Family Support during COVID-19

GISD uses many apps and websites to support learning. Your student can access them online through Ready Hub. Talk to your child's teacher to see which apps they recommend while eLearning at home.

Public libraries

Public libraries can be a great resource for online learning. Visit the Garland Library System and get a temporary digital library card to access online resources if you don't already have a library card.

Find online tutorials for many of the library resources and popular social media apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Parents and students can continue their learning while staying at home. Some resources require a library card to access.

• BrainFuse HelpNow Online Tutoring for Homework Help is available for Nicholson Memorial Library System cardholders.
• Sachse Library Apply for a digital library card and access Sachse Library's digital resources for a year. You don't have to be a Sachse resident to apply.
• Rowlett Library Apply for a digital library card and get access to their online resources. 
• BrainFuse: HelpNow Online Tutoring for Homework Help is available through the Rowlett Public Library.

Websites and Apps

• Khan Academy has lessons to support and extend learning. Access it online or through the Khan Academy App.
• Khan Academy Kids is designed for young learners age 2-7.
• Common Sense Media Wide Open School

See our Translation tips page for help with translating websites, helpful apps and more.

• GISD Guidance and Counseling
• Find your counselor

See our list of wellness and support resources to find resources available to our family, students and staff. Our list includes items like:

• Medical help
• Housing
• Counseling
• Financial management
• Crisis assistance

• Habits for Daily Routine that Supports Good Mental Health

• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19-CDC

• World Health Organization: Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

• 7 Tips for Working at Home with Kids during COVID-19

• Mental Health America of Dallas Resources for COVID-19

How stress affects children

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Note: From the CDC's Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19 page.

How to support children's healthy mental and emotional development

Reassurance

• Togetherness - Spend time doing activities together. Play outside, go for a walk, do a puzzle, read a book. Try to keep TV and devices off so children have a chance to talk about what's on their mind.
• Listening to your child
• How to talk about COVID-19

The Basics of Self-Care for Children

• Sleep
  • Adequate sleep helps children pay attention, learn more, show more control their behavior and emotions, and stay healthy.
  • Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help children get back on track.
  • Create a bedtime routine (or go back to your Pre- COVID-19 bedtime routine) to help them fall asleep.
  • View the sleep guidelines for children from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Physical Activity
  • 60 minutes or more a day of moderate to vigorous activity.
    • Children don't have to do all 60 minutes at once.
  • Go outside
    • Running, jumping, climbing, bike riding, swinging, etc.
  • GoNoodle for when you can't get outside.
  • Zumba in the living room.
• Tips
  • Healthy activities to do at home
  • Eat healthy food