Talking to children about coronavirus
During the pandemic, some children may experience increased worry or concern about themselves or family members becoming unwell. Although it is important for our children to follow social distancing protocols and good hygiene practices during the pandemic, it is also important that we balance these efforts with age appropriate information about COVID-19.
This 30 second animation from Beyond Blue provides advice around supporting children during the pandemic, including steps in talking about difficult things.
Emerging Minds has resources to support adults when talking to children about challenging events.
The Royal Children’s Hospital has some useful tips for adults supporting children during the pandemic and explains some of the more common questions that doctors are asked.
Drummond Street has up-to-date information for families and educators as well as links to other resources to support wellbeing.
Resources are available in languages other than English about the pandemic.
Supporting learning at home
There are lots of online resources available for families to support children of all ages to learn from home, however it can be overwhelming to know which resources will work best for your children and fit into whatever time you have to support them.
Our suggestion is to try one or two items and see what works, and use incidental, everyday tasks to support learning, as these may be more sustainable and fit into your current routine.
For very young children
Starting Blocks helps you take your first steps in parenting, including tips to support early learning.
The Raising Children Network has learning activities for preschoolers. It includes tips and ideas as well as videos of drawing, writing, storytelling, counting and other activities.
Moonee Valley Libraries has online Storytime.
The ABC has a number of early education learning areas for activities and includes information for parents to understand the learning within the activity.
For older children
Activities by age group or year level for children learning remotely, from the Department of Education.
Wide open school offers education options, including websites and apps that may support children’s learning.
Zoos Victoria have webcam footage of different animals to watch while you can't go to the zoo.
Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover.
National Geographic has interesting resources and games.
Young Explorers is a magazine designed specifically for young children. Children can listen to the magazine being read to them as they follow along with the highlighted text.
Have fun with Science experiments, listen to science podcasts or take a dive into ocean life.
Other activities families can do at home
Vic Health has tips on how to keep children active during the isolation.
Red Tent Art has step-by-step instructions on art projects including origami, 3D cards and clay pots.
Highlight kids has fun games, recipes, crafts and activities.
Do some cooking with these illustrated recipes designed to help kids aged 2 to 12 years to cook or do a kid-friendly workout.
Online safety
Using online materials can be a great way for children to learn and explore, but it can also put them at risk. It is important for adults to understand the risks associated with children using the internet.