Okay, so how is everyone doing?
If the answer is some variation of “I’ve been better,” then we just want to say that’s okay and you’re not alone. I think we are all experiencing some level of encroaching anxiety as we look at coming out the other end of this. We’d like to give you a list of links that can help you manage some of that anxiety.
Whether you’re housebound solo, spending unprecedented periods of 1:1 time with a significant other, or trying to carve out space to concentrate while suddenly running a home school – we feel you, we’re thinking of you, and we hope that you’re keeping your spirits up. Just remember, we will get through this! “Work week” and “weekend” may not take on quite the same meaning these days, but the fact of the matter is, there are so many ways to stay engaged! Following is a list of some great online activities and resources to keep the whole housebound involved in something to occupy and entertain!
For the kids, by category
Animals
- Livestreams, activities and learning from San Diego Zoo
- More animal videos and activities from National Geographic Kids
Art
- Famous illustrators are offering free drawing classes & read-alongs
- Got a car buff? Check out these printable Ford, Audi and classic car coloring sheets
- For the mini artist in the family: free daily drawing lessons with Piggie and Gerald author Mo Willems
- Fun and easy-to-follow drawing videos by Art for Kids
- Make your own comic with Pixton
Activities
- Indoor games to tire out the kids so you can get some work done, from Fatherly.com
- No time like the present to try free cooking lessons with Instructables.com
- Learn at home activities and resources from Scholastic
- Mathematics made fun by Math Before Bed
- The real surface of Mars, now in your browser. Very cool digital space experience from Access Mars
- Activities, Jokes, Games and more from Highlights Kids
- Endless printable activity sheets available on Pinterest, like these Math coloring pages
- Take a break to shake the sillies out with Just Dance Kids and Go Noodle
Mind and body care for adults:
- A special collection of free training modules on remote working from LinkedIn
- A thoughtful guide to overall well-being during the pandemic from Greater Good
- Free daily workout classes livestreamed from Blink Fitness
- Free trial of the “world’s best workouts” with Les Mills
- Guided Meditation with Head Space and InsightTimer
Family entertainment:
- Tour Machu Picchu, explore the Taj Mahal and much, much more with Google Arts and Culture
- Virtual tour of the amazing New Mexico Caves
- Physical distance only – social is more important than ever! Virtual get-togethers are easy for all ages with Zoom
- Classical and Ballet livestreaming for days (literally) with Classic FM
- Livestreaming from the Metropolitan Opera
- Digital concert hall from the Berlin Philharmonic opera
- Guilt-free educational entertainment from PBS kids, CBC Kids and Canada’s National Film Board
What would you add? We know there are lots more great resources out there from all around the world. Please feel free to send us any more you know!
Keep well!
Nancy
