Activities for Kids + Quarantine Specials (Staying Sane-Part 2)
As the COVID-19 pandemic presses on, people are searching for more activities for kids, especially the quarantine specials and freebies! This post gives over thirty-five ideas with resources for “Staying Sane with the Kids”—part two!
As I mentioned in “Staying Sane” Part 1, even though my family is accustomed to homeschooling, we too, are beginning to feel the strain from the restrictions on community gatherings. And as COVID-19 inches closer and closer to my county, I think we will be hunkering down even more.
So, I’ve been gathering an extensive list of online resources and ideas for children and teens.
During my research, I was continually reminded of how God is able to bring good out of bad situations. He is prompting generous people to rise to the occasion and offer their time and talents for the benefit of others. What a blessing!
I tried to preview as many of these as I could, but the content may change over time. Parents should always check websites first to ensure the current content is appropriate for their children as well as for their teens. While we need to find resources to educate and entertain their minds, it’s important, first and foremost, that we protect their hearts.
With that in mind, I’d love for you to please add to this list of family-friendly resources in the comments section below.
Some of the following resources are ongoing. Others are offered solely for the duration of the pandemic. Take advantage of this time to explore what’s available.
ART
A fun DIY paint studio in Kentucky is offering live art lessons at 1:00 pm CT each day. The instructor,
Also, check out FaithWords artist and author, Gina McIntyre Graham’s facebook page where she posts about free lessons on YouTube. Visit her website as well where she has free art pintables.
The Art History Kids website lists tons of ideas and resources. “Many families are spending more time at home throughout the next month… invite your kids to get creative as they explore some amazing art and artists, and make a few masterpieces of their own. You don’t need to know anything about art to get started . . . Enjoy connecting with your kids through creativity!” My teen son and I have already viewed several of these for art appreciation and have found them interesting.
Many museums are offering some extras right now for students who are learning from home. Again, you check the websites first and find content that is appropriate for your child. Or better yet, take a virtual visit as a family. View and talk together about what you see.
BIBLE STUDY
For parents and teens, Lifeway Women is offering free, online Bible studies now through June 18, 2020. You can access all of the video teachings from eleven of their online Bible studies.
Teens and children may find the free, coloring pages of
For the little ones, check out the most popular kids’ Bible app, The Bible App for Kids. The download is free and includes 41
Also, many churches are live-streaming their worship services. While they don’t compare to the fellowship of shared face-to-face group worship experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to listen to a variety of messages and music. If your family is accustomed to worshipping in a church building, it may take some practice to help them focus on worshipping in a different manner. I have to admit, it felt a little odd when we did this for the first time. My son wanted to stay shirtless in pajama pants, I had to get up to check on biscuits in the oven, and my husband refilled his coffee cup. We’re still practicing getting into the mindset of worship via an online service.
Therefore, my suggestions to help with that are to have your family stand up out of reverence to God during the opening reading of scripture, ask everyone to close their eyes during the prayer time, and to sing out loud when there is music! Maybe you can think of ways your children can use their talents during your worship experiences at home. While we miss worshipping at church, the key is to remember not where we worship but Who we worship.
Another suggestion, is to try and prevent distractions if at all possible—like the cooking of your meal. The oven timer buzzing in the middle of the preacher’s prayer can cause quite a stir.
COOKING
The Super Kids Nutrition website has tons of educational information for parents and kids. You’ll find plenty of tasty recipes, free printables for elementary students here, even a few for middle school students.
In addition to online cooking tutorials, you may want to try hosting your own “cooking show.” Think how entertaining a video of your little ones cooking a new dish would be for the relatives who are unable to see them due to the quarantine. Or get your older kids involved in a family cooking challenge. Incorporate math by requiring your kids to double a recipe. Deliver the extra dish to a neighbor in need.
GARDENING
What a blessing it is that spring is here! Most families are able to get outside during the quarantine.
To prepare for future gardening, check out the fun activities and the helpful resources at this beautiful website: KidsGardening.org. Most of the things I saw were geared for preschool through middle school students but there were several activities listed for all ages.
Also, the Junior Master Gardener Program is hosting a new, virtual National JMG group on Facebook Live for all junior gardeners. Sessions start April 2nd, 2020 and will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 PM CT. Garden Activities will be led by National JMG staff, and participants can earn a JMG Certification in Plant Growth and Development.
HISTORY
Whatever your children are interested in, help them research the history of it. Help them learn about primary resources and pieces written with different perspectives. Perhaps they can interview someone via email or the telephone.
In addition, check out what’s available at the Library of Congress. Learn fascinating facts, such as why the White House is white, at the website of The White House Historical Association.
There’s nothing like a quarantine to give us the extra time to virtually visit the White House as well as take numerous other online tours!
HISTORY MUSEUMS
Check out the well-known museums and your state museums. Many are offering special programs during the pandemic.
One example is the N.C. Museum of History- https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/history-at-home.
