BASEC Blurb Vol. 1: Social Distancing, Daily Schedules, & Online Sing-a-longs!

Volume 1 | March 16 2020

Dear BASEC Community,

Social distancing is a challenge for all of us--our brains need to learn from each other! At BASEC, we’re turning much of our attention to providing community connections that will benefit our students...and their families. This newsletter is the first in a series that will provide resources and advice on promoting healthy child development while maintaining the social distancing that keeps our community safe. We’ll only be listing links and activities that we’ve developed or vetted, containing content that aligns with BASEC’s core philosophy.

This dramatic diversion from our normal day-to-day lives is a challenge, and while it will take some time to figure out a routine, we hope that our daily newsletters offer strategies to keep our students growing and learning.

Kind regards,

Andrew Mountford

BASEC Founder & Executive Director

How Do I Explain Social Distancing to My Child?

Not only is social distancing challenging for ourselves, but explaining it to our children without causing alarm can be even harder. Below are some tips BASEC would like to offer to help orient one towards productive and helpful conversations with children.

“Our role is to keep others safe.”

As we explain COVID-19 and tell children about how they are least likely to be impacted by the virus, we can also explain that social distancing is how we can help control spreading the virus. Social distancing is how we can help the elderly or those with current underlying health issues not contract it. We can steer the conversation towards, “This is our civic duty.”

“This is temporary.”

Weeks-long school closures and limited interactions with family and friends is new to many of us, and this can feel overwhelming and isolating. However, we do know this will eventually pass, we just have to be patient.

“This is an opportunity to grow and discover.”

During a pandemic, Isaac Newton had to work from home, too. He used the time wisely , as outlined in this article from the Washington Post . We are finding right away that there are endless resources available to us within the confines of our homes and an abundance of communities who want to help. During this time, we can still encourage our children to invent, create, connect and explore!

“We have time to do things as a family.”

Often we are so wrapped up with our to-do lists and various enrichment activities that spending quality time as a family can be hard to come by. This is an opportunity for families to do special activities together.

CBC Kids News: " What Is Social Distancing? "

This brief video from CBC Kids News explains the purpose of social distancing to children. Kid-friendly and super accessible!

Make a Daily Schedule...

And Have Fun With It!

At BASEC, we believe success starts with a clear schedule and routine. Similarly to addressing issues around “summer slide,” developing a routine can be helpful in building time for academics and mental health. A clear but flexible schedule that works for you and your child is what will be essential in establishing a new routine.

BASEC will send a daily newsletter with resources that will support the social-emotional and creative health of your child (and you).

Activity Spotlight: Streaming Sing-a-Longs & Music Classes!

Amelia of Mil's Trills' Live Streaming Shows & Music Classes for Kids

*Recommended ages 2 years - 8 years

Belmont-Based Resources

Belmont Covid-19 Resources Various contact information for hotlines and community groups addressing the COVID-19 crisis.

Belmont Connects A community list of online and virtual resources for and throughout Belmont.

Belmont Massachusetts Helps Out GoogleForm by Community Support and Resources in Response to COVID-19 in an effort to connect interested volunteers with those in need.

Belmont Kids Creative Writing and Journalism Survey Is your child interested in journalism? Fill out this GoogleForm to have your child participate in creating an online student magazine.

Belmont Books Free Delivery *Limited Time* Belmont Books will deliver orders totaling $25 or more to the following Massachusetts areas for free: Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, and some areas of Waltham and Cambridge.

Sharing is Caring!

Many of the above resources were shared by various teachers and parents. We at BASEC love our community and believe in the notion that we learn from each other.

If you have any great resources, articles or ideas, please share with annie.gladfelter@belmontbasec.org

Additionally, if you know of anyone who does not attend BASEC but would like to be added to our email list, please have them reach out to us. We are happy to share our resources!