NEW INNOVATIVE WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR KIDS IN SELF-ISOLATION THIS WEEK
by Alana Dunsmore
UPDATED – 15 April – new info in PINK.
It may not always be pretty and there may be moments when we wonder how on earth we’ll manage, but we’re trying our best. Pat yourself on the back.
In case the first weeks didn’t go as well as you’d hoped, we share some NEW – including local – ways to keep the children happy and learning.
ALSO read our other articles for tips on self-isolation in Geneva:
CoronaVirus – How to Manage your Fear and Anxiety
Is Home Working with the Kids unraveling Fast? Stay with These & 7 Tips
Netflix movies and series worth bingeing on
Family things to do in Self-quarantine: Week 1
Things to do in Geneva during self-quarantine
Helpful Resources, websites and Tips during Self-isolation in Geneva
9 Things to Love about Self – Isolation
Best movies and shows to watch on Disney +
How we celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday in self – isolation
MERCI LES INFIRMIERS ET INFIRMIÈRES – Drawing competition for children
Teaming up with Weez, J’Adooore family guide is hosting a drawing contest for children ages 5-15 years old. The contest is called Merci les Infirmiers et infirmières, celebrating all the hard-working nurses during this time. This contest will continue until the children return to school. All finished work will be offered to a nurse to express our solidarity with them. Send your drawings via email to concours@jadoore.ch. Each child can submit a maximum of three drawings per child which will be displayed on Facebook and Instagram. This contest is open to childen living in Geneva and neighbouring France.
FOR MORE INFO
CLICK HERE
DIGITAL LIBRARY FOR UNDER 12s
This app is a digital library for kids 12 and under. The app provides a large variety of books and there are audiobook versions as well. Some even have quizzes at the end. For us this has been a lifesaver. Your child can practice reading on their own and you can get some time to yourself with this app!
CLICK HERE for link to app.
LET SOMEONE ELSE READ THE STORIES…
Our son loves listening to stories, which is great but sometimes our voices need a break. There’s also only so many times we can read the same book. Libraries have online options (see previous point) but that still requires screen time for young eyes. This is when podcasts can be great. Kids can lay down on their beds and be taken off to a fantasy world without using a screen and you get a break. Check out our list of great online audio resources. Make sure you check out storyline online. This website has favourite celebrities reading the classics!
WEBSITES
audible.com
storylineonline.net
storynory.com
nextory.ch
World of David Walliams
PODCAST
Story pirates
Sparkle Stories
Story podcast
MUSIC WEBSITE
BURNING OFF ALL THAT ENERGY
What to do with all that pent-up energy? Keep introducing different ways of exercising into their schedule. We’ve identified some Youtube exercise videos that are fun for kids.
WEBSITES:
CALMING DOWN WITH MEDITATION
Even if you are incorporating some sort of home schooling, your children still might be quite excitable and in a holiday state of mind. Incorporate a bit of meditation in in their bedtime routine to help calm them down. It might even be the one thing from self-quarantine you are happy to keep when this crisis is all over.
The Headspace app introduce kids to the art of mediation, helping them to calm down. They offer a free trail. The subscription offers a full library of themed courses, including a new meditation every day. The offering includes sleep sounds and bedtime exercises.
MORE INFO
MAKING NEW FRIENDS – INCLUDING A BIG RED DOG!
Ok, so this might be more of a favourite of mine than my son’s, but Clifford the Big Red Dog and PBS friends are available for games, videos and other activities to assist with learning. The crew at PBS (American network) are offering daily activities and tips to help the kids during school closures.
MORE INFO
A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING – VIRTUAL PAID CURRICULUMS
These resources offer a variety of courses, for a variety of ages. Depending on your need you will find everything from academics option to more vocational choices. Something for all interests or needs. They are all paid services and may require pre registration for courses but a great range of variety.
LINKS
READING AND WRITING FUN
Funbrain is great if your child needs help with maths or reading. They offer a variety of games, videos and books to help with these important skills. You will find something for every age starting from beginners’ levels to around age 13.
MORE INFO
A BIT MORE STRUCTURE
READING EGGS
Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for your child. This site provides great online games and activities to help your child improve their reading skills.
There is an online curriculum that your child can move through at their own pace. You pay and create an account but currently they are offering a 30-day free trail which is easy to cancel. With the subscription you have access to printing out your own worksheet for any area your kid needs help with.
MORE INFO
INTO THE BOOK
Into the Book is a resource for elementary students and teachers. Here the focus is on eight reseach based strategies: Using prior knowledge, making connections, questioning, visualizing, inferring, summarizing, evaluating and synthesizing.
On this website you will find online interactive activities and videos programs. The resources are for Engish and Spanish learners! Lots of information available here so make sure you take a look!
MORE INFO
CLASS ROOM EDUCATION – NEW
Looking for a little something more structure. This website offers a world class education for anyone, anywhere and 100% free.
MORE INFO
FOR THE YOUNGER KIDS – NEW
Here you will find a variety of learning activities for kids up to about 8 years old. There’s a variety of activities to help with Math, English Language, Arts and Music.
FOR LITTLE CHEFS
Through instragram Delish is offering kids and parents cooking classes. Weekly at 1pm EST they will be streaming live cooking classes intended for kids. 1pm means 6pm Geneva time, which is not ideal but maybe something that can be done for dessert or in prep for the next day’s meals.
MORE INFO
NEW
If you can’t make the Delish classes because of the time change check out this website. In addition to a variety of activities it has recipes that the kids will love and I am sure the can help make!y
MORE INFO
FOR LITTLE CONSTRUCTION BUILDERS
Brick 4 kids has started a free LEGO building session live on their Facebook page. Every Wednesday at 2:30pm kids can tune in and work on their lego building skills! The sessions will also be available for replay after.
MORE INFO
FOR THE BUDDING SCIENTISTS IN THE HOUSE
If you have a kid who loves science this is the website for them. Here you will find a variety of free videos and pages related to the area of science.
MORE INFO
Looking for science experiements to do with your kids. Check out the below link. Here you will will hundress of free at home experiements to explore with kiddos!
MORE INFO
Here’s something to help with the science portion of your homeschooling. On this website you will find videos, facts, jokes and much more for the science lovers of all ages.
MORE INFO
HISTORY LOVE
If your kids love history BBC is offering activities on a variety of periods. Here you will find activities on not only Bristish history but all over the world of all periods.
MORE INFO
MATH HELP
Looking for a little help in the math department. Here’s a website that provides math help in a fun and cool way.
MORE INFO
Good luck and stay positive. Remember nothing has to be perfect and it doesn’t matter how messy the house is. Just take a deep breath and find time to have fun with the family!
As always, we would love to hear from you – what is really working in your house. Please share. COMMENT in the field below.
Love your ideas thanks great work keep it up!! M
Thanks 😉
Dear Chene,
check this out in case you havent seen it yet:
https://www.myfrenchfilmfestival.com/pt/selection
A selection of short french movies with subtitles for all ages. Some do not have dialogue. I have already watched 2 for kids.
Looks interesting- thank you!