As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., social distancing, school closures, restrictions on restaurants, and home office play a key role in helping to stop the spread of the virus.
While kids are stuck at home, several police departments across the country are using social media to entertain the little ones. Some officers are reading books and others are encouraging kids to create art projects. Let’s look at a few examples.
#KeepThemBusy
Quarantine isn´t easy for anybody, but especially not for kids. In response, the O´Fallon Missouri Police Department came up with an innovative, fun and safe strategy to keep them busy during this time.
Using the hashtag #KeepThemBusy, the department asked kids in the community for police-themed drawings, which the department has been sharing online.
“We are simply trying to do our part to help parents during this stressful time. Parents are trying to balance working from home, and while keeping their children engaged with education,” said Anthony Michalka, spokesperson for the department. “If we can provide just 20 minutes of relief and fun for the child, then we’ve done our part.”
Kids from all ages have submitted art pieces so far, Michalka said. Their drawings range from police cars to officers’ portraits. Some of them even include notes of gratitude.
Don´t stop reading
Right now, going to a library is out of the question but, to remain connected to books and fun stories, some police departments are hosting virtual readings on their social media accounts.
For instance, led by Sgt. Bill Massey, the Chatham Police Department in Massachusetts is hosting nightly storytime readings: “We aim to keep kids connected to their SRO and the police department in a positive way with positive community messages and community engagement,” Massey told CNN.
The agency is also planning on making other videos; for example, giving kids a virtual tour of the department or a look inside a police cruiser.
Elk Grove Police Department in California has also launched a reading series called “Badges and Books” that is streaming on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Officers will be sharing a new book Monday through Friday at 11:00 am.
“We will still be providing our regular services, but since the kids are out of school, we wanted to add to our reading series, so that together we can pause for a few minutes and enjoy a book,” the department posted on Facebook.
Fun lessons
(Image source: www.shelbycountyreporter.com)
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama is also doing its part to educate and entertain kids.
On Tuesday, March 17, Deputy officer James Sellers posted a video trying to help with some Saint Patrick’s Day fun with an activity that has now become a daily interactive experience for the kids.
In the latest video, Sellers decided to play a song and asked children to “name that tune”.
“Since yesterday was reading, I decided today was going to be about music,” Sellers said. “So I played a song most everybody knows, ‘Saints go marching in,’ on my banjo.”
In the video, Sellers also showed off his home-made instrument that was made from wood, a soup can and a piece of string. He then challenged kids to find things around the house to make their own instruments.