The Inn of the Patriots, home of The U.S. Presidential Culinary Museum, is posting educational material. I enjoyed watching the video clip about President Eisenhower milking a captured cow during WWII. Elementary – high school students will enjoy it, too!
PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES
Have you considered the presidential libraries? Most have virtual tours, photos of exhibits, and wonderful curriculum guides.
You can find a detailed list of the Presidential libraries and museums’ websites as well as further educational learning opportunities listed on the website of the National Archives.
One example of what’s offered at a presidential library: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/curriculum-guides
GO FOR THE UNUSUAL
Grab your student’s attention and a grin by taking them on virtual visits of unusual places! I didn’t see any curriculum guides at the SPAM Museum’s website. However, the photos, recipes, timelines, and other highlights can be incorporated into writing assignments, cooking, and even WWII history.
Remember reading about the fascinating records set in Guinness World’s Book of Records? They have a website that’s just as intriguing! Check out the fun and educational site for kids: http://kids.guinnessworldrecords.com/, and be sure to take the virtual trip down the world’s longest water slide while you’re there!
In these unusual times, it takes kids’ minds off of the stressful events when we can incorporate some fun. However, it’s also good to find ways to help them process what’s taking place and communicate their thoughts and feelings.
READING & WRITING
Under the “Resources” tab of my website, you’ll find a free download for “My Covid19 Quarantine Journal.” You can adapt it for younger children but it is probably best suited for 4th-12th graders. The journal contains pages for the student’s drawings, favorite quotes, Bible verses, and journaling prompts. It’s my desire that while the students are recording their perspectives of living in such a time as this, it will help them process their thoughts and feelings.
Your family may enjoy expressing your thoughts by participating in a reader’s theater activity together. Ask your kids to write out their own scenarios or Stories to Grow By offers free readers theater scripts for students as well as lesson plans and writing pages for every grade level.
Check out different publishers’ as well as authors’ websites for more reading and writing ideas and free downloads. Here’s a sampling of what is available.
Clavis Publishing is hosting children’s book authors for online story time reading. They’re also providing free activity sheets.
I found delightful teaching guides and activity kits at Penguin House Young Readers for books that cater to all ages. I viewed the activity kit for Baking Day at Grandma’s. I’ve not read this book yet, but just reading through all the fun activity ideas makes me want to buy it as soon as possible!
Author, Michael James Dowling, and illustrator, Sarah Buell Dowling, have a beautiful website with fun activities relating to their faith-based book, Frog’s Rainy Day Story.
Children’s book author, Wendy Dunham has lots of printables suitable for young students on her website. It’s perfect timing for those related to her book, A Windy Spring Day!
SCIENCE
Speaking of windy, why not challenge your kids to fashion homemade kites? Hypothesize what design and materials will work best, then put your theories to the test.
If you’re struggling with aerodynamics or wondering about another topic in the science field, did you know your family can skype a scientist for free? This website is a riveting new find. https://www.skypeascientist.com/for-families.html
Investigate websites of various zoos such as the Cincinnati Zoo, N.C. Zoo, and the Houston Zoo. Many have lesson ideas as well as webcams set up to see live streaming of animal exhibits.
The Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter are offering live Facebook programs including science experiments, special speakers, and animal encounters during the coronavirus crisis.
OTHER WEBSITES TO CONSIDER
Other websites to check for further ideas and information:
https://www.libraries2020.org/libraries_help_families_during_quarantine
Tiger Woods Foundation: https://tgreduexplore.org/curriculum
Check out Holly Homer’s website KidsActivitiesBlog.com where she gives an extensive list of educational companies offering free subscriptions and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enjoy the music by the Metropolitan Opera during the Coronavirus closure.
And finally, can you say PINTEREST? I love Pinterest and it is my go-to for ideas and activities for school subjects, crafts, games, you name it. I’ve gathered more ideas for you there.
A BOUNTIFUL CAN BE OVERWHELMING
A bountiful of opportunities can be overwhelming. And this is only a tiny sampling of what’s available.
Enjoy the time at home with your kids. Be creative and do activities with them. But don’t think you have to be planning fun things around the clock, or even one a day for that matter. You’ll burn out. The ideas meant to help you keep your sanity will drive you bonkers if you try to do too much.
Therefore, give yourself permission to relax. Remember one of the things I mentioned in part one of this series—to carve out a little quiet time every day.
Staying sane with kids around-the-clock takes prayer and practice–pandemic, or not. We must learn to discern when to engage in activities and when to find contentment in being still.
It’s one of the most important things we can teach our kids.
include time to be quiet and still.
2 Comments
Karen
Wonderful post, Sally! So many intriguing sites to check out! Thank you for your careful research!
Sally Matheny
Hi, Karen. I’m glad you stopped by and I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful. Please share other helpful ideas and resources with us as you discover them. I hope you have a healthy and joyful day.