TALK ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING
READING We are very interested in keeping our children reading while staying at home. As we keep the children engaged and continue the importance of reading, let us remember our own wellbeing and take a few minutes a day to enjoy some great resources available to us.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES FROM HOME Tired of Netflix? Tired of Facebook? Ready to take off on an arts and culture trip around the world? Through the power of the internet, you can virtually travel to other countries and experience some of the greatest collections in the most famous museums. Google Arts & Culture has curated the best art & museums across the globe and it's all free and at your fingertips. Let us know which museum you visit, virtually of course!
RESOURCES FROM THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY The New York Public Library offer remote digital library services. All you need is your library card to be able to browse and read through the entire digital library. This also includes audio books and access to the more than 800,000 digitized items including historic prints, photographs, maps and manuscripts. Learn more here. Don't have a library card? No problem. During this period of closure, NY residents can apply online through the SimplyE app. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Anyone who follows our office knows that we LOVE reading. While students are back to learning via online instruction, it's important to keep children reading while at home. As we keep the children engaged and continue the importance of reading, let us remember our own wellbeing and take a few minutes a day to enjoy some great resources available to us.
Although schools, gyms, art classes, music lessons—and, seemingly, life as we know it—are canceled, families can keep entertained and keep learning with live events and activities online. We've compiled a list of activities ranging from drawing lessons to museum tours happening online. The best part? They're free. If you, like many of us parents here at Common Sense, are scrambling to find ways to keep your kids engaged with good media, check out our list!
For children experiencing distress, coding can provide a helpful outlet. Coding combines elements of art and visual language while building on the fundamentals of creativity and problem-solving in a way where children are more comfortable expressing themselves: visually. Find coding activities for pre-schoolers, school-aged children and teens.
WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has led to the spread of fear and panic for individuals and communities. In addition to following physical precautions guidelines, individuals should be taking care of their psychological well-being. For Everyone:
For Parents, Including Parents of Children with Pre-Existing Anxiety Disorders:
Emma's Place http://www.emmasplacesi.com Emma's Place, Staten Island's Grief and Loss center for Children and Families, is serving the community during COVID 19. Their home page includes valuable videos on helping children during this unprecedented time. Child Mind Institute They will answer questions daily at 10:00am and 4:30pm on their Facebook page. Website: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/ Text4Caregivers Resources, self-care and stress management support for Caregivers of special needs children by age and diagnosis. Website: https://platform.trumpia.com/onlineSignup/ddpctext/text4caregivers A NY State of Mind www.headspace.com/ny Governor Cuomo just announced NYS is partnering with Headspace to offer free meditation and mindfulness content for all New Yorkers as a mental health resource for an initiative called "A NY state of mind." New Yorkers across the state can access a specially curated collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety. Available at www.headspace.com/ny, the collection will also feature Headspace co-founder and former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe, who will share special video messages with the people of New York to help offer guidance, support and solidarity. Parent to Parent of NYS http://www.ptopnys.org Parent to Parent of New York State builds a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions. Parent to Parent of NYS 1050 Forest Hill Road Staten Island, NY 10314 716-427-5140 IMMIGRANT FAMILY RESOURCES
PUBLIC SCHOOLS Borough Hall's Education Team is in constant communication with the Department of Education on the latest on online instruction and all issues surrounding school closure. Here is what we can share that we believe all parents should know: Remote Learning/Instruction Delivery Each school has its own online platform, with many schools using Google Classroom. Educators have contacted school communities to let you know what remote learning tool your child's school will be using.
Technology and Distribution To keep students connected and able to participate in remote learning, the DOE is lending 300,000 Internet-enabled iPads to students. Priority will be given to students most in need. All devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to be returned. There is a limit of one device per student.
Special Education If your student is recommended for integrated co-teaching, special class, or special education teacher support services (SETSS), your school will make every effort to arrange for students to continue to receive instruction from the same special education teachers and classroom paraprofessionals that usually teach them. Someone from your school will contact you to discuss how instruction will be delivered.
Multilingual/English Language Learners Every school will create a remote learning plan to ensure that English language learners and former English language learners receive targeted instruction in English with the appropriate amount of supports in their home language. Your school will continue to consider your student's specific strengths and needs, such as their current level of proficiency in English and the academic areas where they need the most support. These services will be provided by and in collaboration with an appropriately certified teacher. State Assessment Tests
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