At the Sebring Rundown, we are committed to making the most out of every situation. While most events have been canceled around town in order to help slow the spread of Covid-19, we’re happy to say we’ve been compiling a list of fun things to do while maintaining social distancing. 

Parents and caregivers!
At this time, our school system is expecting to return students to their normal routine on April 15, 2020. While they plan to implement virtual instruction, which you can find out more about HERE, if you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained and learning throughout the extended break, look no further!

Scholastic has launched their Learn at Home program which will provide 20 days worth of learning journeys for children PreK through 9th grade. This program can keep your child learning and growing throughout the break. 

ABCMouse is also offering a first free month and is a great place for children ages 2-8 to learn and have fun doing so! You’ll need to remember to cancel in order to avoid charges, but this could prove a great thing to keep your children engaged and eager to learn.

Teachers also recommend using flash cards to quiz them on what they’ve been learning in school, as well as reading to them or with them. If they’re old enough to read books themselves, ask them to read to you or ask comprehension questions to see if they’re understanding the material they’re reading.  

We are also encouraging parents and caregivers who have time on their hands to teach your children things they might not get to learn in school. It would be highly beneficial for kids to have the opportunity to learn the basics of cooking, how to sew buttons and other simple things, counting money including coins, changing a tire or the oil in a car, writing a check, and other life skills. 

It would also be a good time for parents to learn! Ask your kids to teach you how to do things on Facebook or Instagram, change settings on your phone, or take a selfie!

Ready to take a break from learning things and have some fun? Here are some of the best boredom busters we’ve come up with!

*Movies!* Some of our ‘must-watch’ list right now includes:
-Frozen 2 (PG)
-Joker (R)
-Pulp Fiction (R)
-Harry Potter Series (PG – PG13)
-The Lion King (PG)
-Aladdin (PG)
-Almost Famous (R)
-Labyrinth (PG)

*TV Shows* Some shows we deem ‘binge-worthy’ include:
-Chicago Med
-Game of Thrones
-The 100
-The Office
-Breaking Bad
-Handmaid’s Tale
-Law and Order
-Ozark
-The Simpsons

*Reading Books*
Have you been putting off reading till you ‘have the time’? Well now, a lot of us do! To get through this somewhat frustrating time, pick up a good book, whether new or classic, and get lost in it! It’s sure to be a good escape.

*Learn a New Language*
It’s always beneficial to have more than one language under your belt! As an adult, most languages are pretty difficult for us to learn, but children are the perfect sponges! I’m personally wanting to learn American Sign Language and that is considered one of the easier languages for adults to learn! Click HERE to go to a site with helpful videos! Many other languages can be found through simple google searches! 

*Dog Training* 
Your dog is your best friend right? Remember this time will be hard for them too! Exercising their brains is a great way to keep them from getting bored as well as tiring them out. Click HERE for helpful ways to teach your dog basic or more advanced commands!

*Get Outside!*
Stay 6 feet away from others, but almost all health organizations say that Vitamin D, directly from the sun is the most beneficial in a time like we are going through. Sunshine will lift your mood, which allows your immune system to function properly and fight diseases.
Take the dog for a walk, get the kids outside for a bike ride, jog around the neighborhood, or simply play in your front yard with the water hose! Possibilities are endless and your body will thank you!

*Video Chat Family*
If you’re stuck alone, you’re more likely to sink into a more depressive state, especially if you’re an extrovert. Video chat family and friends to give yourself time to ‘be with’ people without breaking social distancing policies. This will boost your mood and put a smile on your face!

*Board Games*
Break out Monopoly, Life, or Clue and teach your kids a game besides one that is on a screen! Each game can offer valuable lessons to kids as well as learning opportunities and not to mention, they’re just plain fun!

*Paint or Color!*
Children nowadays are sometimes so focused on learning and grades, they have no time to express their creativity. In this trying time, encourage them to color or paint and watch their spirits beam. Click HERE to find free art lessons for kids and adults! 

If you happen to get REALLY bored, there’s this thing that, as adults, we mostly all put off till we no longer can: Spring Cleaning. That’s right, now is the perfect opportunity to dust those shelves, vacuum, and put everything in its place. Also, go through your things, if you no longer need it, donate it and help those in need! HERE are some tips for getting a good deep clean! HERE are some tips about decluttering unnecessary items!

If you would like more information from the CDC on the Coronavirus, please click HERE. If you want more localized information, please check the Florida Department of Health’s website HERE.

We encourage you in this trying time to remember those most at risk. If you have elderly family or neighbors, make sure you’re checking on them and helping them any chance you can. If you have immunocompromised family or neighbors, try and make sure that they have needed supplies and are monitoring their health. This is the best time to lend a helping hand where you can if you’re one of the lucky ones who is considered least at risk. Think of others and treat them as you’d like to be treated in that situation. 

By Erin Broderick

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