With schools closed for the second week and today’s announcement from Gov. Charlie Baker for residents to stay home and for non-essential businesses to close until April 7, online resources are the new lifeline for information and educational material for the homebound masses.

As families and caregivers find themselves in the dual role of trying to educate and entertain their children while living with social distancing, countless organizations are offering materials, ideas, and activities suited to children of all ages. Some are academic, some are fun, and some may even fall into both categories.

We’re also including contact information for essential updates and support that may be needed to get through these challenging days ahead.

EDUCATIONAL

• Quartz offers a grade-level list of educational resources and solid suggestions on teaching your kids from home, including reading suggestions and the importance of maintaining a structured day.
• The WGBH Educational Foundation also has a list of grade-level suggestions, from Arthur for PreK-5 to the American Experience for grades 4-12. 
• EdNavigator is offering daily resources for those at home with children, called “One Great Thing for Tomorrow.” You’ll find tips on things to read, online learning tools, activity ideas, and questions to start conversations at dinner. They also share a helpful article from PBS on learning how to talk to your children about coronavirus, complete with the importance of hand washing.
• The Boston Public Schools has dedicated this page to information on school closures related to the coronavirus pandemic. The page includes information on how students can access meals and technology during the closure.  
• The Boston Children’s Museum also offers a page of learning activities and a list of “100 Ways to Play” while the New England Aquarium provides live views inside their giant ocean tank as well as videos of the penguins at feeding time.
• The need to keep moving is essential, and Cosmic Kids is a tremendous resource for stories, yoga, and mindfulness for everyone at home.

INFORMATION & HELP

• City of Boston COVID-19 updates here. For information on available resources, the non-emergency phone number for the city is 311.
• State of Massachusetts COVID-19 updates are here. The non-emergency phone number to reach the state is 211.
• Citywide meal sites are also available for Boston residents. 
• The Boston Foundation has a page dedicated to the funds being established to help area families in need.
• Union Capital Boston is helping families in need by providing $150 gift cards to as many people as possible by raising funds to do so. Families who need help can sign up here (there is currently a growing waitlist); those who wish to donate to the gift card initiative can do so here. 
• Amplify Latinx is also sharing resources including this video from Ariel de Cuba and a reminder to follow coronavirus updates on Spanish media: El Mundo, El Planeta, Telemundo.
• For those who may want to assist in making or distributing handmade protective face masks, fill out this form for more information.

Please follow the guidelines provided in the resources shared above and contact city and state officials with any questions you may have; also note that this situation is rapidly changing so we will continue to update you as information becomes available.