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HOMESCHOOLINGRESOURCES | COMMUNITY
Stay Engaged Locally
The COVID-19 outbreak has reminded us all how much we depend on each other.
As we deal with the effects of social distancing at a time when our local communities need us more than ever, it’s important to bring kids into the conversation about com- munity.
Here is a list of ways you can engage with your local com- munity during this challeng- ing time and help your kids form good habits for the future.
Local business: Teach your children about how local busi- nesses keep the local economy afloat, and how important it is to continue supporting local businesses during the eco- nomic slowdown caused by social distancing. Buy gift cer- tificates to businesses whose services you can’t use right now and put them away for later or give them as gifts.
Local museums: Check to see if your local museums are offering virtual tours or live online activities. Plan visits when they reopen.
Local seniors: Since corona- virus is particularly threaten- ing to senior citizens, have your child help you brain- storm ways to help our your community’s seniors. This could include organizing a group of children to sing to seniors by video conferencing or organizing an effort to pick
up grocery orders for seniors in the community.
Local nature: Go for a walk around your neighborhood and appreciate all it has to offer. Look up information about birds in your area and try to identify them.
Take in local scenery by painting or photographing it. Consider hosting an online photo or art contest for kids featuring their neighborhood’s flora and fauna.
Local food: Dine-in might be closed, but take-out, deliv-
ery and drive-thru are still an option. Enjoy all the foods your local eateries have to offer. Encourage kids to try new flavors and types of food.
Local startup: If you are out of work, consider starting a small, local family business.
© ADOBE STOCK
This will allow you to contrib- ute to the local economy during lean times, and per- haps provide a product or ser- vice that’s vital to the COVID- 19 community response. Allow kids to help with advertising and social media.