This is a time when emotional coping skills become so valuable. If you're home and isolated you need all those coping skills. If you're home in lockdown with kids, you need even more.
What are kids learning? School assignments may give structure and a sense of the familiar, but what kids are learning comes from the crisis itself. And from you. They are learning whether they can trust you. Whether home is a safe place. If joy and laughter still have a place. If they can ask real questions and get honest answers.
When lockdowns began in March, I figured we'd be in this for the long haul. So I'm offering a weekly author chat to kids and families designed to boost spirits, keep kids engaged with the power of stories and books, and give everyone something to look forward to each Friday.
That's something that's gone, isn't it? The chance to look forward to things.
"Fiction Friday" is a mix of mini writing lessons, a peek into how authors write books, stories behind the books, a few corny jokes, and more. This week's episode even includes a brand-new writing contest for kids! I'm teaming up with Mystery to Me, a great indie bookstore in Wisconsin to host the second annual (and first virtual) Kids Write! contest. Rules here.
So join me each Friday. We'll see through this virus pandemic time together. Fiction Friday posts each Friday while schools are closed until June.
A mother from Missouri writes: “Your Fiction Friday videos have become our writing "curriculum" while schools are closed. Thank you for inspiring readers and encouraging them to create stories of their own!”
And a family from Michigan: "My daughter has already begun writing a story for the contest!"
Send kid comments! I dedicate each show to a new kid each week. The smiles are enormous. And be sure to share with book lovers in your life, from librarians to teachers to book club friends.
This crisis gets at the essence of us. Don't be afraid to show your feelings and be honest with kids and yourself right now. You have the emotional skills to cope.
What has brought you grief and joy this week? How can you ease the day for someone else? What do you think of Fiction Friday?
Books to help during lockdown. The Griffins of Castle Cary: Fantasy adventure to escape. It's OK Not to Share: strategies to build honest relationships and emotional coping skills
