Whether your kiddos know a lot about COVID-19 or are getting more anxious about it as time goes by, here are a few great resources to help you answer their questions.
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus -- from the Child Mind Institute
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child -- from KidsHealth.org
That means, "Bored? Learn a new language!" Duolingo is a free fun website with quizzes, games, and articles to help you learn a new language. Already using Duolingo and looking for something a little more challenging? New Jersey public library card holders get free access to Rosetta Stone through the State Library. Learning a new language is a great way to spend your spare time and can be done individually or as a family!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is offering free virtual tours of their collection! They've also got some fun activities for all ages. Just head to the MET website to see a list of ways to explore the museum and the collections. Learn more about paintings, scupltures, costume collections, and more through the MET on Google Arts and Culture.
Tired of TV? Reluctant to do more reading? We hear you!
How about trying a podcast? There are many can't-stop-listening podcasts that are just right for kids, tweens, and families. Why not try one while you, say, fold your clean laundry? (We tried, grown-ups!)
Common Sense Media has some really helpful lists of suggested podcasts. Click below to view them!
Librarians Suzanne & Alison are especially fond of the Blazer Fresh videos from GoNoodle. Maybe it's because they're dancing and singing in the library!
Click here to check out this fun one about making patterns and get a brain break while you dance.
Nod, clap, shake your hips! Nod, clap, shake your hips! Nod, clap, shake your hips!
Classical music buoys the spirit during unsettled times. All ages can enjoy some short videos of uplifting pieces presented by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Author Jerry Pallotta, writer of the Who Would Win series, reads Green Ants vs. Army Ants. We think Jerry is great and love his books, but kids: Don’t curl your library book covers like he does in this video!!! Sheesh.
Follow along with everyone's favorite, Mo Willems, as he teaches us creative ways to draw, write, and keep our hands busy and our minds engaged. As part of his role as the Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center, he is welcoming us for a video visit to his studio each weekday at 1:00.
For more info, see this article on the Kennedy Center website.
While we're all schooling from home, PebbleGo has extended some extras to the East Brunswick community. The library already subscribes to PebbleGo, a fantastic early-reader database featuring age-appropriate, ad-free information about animals, science, and social studies, complete with supports like audio voiceovers and text highlighting. To provide extra support during school closures, our sales rep has provided free access to other modules that are not part of the library's current subscription, including dinosaurs, biographies, and content for older kids. Thanks, Katie!
Investigate some of the East Brunswick Public Library’s fun online resources!
Looking for some fun ways to keep busy at home? The library has lots of great resources for you to access using your East Brunswick Public Library card! Browse EBPL’s entire digital library here, or read below for a few family-friendly suggestions.