Child Voices on When the World Closed
For us, children’s responses to the book When the World Closed are a better measure of success than any sales figures, donations made, awards given, or expert praise. We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share our story with the people who most needed to hear it, and are even more grateful for its positive reception. Helping children through this difficult time has given our work purpose and meaning. We hope to continue to do so as the world begins opening back up again.
Recommended Reading: 5 Children’s Books for Social Emotional Learning during Isolation
One of the best resources to help kids learn almost anything is to talk to them about those things directly and intentionally. Sometimes we don’t know exactly where to start, or how to integrate different perspectives into conversations with children while keeping conversations developmentally appropriate. Books can help with this! Great research has indicated that reading with children, and having an active dialogue based on what is read, is a great way to help children glean experiences that they haven’t yet had in real life, or to make sense of experiences they have had and need help understanding or communicating. Reading can give valuable perspectives, encourage empathy and understanding, and build developmentally appropriate skills. In this post, we list 5 great children’s books for the development of social emotional skills that can be particularly helpful during COVID-19 pandemic isolation.
Isolation Imagination: Walking in a winter wonderland (while wearing a mask and social distancing)
These times are…wait for it… unprecedented. And they are changing how we are living our lives, how we are celebrating our holidays, and how we are being festive. Winter festivities are no exception. Where I live, the cold and dreary weather is making it even harder to see one another comfortably and safely. So, here are some festive winter fun ideas for celebrating winter holidays and the winter season safely during the pandemic!
Children’s Book for Social-Emotional Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic, Now Available!
Childhood anxiety and mental health concerns are at an all-time high surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Educators and parents continue to be overwhelmed by the pressing need to address ongoing challenges that young school-aged children are facing with changing routines, limited social interactions, and school closures. When the World Closed was created to be a resource for these pressing needs, as a place to begin necessary conversations with children about the current times, and inspire social and emotional growth and resilience.
The Rules of Reading: The art and science of reading WITH a child
People love to read to kids. It’s a fun bonding experience and a great way to help children learn and develop. Having books tells your child that reading, thinking, learning, and educating themselves is something to value and prioritize. But having those books and reading to children that can’t yet read to themselves is just the start of reading best practices; there is much more to be done to best set your child up for success in reading skills and language development. Read this post for the rules of effective reading!
Isolation Imagination: Twists and turns for Thanksgiving traditions
Thanksgiving reminds us to take the time to be grateful for one another. This is not only fun, it is incredibly good for our emotional and physical health. In the midst of the pandemic, there is a sense of grief that our usual Thanksgiving traditions will be on hold for health and safety reasons. So we need to reimagine it! Read for socially distant Thanksgiving ideas!
The Trauma that Remains: Healing after the Pandemic
The promise of a COVID-19 vaccine gives us a reason to get life back to “normal.” But life for many is not going to be "normal" again for a long time. Even if we all get vaccinated, WE will be different. Over the course of the pandemic, the world has faced a prolonged traumatic event, and that trauma changes our individual brains. When the pandemic ends, we must begin to heal together.
Recommended Reading: The best books for kids about the coronavirus pandemic
A descriptive list of the best children's books to help kids through the coronavirus pandemic, related shutdowns, and quarantine. From informational and educational to heartwarming and uplifting, there will be a picture book on this list for kids of all ages and stages.
Isolation Imagination: Quar-o-ween & socially distant spooks!
Fall feels different this year as we brace for what will likely be another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and across much of the world. Halloween and other fall festivities will inevitably look and feel different. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of the fun we usually look forward to at this time of the year. Read on for ideas for a safe and healthy quarantined Halloween!
Isolation Imagination: Fun things to do with your family during shutdown (Part 1)
Suffering from COVID-19 fatigue? We definitely are.
So we've created a running series of blog posts to share some of our fun and socially distant activity ideas, in case you want to try them too! I'm calling them quarantivities (quarantine activities - love it!?)!
These are family friendly, socially distant, healthy and safe ideas for new and different activities to do with your family!
The Kids Are Not Alright: Child Distress during Pandemic Shutdowns and How to Help
It can be easy to overlook the complex emotions of children during the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns. But like adults, they are experiencing new challenges of isolation, grief, and fear. Because children might not have the words yet, they often communicate distress non-verbally. Read for signs of distress in young children and ways we can help them through these difficult times.