Thank You For Supporting Local Omaha

Hello friends,

I don’t know about you, but my inbox has been packed with emails from businesses and how this epidemic is affecting them, and their plan of action in the midst of it all. So many business owners are in a position that has never happened before in history. Have you noticed the creativity businesses have used to keep their doors open, but in a safe manner for the public? While this epidemic is extremely sad, my heart is also encouraged to see people rallying around small businesses and those businesses showing grit. Thank you to all the health care workers, the truckers, the grocery store clerks and gas station attendants. You are making our world go round. It is very much appreciated!

I wanted to make a post about supporting local Omaha. My hope is to provide some ideas on supporting small businesses and a few ways to support our community during this hardship. It doesn’t take much to lift someone’s spirits!

  1. Drop off some non-perishable goods to food pantries. Many people are struggling right now,  the Open Door Mission is a great local non-profit.
  2. Leave encouraging messages in sidewalk chalk. You never know whose day you may brighten while they’re taking a socially distanced walk!
  3. Tip a little extra if you have takeout, groceries, or other items delivered. They’re working hard to help the rest of us stay home and healthy. Here is an Omaha restaurant list that seems to be updated daily.
  4. Send a card, an encouraging text, or something else uplifting to a health care professional in your life.
  5. Support local & small businesses. We know it’s convenient to shop big retailers right now. Small businesses make up the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, and many will have to permanently close without adequate support during this difficult time.

I’m hopeful, friends! It’s been encouraging to see our community come together during this world wide pandemic. We will get through this!

#PhillipsTileStone

FREE Home-School Resources

Our world is under different circumstances with the closings of schools and businesses due to the Corona Virus. If you find yourself suddenly quarantined at home with your kiddos and have no clue what to do, keep reading. My hope is to provide you some resources from a work from home, homeschooling mama. Our kids ages are 8, 6, 4, 2 and a newborn. Here are some easy, cheap or free activities that my kids truly enjoy. I’m hoping they add some sanity to your new homeschooling life as well. It really is a privilege to be at home with your kids!

3-5 years old

Our 4 year old is constantly on the move, but he will sit to do school! He loves it. Here are some free handwriting printables. All you need is the free worksheet, a pencil and crayons. http://www.handsonhomeschooling.com/free_pages/Aa_to_Mm.pdf http://www.handsonhomeschooling.com/free_pages/Nn_to_Zz.pdf

Music

I use these music cards all the time and they are free to print. https://thefameschoolblog.com/2012/06/06/first-piano-lesson-activity-piano-keyboard-pattern-cards/

I like to play Sing Spell Read and Write music that I find on YouTube while my budding readers are playing. Here is that link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBs2y-XJitQ&list=PLrtE5C373xWbqIvqbhaPhIaNIQYSqsqJp

Art

My kids LOVE art! We use https://www.artforkidshub.com/ often. Your kids will be making masterpieces in no time.

Coloring is great for all ages, here are free topical coloring pages. https://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html

Typing

My oldest uses this to learn typing. I’ve been told this is what some schools use as well. https://www.typing.com/

Math

Free math worksheets for grades k-6th https://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets

This next math suggestion isn’t free but it’s worth every single penny. My kids love it! https://www.ctcmath.com/

Gym

It’s cold outside and our kids need to burn off energy! YouTube to the rescue again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_A_HjHZxfI&t=705s https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

Simple Quick Bread Recipe

Kids love to eat, so teach them how to cook and bake! This recipe is so easy and SO good. You probably have all these ingredients in your home, so what are you waiting for? Just be sure to include your kids while making it. http://www.redflycreations.com/2012/10/the-amazing-amish-cinnamon-bread.html

Free Home Fun

-Make a blanket fort

-Make a painter’s tape maze for hot wheels cars

-Do home chores together

-Play with legos

-Read books together

-Side-Walk Chalk Art

-Play a board game

-Make play dough, we love this recipe!

*Here’s one more giant freebie list http://lifeaslanhams.com/free-printables/

The thing about homeschooling your kids, is you are simply passing along the information you know, to your kids.

I don’t want to overwhelm you with suggestions so hopefully this gets you started in a good direction. These are all REAL suggestions our kids enjoy. I hope it helps you as you make the most of this extra time together! No, it’s not always easy. However, it’s always worth it and your kids will never forget this extra time with you.

From the business owning, homeschooling family that thinks YOU CAN do this!