn at Home Projects
It’s important to keep kids engaged with learning whilst they’re out of the classroom. Scholastic have created videos and activities for kids of all ages, to keep them occupied and learning. Take a look at the different resources. - ABC Education
Perfect for Primary and Secondary students, ABC has thousands of free educational games, shows, articles, activities and resources. Covering topics from across the board like language, geography, history, economics and technology – there’s no shortage of content to keep children busy! View resources. - Code Camp World
Code Camp World have taught over 100,000 kids from across the world how to code. Now, they’re opening up their online coding platform for free! With lesson plans designed for young minds, this might be the perfect time to teach them a brand new skill. Check our Code Camp World. - 54 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
The irony isn’t lost on us that we’ve included a list in a list here! This comprehensive collection from Popsugar was too good to leave out. Your kids will have no shortage of things to do and learn with this endless array of online educational content. Check it out here.
PREPARING FOR LIFE & SOCIAL ISOLATION
- NDIS and the coronavirus – essential FAQs and key information you should know
The team at Source Kids have put together some helpful tips to guide you in navigating the NDIA through this period. As a result of COVID-19, service delivery is changing. Keep up to date and check out this great deep dive on what you need to know. - The family lockdown guide: how to emotionally prepare for coronavirus quarantine
Whilst playing our part in flattening the curve is incredibly important, it’s not easy. The Guardian have put together a guide to help you and your family navigate the challenges of self isolation. There’s no perfect method for quarantine, but preparation is important. Read more here. - 4 Ways to Keep Kids Happy
The Conversation have put together a great piece to help keep kids’ headspace healthy through these uncertain times. With routines being thrown out and change coming in every direction, there are a few things you can do to help children keep a sense of stability. Read the 4 ways here. - Advice for COVID-19 Home Educators
Whilst educating kids from home is new to many of us, there’s plenty of people well versed in this area. The experts from The Home Education Network have put together some pointers for a smoother transition into learning-from-home for your family. Take a look here.
For the latest advice from the Australian Government, please visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert on the Department of Health’s website.
