Talking about Coronavirus

As we learn to ‘live with coronavirus’ it’s understandable that children, some who have now lived their entire lives in a global pandemic, will continue to need ongoing support and some may still be worried about Coronavirus, and what might happen to them or their loved ones during this uncertain time. We have put together some resources to talk about Coronavirus without promoting worry.

My name is Coronavirus

This booklet from @mindheart.kids, Manuela Molina, offers a lovely, child friendly explanation of coronavirus and comes in various languages if you have children in your settings with second languages.

Coronavirus explained (for children!)

This useful video explains what coronavirus is, and talks about why handwashing is so important.

Handwashing support from the NHS

Washing your hands is the most effective way of keeping germs away. The NHS has useful information on how to wash your hands including a video that children could watch. 

You should wash your hands for around 20 seconds. There are various ways to help small children understand how long they should wash their hands for, for example, by singing "If you're happy and you know it" or "Happy Birthday" through twice.

Source: World Health Organisation

The NHS Library and Knowledge Services also have a list of resources you can take advantage of. Their resources include book recommendations, poems and resources for parents and more.

Pips guide to Covid-19: A better start Southend

Taking inspiration from Manuela Molina's 'My name is Coronavirus', A Better Start Southend created their own version called Pip's guide to COVID-19 which offers another way of talking to children about Coronavirus. 

Coronavirus: a book for children

This free e-book has been created by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson & Nia Roberts with consultant Professor Graham Medley Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

It is a great book for older readers or for reading to children who may have questions about coronavirus.

Download it here.

Don't Worry, Little Bear!

This lovely story on the Early Years Story Book website, is to help explain Coronavirus to children and to assure them that everything will be okay.

The author and illustrator, Stacey Kelly, writes, "As a parent myself, I have noticed that my little ones are feeling really confused by it all! I've created this book (and activities) to help not only my children, but every other child out there to be able to understand what is going on and to process their thoughts and feelings about it all."

E-bug resources

If you're in a setting, take a look at e-bug resources. E-bug can help your setting stop germs spreading by using their range of fun lesson plans on hand washing and respiratory hygiene. 

Supporting the understanding of social distancing

The social distancing restrictions may be been lifted but some children and families, particularly those with vulnerable people will be avoiding contact with other people. This lovely video called 'While we can't hug' is about Hedgehog and Tortoise who want to give each other a great big hug, but they're not allowed to touch.