Is this real life?
Can you believe this? There is this huge pandemic happening in the world, and the best thing we can do to help is STAY HOME... (insert crazy emoji)
Seems surreal to most of us... Things may get harder, we may know someone who gets sick. But if we all do what we can and follow the social distancing recommendations, we can hopefully avoid what lots of the world is going through AND we can grow closer to our families and be stronger together as a community (virtually of course).
It's only been a few weeks since this COVID-19 was a thing to most of us and it seemed that almost instantly, organizations and individuals all over the country and world were sharing resources, free videos, educational help, dance classes, art classes. Zoo's who go live on facebook everyday to teach kids about the animals, famous children's authors who interact with their fans and talk about emotions and real life things while showing us ways to cope with what is going on. Ideas for parents and ways to stay mentally and physically healthy.
About 100 years ago a pandemic a lot like this one happened, but those people had none of the options we have today. This seems difficult and exhausting and hard... and it is... but we have it better than anyone ever had it before us, and for that we should be thankful.
SO here are some of our favorite options to entertain your kids for the coming weeks.
...AND at the end of this blog, we have an exciting announcement!
The first one will be your very own Pottstown Children's Discovery Center's Science Challenge!! PCDC's amazing founder Beth, will be posting a challenge on facebook and the next day be going live to show you the way it works! Join her every other day to see some simple and exciting science you can do at home with normal household items. Today she'll show you how to get a blown up balloon to squeeze itself down into a jar. Try it out and show us your results!
Next up the famous Elephant and Piggie, and the Pigeon books author joins us everyday for some chatting and doodling!
Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles!
Who's been to the Elmwood Park Zoo? Lots of zoos and aquariums across the country have started to go live during the day so we will link you up to one your little ones may recognize! If you've got an animal lover you can also search the Cincinnati Zoo, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Houston Zoo, The National Aquarium and so many more...
These kind of videos may not offer 'school like' education... but I can almost promise your kiddos will learn something!
Want to hear some new story books without having to go to the library (oh wait- you can't go to the library...) Storyline Online by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation has artists (and possibly recognizable voices) reading story books in a fun way for your little ones... You'll probably even catch yourself sitting down to watch and listen. Check out this story and dozens more they have available!
The link below will take you to scholastic's free 'classes'. You pick your age/grade range and each day is a new theme and stories, games, and fun to go along with it! It's good stuff your kid will truly enjoy.
Lastly some physical and mental movement. Mindful health is super important through this unknown... Hint- this another fun one for both kids AND grown ups! Check out the tons of Cosmic Kids Yoga options on their YouTube channel!
We will continue to find and share good resources on our facebook page. We will continue to look for ways to stay sane, educated, and comfortable during this strange time we are experiencing.
MOST IMPORTANTLY!! Please remember that it's also okay to watch more tv than normal, NOT have a schedule, sleep in, and do whatever keeps you safe and happy in your home together. And for all you parents out there who are on social media, seeing what looks like people who have it all together or perfect schedules or perfectly happy kids... it's just Facebook. It's the highlight reel of peoples lives and truly everyone is going a little nuts during this uncertain time. Have grace and patience with yourselves and your children.
Meanwhile in the midst of all the crazy, over here at PCDC we've got some fun stuff happening! Announcing officially our NEW LOGO! Linda Jocobs of Downtown Dezigns in Pottstown did an amazing job designing this beautiful creation for Pottstown Children's Discovery Center!! We love the creativity and imagination shining through and hope it inspires children everywhere to reach for the stars! Thank you Linda! We love it!
You and your families are in our thoughts and we wish you all well. Keep in touch with us through our facebook and we look forward to being able to have some real life events with you soon!
