That’s a tough one. Just exactly what the heck are you going to do all day with your kids when there isn’t any school and there may not be any electricity?
I’d begin with education. Not because I’m terribly concerned about my children falling behind in school, but because organizing a day with specific activities can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Children usually find comfort in routine and if the economy and everything goes down the toilet, they’ll definitely be needing some comfort. As an added benefit, spending a certain amount of time each day practicing math, reading, etc., can help you fill the time. Trying to keep kids inside and occupied for months on end is going to be a real challenge and you’re going to have a lot of time on your hands.
I’ve been talking with some moms who homeschool their children and discovered it has become quite the industry. There are so many different curriculums available to match what your teaching style will be, and the learning characteristics of your child. In the priority of things, I wouldn't spend a lot of money in this area. Also, I would caution you about enrolling in any homeschooling programs that are based on online access as that may not be possible if you lose electricity long term.
Chances are, once the schools realize they are going to need to shut down it would make sense that they would send home with their middle school and high school students the text books they are working from.
Because I have elementary kids, I bought a couple of good books focusing on math and spelling. There is a great series of workbooks called: 100 Math Activities Kids Need to Know by 1st Grade. This is also available “by 2nd Grade” and “by 3rd Grade.” Also in this series is “100 Words Kids Need to Know by 1st Grade”, and then for “2nd Grade” and “3rd Grade.” I bought them from the Scholastic Book orders the kids brought home from school - which benefits your child’s classroom - or you can buy them online from the scholastic store by clicking here
Remember all the stuff your child needed at the beginning of the school year? Do a quick review and see what of that you might need for home and pick up that stuff. Remember to include extra paper, pens/pencils and a manual pencil sharpener.
Read books, play board games, play cards. You might want to add some of the following to your stockpile supplies:
- Deck(s) of cards and one of Hoyle’s Guides to Games
- Board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess and Backgammon
- Exercise related activities that you could set up indoors: basketball net, a tether ball set.
- Games of skill - have you been looking for an excuse to buy a pool table? Now might actually be a good time. Other options might include darts (obviously not suitable for small children), poker chips for poker and hobby related supplies.
- Some good, thick books to read.
Preparations in this area deserve some attention because when your family is stressed out and dealing with bird flu in your community, keeping your kids involved and entertained might make all the difference in your mental health.
