Baby it’s hot outside! And if you have children at home, many of the usual indoor and outdoor fun activities aren’t available this year. With so much heaviness, stress, and anxiety, it’s time to discover virtual family and learning activities that can put some fun in your day. Here are two new initiatives for kids this year.
Young Audiences and Baltimore City Public Schools have partnered to create Bmoresummer.org, a free online resource to keep Baltimore students learning and exploring their creativity this summer. The website features age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned content broken down into three grade “portals”: Pre-K and Kindergarteners, 1st and 2nd graders, and 3rd to 5th graders. In a time when remote learning and the COVID-19 pandemic has made continuity of learning a challenge, Young Audiences and Baltimore City Public Schools are stepping up to provide high-quality, creative, and engaging content to all Baltimore children.
Arts Every Day has organized the Baltimore Arts Passport. It is a printed booklet exploring Baltimore-based arts organizations through a variety of visuals, prompts and activities to keep students reading, writing, and creating all summer long. Students will ‘travel’ to arts organizations, experience a glimpse of each institution, reflect on and creatively respond through writing, drawing, making, dancing or acting. The booklets will be accompanied by an art supply kit. While the booklet is not dependent upon internet access, there will be a webpage for families to access that will expand the student’s experience and offer new opportunities for engagement. Distribution sites will include city-operated meal sites, Enoch Pratt Free Libraries, and community organizations.
And who knows children better than Port Discovery? The Children’s Museum has created play at home resources on their web site that are chock full of fun. Activities include art, music, theatre, storytelling, and more. As the pandemic continues, the whole family can benefit from exploring the at-home health and wellness resources.
Many of us are fighting isolation and the blues by rediscovering the simple pleasures of baking, sewing, and gardening. I say it’s time to break out the sprinkler or the old Slip ‘n Slide. Try topping that off with a cold popsicle to bring some brightness to a hard, hot day.
Drink plenty of water and stay in the shade,
Jeannie
P.S. If you appreciate this newsletter and the mission of GBCA, I hope you will consider making a financial contribution so that we may continue to work on behalf of the cultural sector and people throughout the region. You can make a secure gift online through GBCA’s website. Thank you in advance.
