There are several resources available for parents about the Coronavirus. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has resources to assist education leaders in protecting student privacy and ensuring students with disabilities continue to receive services required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) during school closures due to the outbreak. The ED also released important information for K-12 educators on flexibilities the Department could grant when it comes to the accountability standards required by law under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). We particularly recommend reviewing COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has additional guidance and further resources, including:
Colorín Colorado is a good resource for English Language Learners and their families, as well as educators. We particularly want to call attention to their Multilingual Coronavirus Resources for Schools.
ACCESS Curriculum Website We have opened the MEMBERS ONLY section (under the MORE tab) of this website to all. Please use the resources to engage children during this tough time. Here you will find additional resources such as in-depth investigations, forms/worksheets for download, and specific content tool kits.
Free Virtual Preschool Circle Time – Week 1 Whether you’ve been quarantined at home unexpectedly, have chosen to do preschool from home, or are just looking for some online activities for your 3-5-year-old, here are free virtual preschool videos from a veteran preschool teacher.
For Educators: Relationship Mapping Strategy (New Version!) Just released! A new “virtual” version of our popular Relationship Mapping Strategy. Use it for your school, community organization, or religious group to help ensure everyone has a strong connection to someone else during these challenging times. See it here.
Teaching Coronavirus
Coronavirus: Multilingual Resources for Schools It's important that schools share accurate information about coronavirus with all school staff and families, including families of English learners. These resources include multilingual fact sheets and infographics. We'll update this page as new resources becomes available.
Resources for Educators During the Coronavirus Pandemic Get free tips and tools to support school closures and transitions to online and at-home learning.
BrainPOP FREE lesson plans to help with conversations regarding the Coronavirus: Click here for elementary and here for all other grades.
Teaching Science/Nature
Visit FSNatureLIVE distance learning adventures! The USDA Forest Service, Prince William Network and partners bring nature learning to you through our series of webcasts, webinars, and online education resources. No matter where you are in the world, visit our LIVE programs for exciting, on-site learning about bats, butterflies, climate change, wetlands, and more! Register, tune in, and experience our latest LIVE programs or access our past adventures and join the nature action! -- Live adventures take you to exciting places where you meet experts and educators. -- Previous adventures allow you to access full programs, searchable VIDEO segments and classroom resources anytime. Check out the LESSON PLANS and EDUCATOR RESOURCES to learn more!
A Virtual Science Unconference As many of you are undoubtedly doing, the PocketLab team is working from home and making the best of this strange time. Between entertaining our toddlers and stocking up on groceries, we brainstormed with a group of other innovative science education companies to devise the first-ever, Science is Cool (ScIC) Unconference. We're excited to share this opportunity with you! The ScIC Unconference is a free virtual event on Thursday April 2 and is open to everyone to attend. To register click here and read on for more details.
Learning Keeps Going A coalition of education organizations developed this website that hosts tips, webinars and resource lists for transitioning to digital learning. It also contains a help desk for educators and a hotline for parents and students.
How to Teach Online Courses These free courses can help educators learn strategies for remote and distance learning with students.
Technology Assistance
Virtual Meetings Google Meet (formerly Hangouts) is a tool that we frequently use to host virtual meetings. It can be used through any device, although you may be required to download an app. Here is a simple video that explains how to schedule meetings through Google Meet. Video chats through Meet have a cap of 25 users. If you are scheduling a larger virtual meeting, you can also use Zoom meeting software. Zoom has recently taken the step of lifting the time limit on free accounts. Instructions for the removal of that time limit can be found here. Videos and Additional Resources The Ohio EdTechs have begun the process of creating videos that will focus on elements related to creating and maintaining an online learning presence. Nearly 20 videos have been posted with more to follow. These videos include the opportunity for viewers to post questions via the comments area as well as access to additional resources related to each subject. You can find these videos on the Ohio EdTech YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCLus2wXn-VEt2x5s0hX-lNQ. (Select the playlist Online Teaching and Learning Support.)
Trauma
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus Experts from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network share their recommendations for educators supporting students during the COVID-19 crisis. See it here.
FREE WEBINAR SERIES: UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA WITH DR. BAILEY We’re making our 3-session webinar series Understanding Trauma with Dr. Becky Bailey available at no cost for individual users for the next 90 days. Register for free access today.
Inclusive to all Students
Talking Points This app can help educators send text messages and communications to students and families in their home languages.
KIDS DISCOVER :Free Access for COVID-19/Coronavirus School Closures Individual Teacher Access: If you are looking to gain immediate access for both you and your students, or household, and do not need access for your entire school, we are offering 3 months of free access to Kids Discover Online effective immediately using a Coupon Code. School / District-wide Access: Enabling school or district-wide access is now reserved exclusively for school and district level administrators, such as Principals, Assistant Principals, Curriculum Coordinators, Library Media Specialists, etc. If you're interested in this option, please fill out the form here.