2020 has been quite a year so far, and not in a good way. It’s only March, and it seems like the ‘bad’ news just keeps coming. I used ‘bad’ because I usually don’t view experiences as good, bad, or otherwise — only an experience to learn from. But, oh… OH… 2020 has made me rethink that rule.
The latest blow has been the COVID-19 coronavirus arriving in the United States. Needless to say, it has thrown everyone for a loop and disrupted many people’s everyday lives. Businesses have shut down. Schools have closed. Grocery store shelves have been cleared due to people overbuying. Hospitals are trying to prepare for the worst, and the federal and state governments are working to keep the public safe. The country, scratch that, the world is kinda in crisis-mode. Watching all of this unfold has been scary, surreal, and has felt like an out-of-body experience, if I’m being honest. Neither my nor my parents’ generation or my grandparents’ generation, has ever been through anything like this before. It’s almost too much to handle.
So, how is this affecting our homeschool? Well, it’s not affecting it too much, actually. The biggest changes are that the homeschool group my boys attend isn’t holding classes until at least the middle of April, and we can’t do our weekly library visits or hang out with friends. Our dedicated academic learning time is still going strong, and we’ve continued our nature walks as much as we can. We’re just staying home as much as possible and hanging out as a family like we always do. It’s kinda ironic that the way we’ve lived for at least five years is now the “recommended” lifestyle at the moment. Go figure!
Because of the changes and the fact that I want my kids to be aware of what’s happening in the world, I’ve been talking to my them about the current pandemic, answering any questions I can based on what I’m learning, and have started using additional resources to give them more information on the history of virus outbreaks, how they can be prevented, how they are resolved, how cities/countries are impacted, and some of the careers that are involved in this field of study. I have to say, from what I’ve read and watched so far, this a fascinating, yet scary topic, but it’s better to know than to be in the dark. I think we’ll all be empowered after all of this learning occurs and this thing is over!
I asked my peeps over on Insta and FB if I should share the resources we’re using, and I received a resounding yes. Below, you’ll find a living list of what we’re using that I hope you’ll find helpful. Anytime we use some new, I’ll be adding it to this page, so bookmark it for future reference.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase items through my link, it does not cost you any extra, and I receive a small commission. Thank you in advance!
Books
These are books that I’ll read aloud to all of the children (ages 12, 8, & 5) in 10-15 minute time blocks. Reading a little bit everyday keeps them engaged and retains more knowledge over time. We’ll also try any crafts or experiments we come across along the way. (I’ll share those, too!)
Documentaries & Short, Informational Videos
A mix of videos and documentaries for a range of ages, free or at a low cost. I’ve included short and multi-episode options that will work depending on interest or age-appropriateness.
- Pandemic | How to Prevent an Outbreak Series
- Prescription: Nutrition
- Viruses: Destruction and Creation
- The Coronavirus Epidemic
- Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 outbreak)
- Videos from the outbreak category
- Videos from the virus category
Additional Information
Common Sense Media is a great place to check for reviews of movies, TV, books, apps, and games, especially when you may not have time to preview everything. They even have a section on Coronavirus resources that you may want to check out.
Curiosity Stream is offering a deal — $15 for an entire year, today only, Wednesday, 3/18. After today, the price increases to $19, but it’s still very much worth it!
Brain Pop is providing free access to families for all of the Brain Pop products when you sign-up for as long as schools are closed.
Though we may be going through a challenging time, learning doesn’t stop, and that’s a wonderful thing.
With love and light,
Camille
The Intuitive Homeschooler 