Children
Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.
Tips from the National Association of School Psychologists are available in multiple languages: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
Dr. Taylor Purvis has created a downloadable children’s book: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wH-DkTwvpNdeWaYJnyv-bzdxvpXr9U2m/view
LSU Health Sciences was one of the expert sources for a comic that helps explain the new virus to kids. You can view it online, or print and fold a zine version: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children site has helpful tips for talking to the kids in your life about COVID-19 and keeping them occupied during school closures: https://healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
The Child Mind Institute’s tips include ones for yourself — and a video: https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Resources for at-home learning
Local library branches are closed to patrons, but they have online learning resources: http://www.jplibrary.net/; http://nolalibrary.org/; https://www.stbernard.lib.la.us/elearning/
The New Orleans Public Library just launched Virtual Storytime for everyone, live on their website and YouTube channel (no library card required): https://www.youtube.com/user/NOLALibrary. Every Friday morning they will host a special Live Storytime, broadcast at 10:30 AM on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nolalibrary.
Save the Children has tips for helping kids deal with extended school closures, along with relaxation activities, math and reading tips, brain building ideas, free educational sites and more. Source: https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/emergency-response/coronavirus-outbreak/resources
Scholastic has cross-curricular journeys to keep up learning when schools are closed. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with other caring adults. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Many education companies are offering their subscription services for free: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/
Local artists have created free coloring sheets with local designs that you can download (great for adults, too!):
Sarah Clostio Artistry https://www.sarahclostioartistry.com/freebies
Walking Man Studios https://www.walkingmanstudios.com/shop/freecoloringpages
The Saints: http://neworlns.co/SaintsBook
Cosmic Kids has online yoga for children: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
Wild, Free, and Crafty has art lessons for children and adults: https://www.youtube.com/c/WildFreeandCrafty