We Are Here For you during covid-19

Faculty and staff at UW-Madison put together a new website and app to help people navigate through COVID-19. It's called COVID-19 Wisconsin Connect and there are resources to help people find accurate information, mental health resources and talk with other Wisconsinites about their pandemic experience.

The site includes COVID-19 fact checkers, discussion rooms, audio meditations and more.

In conjunction with the launching of two astronauts into space aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon rocket, NASA has fun activities for various ages groups.

Grades K-4 can build straw or balloon rockets!

Grades 5-8 can pilot a SpaceX Dragon simulator.

Grades 9 - 12 can build their own stomp rocket or a multi-stage version of a balloon rocket.

Marshfield Clinic Health System recommends the following resources:

• 3 ways to focus on your mental health
• Parenting Tips from the Child Mine Institute, including how to soothe an anxious child and help teens cope with loss of milestones such as prom and graduation
• Their facebook page, which is updated with COVID-19 announcements and tips.

What is 4-H?  4-H lessons and programs are delivered by educators from UW-Madison's Division of Extension.  In 4-H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment with adult mentors.  Education specialists have created a list of activities for various age levels that are cheap, require very little preparation, and use objects already found at home!  Check them out at Extension's website.

The COVID-19 outbreak has people fearful and confused. News of more cancellations of major events, images of people wearing face masks, and increased numbers of those who are infected and who have died serve as constant reminders that things have changed for the foreseeable future.

It’s stressful enough when you’re a grownup. But for kids, it can be especially scary.   What do we tell children in times of uncertainty? There are no easy answers but Travis Wright, an associate professor of counseling psychology at the School of Education, offers some suggestions. 

National parks offer extraordinary experiences, but it’s not always possible to get to a park in person. Fortunately we have ways to connect with national parks from a distance through digital opportunities and activities to do in your own home or neighborhood.  There are virtual tours, junior ranger programs, and a kids portal.  Explore some of America's most beautiful places and learn about your own backyard.

 UW-Madison hosts an annual film festival and is premiering one Wisconsin’s Own short film per day via the Wisconsin Film Festival YouTube channel.  Each short will be available for one 24-hour period starting at noon. You may also stream several very sweet and short videos for kids 4 - 8 years old.  

Follow along with daily activities that focus on an engineering topic and includes resources, video recommendations, and bedtime boredom buster thoughts. 

Topics range from how the LEGO company got its start, to the importance of bees.  Every day is a new theme with  new activities!  And the video recommendations include movies as well as educational items.

NASA’s journeys have propelled technological breakthroughs, pushed the frontiers of scientific research, and expanded our understanding of the universe.   To inspire the next generation of astronauts, engineers and programmers, NASA has created free games, coloring sheets, and activities for kids in grades K-4th and 5th-8th.  Looking for something more challenging?  Try the experiments and educational videos geared towards high school youth.

Isolation and other pressures caused by COVID-19 may have bigger impacts on those who struggle with mental health issues and substance use disorders.  If you or someone you know needs help: 

• SAMHSA has Virtual Recovery Resources for Substance Use and  Mental Illness. Includes links to online meetings and recovery support resources offered by various mutual help groups and other organizations, as well as information on setting up a virtual meeting.
• The Center for Addiction has  Resources for Parents, Families, and Caregivers. Provides mobile (phone- and text-based) education and support for family members struggling with a loved one’s addiction as well as links to other virtual resources. 
• Our stoptheuse site lists local resources, and you can use it to connect with a Recovery Coach.