Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids
As librarians, we mostly believe that almost any problem can be solved—or at least better understood—through reading. The current pandemic is testing that belief (along with lots of others), but we are still searching for and sharing good resources as much as possible. If you also turn to books to help make sense of the world and you are trying to figure out how to explain the new reality to your kids, consider sharing some of these very recently published online titles with the children in your lives.
Talking to Children About COVID-19 and the New Normal
As a parent of two, I find that it can be a struggle to always put on a positive face for my children during this uncertain time. So much of their world has changed so quickly. With so many questions about COVID-19 and social distancing, I felt like I needed to see what resources are out there to help guide these conversations. And though it doesn’t take away the sadness, it is helping me feel better to know that I am not alone with this struggle. And neither are you.
Strategies for Struggling or Reluctant Readers
I’ve written before about the challenges of being your child’s teacher during this pandemic, and today’s post is on the same topic. Because, wow, this is hard.
Learning During COVID-19 and ADHD: Resources for Parents
Today and USA Today are among some media outlets addressing the unique challenges parents of children with special needs face during the pandemic. Without the support schools can provide: special education teachers, reading specialists, classroom therapists and more, services are missing for these kids. With that in mind, here are some light ideas and gentle suggestions specific to ADHD. These are not substitutes for the services currently missing from our lives as we navigate the pandemic. The intent is to connect parents to library resources that may support you at home, while homeschooling or learning with kids with ADHD.
Rediscovering Childhood Favorites on Hoopla
Seeing as we are watching a little more television than normal, my son has really taken an interest in hearing about the shows and cartoons we liked to watch growing up. Over lunch the other day, he asked if there were any shows that we watched as a kid that he could still see today. I was amazed at how much I rediscovered on Hoopla. Maybe you’ll go down a rabbit hole too and discover some of your own nostalgic favorites!
School at Home During COVID-19: Resources for Parents
It’s been weeks since my kids’ schools closed. While adjusting to this new “normal,” I’ve also been trying to figure out how to be a teacher for my first grader and preschooler. Here are some resources I’ve found useful in figuring out how to keep my kids happy and engaged—with schoolwork and other activities—during this time. Hopefully something on here can help you out too.
Listen Together: Perfect Picks for an Assortment of Ages
If your family likes listening to books together, check out the list of kids’ audiobooks we’ve put together on OverDrive. There are books intended for a variety of ages and even grown-ups will likely find something to enjoy and/or ponder.
Always Available on Hoopla: Elementary Reads
Like many families right now, mine is trying to figure out a new normal. We’re working to find the balance of work and play—for both adults and children—and some days we are achieving it better than others. But even if so much in our world right now is unpredictable, I am thankful for two things that are constant: the Library and books.
Streaming Storytimes and Read-Alouds
Elsewhere we’ve shared resources that can help you create your own storytime or read-aloud at home. Now, we’re bringing you a list of great places to watch or stream storytimes from the comfort of your home or from your own device.
Missing Storytime? We Can Help!
We understand if you’re missing your visits to the Library right now. We miss you too! We wish we could all be learning together, but since our librarians are at home too, we’re sharing some of our storytime and reading favorites so you can enjoy them at home with your family.