Today was my daughter’s official second first day of first grade! Second, because as many of your know, off-site learning officially began today in the DC Everest School District.
From day one, I have been extremely impressed by what a great job my daughter’s school and teacher did to make sure we had the easiest possible homeschooling experience. They had amazing foresight to send home ten days worth of work in addition to iPads for grades that normally don’t bring them home.
Although this homeschooling adventure was not by choice, I feel lucky that I had a relatively easy transition because I was already a stay-at-home mom. Since we did some school days ahead of time, I can tell you that the hardest part for me has been helping my first grader stay focused on her work while my four year-old is playing loudly. I try to remember that I can’t be everything for everyone all the time. Your best is enough! Best of luck and stay healthy! 💛
Local Activities (Educational, Artistic, and Fun!)
5 Koshas Yoga and Wellness 
A World of Hearts 
Boys and Girls Club of Portage County, Inc. 
Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area 
Center for the Visual Arts 
Clay Corner Studio 
#FromMyWindow 
Marathon County Public Library 
North Central Health Care 
Rise Up Central Wisconsin 
Wausau DIY Home Kits 
WSAW – News Channel 7 
- 5 Koshas Yoga and Wellness has online classes for kids and adults (some are free)
- A World of Hearts promotes spreading joy and positivity in the Wausau area
- Behavioral Health Clinic has a teen hang-out from 6:30-7:30pm on 4/1 and 4/8
- Boys and Girls Club of Portage County is sharing daily activities on Facebook
- Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area has daily virtual activities and homework help weekdays from 3-3:30pm (more info here)
- Center for the Visual Arts has daily activities on Facebook to encourage creativity
- Clay Corner Studio offers kids clay painting packages to-go
- #FromMyWindow promotes spreading joy by displaying artwork it in your windows
- Marathon County Public Library offers audio-books and lots of online resources
- North Central Health Care is organizing a #CombatCovid spirit week
- RaiseGreatKids.org & Marathon County Early Years Coalition share great resources
- Rise Up Central Wisconsin invites you to join them in their circle project
- Wausau DIY offers custom sign-making home kits for kids and adults
- WSAW News Channel 7 has kids weather lessons on Facebook Mon. & Fri. at 3 pm
- Your student’s school library may have a list of recommended resources!
Local Food Options
- BiteSquad restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get a $10 credit)
- Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area offers a snack/dinner meal pick-up weekdays from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at either 1710 N 2nd Street, Wausau or John Muir Middle School
- DoorDash restaurant delivery (Referral: New users get $5 off their first 3 orders)
- FREE grab-and-go bags of food for ANYONE in the Wausau area
- Pick ‘n Save offers free grocery pickup from now until 6/1/20 (Clip the coupon.)
- Stoney Acres Farm offers delivery in the Wausau area
- Trig’s offers free grocery delivery on your first 5 orders (Promo code: 5FREE)
- Many local restaurants offer take-out or delivery (List from WSAW – Channel 7.)
Educational Resources
- A HUGE list of education companies offering free services due to school closings
- Amazing Educational Resources (Yoga, science, math, and more!)
- Astronauts reading books in outer space
- 12 museums that offer free virtual tours
- 10 great free websites for elementary school students
- Sign up for themed weekly outdoor play emails or browse DIY outdoor activities
- LUNCH DOODLES – Daily learn to draw videos with Mo Willems
- Daily zoo video and activity at 2pm
- Free virtual yoga classes until at least May 1
- Free at-home learning daily programming
Homemade Face Masks
- Face Mask Tutorial from Jessica Nandino on Instructables
- Jo-Ann Fabric: DIY guides (call about free fabric giveaways)
- Needle Workshop/Quilting Workshop: Mask kits and drop-off site
- North Central Health Care: DIY guide and drop off information
- Sew Smart Sewing Center and Quilt Shop: Mask kits and drop-off site
- Wausau Area Coronavirus Needs Connection: Connects people and materials
Resources from Wausau Mama
Self-Care
- Soak your feet in a foot bath
- Try meditating
- Go for a bike ride
- Paint your finger or toenails
- Listen to a funny or calming podcast
- Watch a funny movie
- Go for a walk
- Apply a face mask
- Try forest bathing (link to article from The Guardian)
- Take a (real) bath
- Make something for fun (knitting, sewing, woodworking, etc.)
- Write a letter
- Print your favorite photos and display them
- Read a book for fun
- Color in a kid or adult coloring book
- Do yoga
- Call a friend or family member
- Drink some hot tea (or other hydrating drink)
If you’re struggling, please know that you’re not alone! Sometimes our emotions feel out of our control. If you are feeling anxious, sad, or lonely, please check out North Central Health Care’s website for resources.