During this uncertain time in our area, many of us are embracing a new reality. We're social distancing. We're working from home. We're avoiding crowds. We're doing our best to protect our friends and neighbors.
Even so, it's still hard to know precisely what to say to our children about everything that's going on. Or how to keep our families entertained when everything around us has shut down. That's where our "Stuck at Home Survival Guide" comes in.
We've assembled a variety of resources focusing on online educational options, parenting advice for these unprecedented times, and some recommendations for movies, games and other entertainment options (like virtual museum tours!) that will help you get through these next days and weeks together — and maybe learn a little something along the way.
Resources for Parents
When School Is Closed: Resources to Keep Kids Learning at Home
Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these ideas to immerse kids in language and stories, build background knowledge, and inspire creative play.
Parenting During the Coronavirus Outbreak
From the education desk of KQED in San Francisco, a quick rundown of questions and answers about parenting in the age of Coronavirus. For more, listen to NPR's Life Kit podcast.
Advice on Playdates
Maryland pediatrician Steve Silvestro recommends no playdates during the Coronavirus crisis. Learn why.
Meet the Helpers: Talking About Coronavirus
This is a great time to talk to children about the COVID-19 outbreak, and empower them to be helpers to keep each other healthy.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
Tips from PBS Parents about how to reassure children with accurate and age-appropriate information.
Health and Hygiene for Kids
ABC Scrub With Me! | Super Why!
Why do we wash hands after we go potty, before we eat, after playing outdoors, after we sneeze on them? Germs! This fun activity helps kids visualize germs while practicing their alphabet skills
Comfy Cozy Nest | Sesame Street in Communities Nest
Big Bird is struggling after a confusing and scary thing happened. Alan helps him cope and recognize his feelings.
H is for Handwashing | Sesame Street in Communities
In this online interactive, Raya and Elmo travel around the world to learn how people around the world clean their hands.
Going to the Doctor's Office with Daniel Tiger & Mister Rogers
Through these episodes, clips, activities and articles, Daniel Tiger helps children gain a much more thorough understanding of what a doctor’s visit entails.
Sid the Science Kid: Susie’s Song "The Journey of the Germ"
Listen to a catchy country song about how germs travel from person to person.
Germs Germs Go Away: Illness Prevention for Kids
Germs germs go away. Don't come back any day. Help kids exercise their imaginations and learn to stay healthy with Daniel Tiger.
For Families: Things to Do at Home
Virtual Museum Tours | Travel + Leisure
Stuck at home? Experience the best museums from London to Seoul in the comfort of your own couch.
Crafts and Experiments for Kids
Find crafts and experiments for kids on PBS KIDS for Parents! Explore fun and educational activities for the whole family.
Smithsonian's National Zoo Webcams
The National Zoo is temporarily closed to visitors, but you can still check in on the animals virtually.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Children's author/illustrator Mo Willems invites you into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE.
PBS Kids Games
Play games featuring characters from PBS KIDS favorites like Curious George, Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger and Peg + Cat, organized by topic and difficulty level!
Educational Apps for Kids | Common Sense Media
You don't always have to pay big bucks for great educational games, apps, and websites: Lots of outstanding free options are only a click away.
Best Family Movies | Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media editors help you choose the perfect picks for your next family movie night.
Video Games You Can Say Yes To | Common Sense Media
Kids can learn all kinds of things, from social studies to social skills, with these great apps and games.
TED Talks to Watch with Kids
Fun, informative and captivating talks to inspire young minds.
Resources for Teachers and Educators
Student Reporting Labs: Making Sense of Coronavirus Through Storytelling and Media Making
PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs has created a special unit that covers the basics of local community journalism, storytelling, scripting and video editing.
PBS LearningMedia
Inspire your students with thousands of free teaching resources including videos, lesson plans, and games aligned to state and national standards.
Coronavirus: Multilingual Resources for Schools
Multilingual fact sheets, infographics and more for schools to share with all staff and families, including families of English learners.