Out of ideas on what to do with the kids? Check out these activities

The Internet, including Facebook, has exploded with online resources to encourage and support all of those staying home with children during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.  Many of the resources are offered for free or at discounted prices while the entire country practices the imperative self-quarantine method.  

First, here are a couple of local options:

-Crave Dance Studio owner Laurie Walter writes on the studio's Facebook page, "Grab the kids and join me LIVE today at 3:00 for some fun movement that anyone can do. Let's keep Decorah dancing!"  The link to her page can be found here.

-Decorah Parks and Recreation is working to continue to serve kids and families during this time of social distancing by regularly posting "Activities from a Distance" on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DecorahParkRec/) and website (https://parks.decorahia.org/).  "Activities from a Distance" will include ideas of games and activities for kids and families to enjoy at home, which hopefully will help families in the community during this unprecedented time.

-Steel Cow fans are invited to join Steel Cow artist Valerie Miller Thursday at 2:30 p.m. for a Facebook live presentation. Valerie will start a daily series of live videos for the next few weeks for kids (and grown ups) to learn about art and being an artist. She'll give demonstrations, answer questions, and try to bring a little joy into everyone's world right now. Check out her page here.

-The Decorah Public Library does have access to both eBooks and audiobooks.  If you have a current library card, you can simply use that information to access the database here. If you don't have a current library card, you can request one at this link.

-Keystone Online Resources  can be accessed using Classlink information that all Decorah students should have without having to enter a username and password.  If that doesn't work kaea025 (username) and kaea01 (password) should work for most websites.  

Now on to resources outside of Decorah. For a list of options that support learning at home through technology like websites, apps, podcasts, and Youtube, check out this link. The page features websites from companies such as www.starfall.com, www.readworks.org, and www.abcya.com. Also featured are videos to find on Youtube, like the Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic Kids, and StoryBots. On this second page, many more online resources are listed for developing skills in the areas of health/PE, sight words, social/emotional, and the arts.

Do you have a Lego fan or two stuck at home?  This link provides a free, downloadable calendar with 30 days of Lego challenges.

According to the CDC, playing outside is still a safe option for kids.  But we live in Iowa and it's March, and we all know what a weather roller coaster it can be.  So here's a list of 100+ things to do inside with your kids.

Toilet paper is in short supply, but mindfullness doesn't have to be.  Check out this site with daily reminders to keep your brain set on good and rational things.

Vacations and trips are on hold temporarily, but look no farther if you still want to "get away."  This website gives links to 20 virtual field trips to take with your family.  Plus, there are lesson ideas, activities, and book suggestions to extend the learning for each type of destination.  No need to spend hours and hours looking for flights, hotels, and the best deals on admission.  Just click away!

Beloved children's author Mo Willems invites everyone into his studio every day on this link for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo's studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. New episodes will be posted each weekday at 12:00 p.m. and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.