Kindness

Being a parent is the hardest job ever. Then add the stress of having to stay home. Now add on having to educate your child. The key to surviving all of this all is kindness. First, being kind to yourself and with that kindness you extend to yourself it will be easier to be kind to your loved ones. 

Something we have enjoyed watching as a family is Steve Hartman. He goes around the country and tells the feel good stories. He will have a Facebook live at 11:00 a.m. on Monday. You won't be disappointed. 

DANCE it out!

Love to dance? I've got a tutorial for you! Miss Ontiveros' sister Casey leads a fun video to get you moving at home!

How to Survive Close Quarters

This blog is my personal effort to help others during this really stressful time. It has been especially hard for our family. My kids are really feeling the effects of being stuck at home even though we get out for walks and bike rides, it's still tough. It's hard to be away from your old life. And sometimes we lose it. Check out the trauma_informed_montessori on Instagram. She gets it. Click through her images and try out her strategies.

Our family favorites are, "I would like a re-do." and "I'm sorry." It turns out people appreciate apologies and second chances. Try it and see how it changes things this weekend. 

Mental health is critical during this time. Take time for yourself. Even taking two minutes to breathe can make the difference between sinking and surviving. Go for a walk. Moving your body will improve your mood. If you can't get out, turn up the music and have a dance party. If you need quiet try a relaxing 

Children's Hospital Orange County has excellent resources. Kids are really feeling the effects of our stress. This can make kids feel anxious. I'm linking this article because it has good tips for parents to use with their children. Breathing works. Try this GoNoodle video with your kids. Remember, we lead with our behavior. You've got this! Just remember to take care of yourself, too!

Narwhal!!

Author Visit with Ben Clanton 

If you love Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea or Narwhal Peanut Butter and Jelly you'll totally dig Ben Clanton's Facebook Live. 

Reading, Science, Social Studies and Art

These Scholastic resources are amazing! Scroll down to find the resources for the first and second graders. You can listen to stories, read, and do fun activities. 

Let's get Moving!

Cosmic Kids Yoga is super fun! Check it out!  

Thursday's Magic!

Let's be Present!
Great news today! Mindful Schools first Zoom meeting was a success! 998 kids signed on to Zoom to be in the moment, breathe and move their bodies. It was awesome! They are going to do this on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Sign up and get Zoom call instructions!

Scholastic has great resources. They are offering parents free materials in English and Spanish. Check it out!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This question always gets so many responses. So many students want to be police officers. I came across this today and thought so many kids would dig this. The Orange County Sheriff's Department has a new series called Learning with Law Enforcement. You get to see what's inside a sheriff's patrol unit. 

Mindful Schools Free Class for Kids!

Mindful Schools is an amazing organization that has made educating teachers its goal. I've taken all of their classes and can tell you they're excellent. Tomorrow they are offering a FREE class for kids! Sign up here! My two children will be on zoom. Join them!

Zoom is an amazing application you can use on any device. Check it out before the call to make sure it's working for you. 

Got Energy?!

Coach Ballgame is leading PE!!! You might know his wife Mrs. Ballgame as Tara. Coach Ballgame has fun videos for you to move your body. Thanks Mrs. Mayer for sharing this with us! 

Check out Toyama!
Toyama is the Karate school that goes out to our Engage 360 after school programs. It's a great opportunity to get some activity today! 

GoNoodle is probably the best thing that ever happened to the internet. It's kid test and approved and FREE. Check it out!!

Phonics Activities 
Reading Bear is a great site Ms. Ledon shared. It's great for reading practice!

How is it Wednesday?

Congratulations! You've made it halfway through the week. I know, it's been long and different. 

Are you out of books? You've probably tried Tumble Books, but have you tried Sora? Sora has lots of awesome books. You can use your Google, sausdlearns.net address to access the books!!  
Scroll down and select: Juvenile Literature

Feeling overwhelmed? Try taking a calming breath. Here are some great free resources to help you feel more calm and relaxed. Check out the Calm blog. 

Now, how about having an astronaut read you a story? Thanks Isabel Strobel for sharing this link and the one below with me!!
Rosie Revere Engineer

Here are some fun books read by famous people! 

Day 2 of our New Normal

All the public libraries are closed and since the library is my second home, I've got to find a new place to go! That's the internet! Our public libraries have amazing digital resources available with your library card. Go to their website to find out more.

Orange County Public Library Robust Digital Services

Santa Ana Public Library Digital Collection

If you don't have access to a public library no fear, TumbleBookswill take care of you!! You can read or listen to books for free!!
username:  sausd
password: books

There's something so comforting about having someone read you a story. Authors are reading their stories all over the internet right now. Check some of these awesome authors out!

Sophie Blackall has recorded herself reading stories on her IGTV on Instagram. You can hear her read Hello Lighthouse and the beginning of Ivy and Bean.

Oliver Jeffers is reading a book a day on Instagram. Click on his stories and you'll hear him read one of his books to you as well as give you a sneak peak into his creative process. He reads daily at 11:00 a.m. and it stays in his stories for 24 hours.

3/17/20 Tuesday Lost and Found

3/18/20 Wednesday The Incredible Book-Eating Boy

3/19/20 Thursday The Way Back Home

3/20/20 Friday The Great Paper Caper

Here's an article that links a bunch of different authors reading their books. 

Let's make some art!
Carson Ellis has illustrated many books and she has a really cool website. She has created the "Quarantine Art Club". She has daily lessons on her blog and I think you'll really enjoy them!

She shares some student work on Instagram. Use the hashtag #QuarantineArtClub

If you love the Pigeon in, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! you should check out Lunchtime Doodles with author Mo Willems. 

Cassie Stephens is a magical teacher from Tennessee. Check out her YouTube channel.  

Check out some museums with these Virtual Museum Tours!

School may be out out, but the learning continues!

Day 1 for Team Van de Merghel

Hi friends!
Thanks for stopping by. I decided to create this blog to help me organize my resources and connect with my students, parents, teachers and the community. 

Second graders--remember I'm getting you ready for third grade. It's just going to be a little trickier with us miles apart. I love and miss you already!! Send me a message on ClassTag!

Here are Monday's resources. Unfortunately, our work packets aren't ready just yet. Hopefully they'll be delivered to school tomorrow. 

There will be more to come later this week!

Here's what you need to get started on your online schooling journey with me:

ClassTag

Lexia
If you need an email use: sara.shorey@sausd.us 

ST Math

Reading Plus

Our site code: rpadams

XtraMath
Message me on ClassTag if you need the parent code to connect to our class.