IHSAspires & Inspires
“IHSAspires Friday: COVID-19 Creative Corner”
In the 101 Treasures Gallery, see exhibits at Peoria Riverfront Museum, one which highlights the first Black woman to become a millionaire – http://ow.ly/TLL650Fvc7i – also view a video clip and short news article from July 13, 2021 – http://ow.ly/bD8o50Fvc7f. 
Virtual Calming Room – select from: Sounds & Music, Guided Meditations, Visual Relaxation, Yoga, Live Animal Cameras and Coloring & Creativity
Also, check out the great work our Head Start/Early Head Start Programs have been doing during COVID-19. See their encouraging ideas from past COVID weeks/months .. (plus other wonderful suggestions below):
05/22/2020 / 05/15/2020/ 05/08/2020 / 05/01/2020 / 04/24/2020 – link to creating Fairy Lanterns with mason jars; video to Week of the Young Child
04/17/2020 / 04/10/2020 / 04/3/2020 / 03/27/2020 / 03/20/2020 – with these links: Dance to “I’m the Boss” and the Choreography for that dance!!!
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(*) recently added items below
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Uplifting Clips, Content & Videos:
(*) While Sesame Street Muppets are staying home, they invite you to connect each week – see their new online hub of videos, playful activities, and ways to help families stay physically and mentally healthy. #HeadStartHelpsIllinois
The Book Vine For Children – reading the appropriate books is an extremely helpful way to begin conversations with children and families dealing with trauma.
Free Spirit Publishing – Emotional Support for Uncertain Times – suggested by Twila from ERBA HS, she says “When we were discussing the book Worries Aren’t Forever in our Zoom conference, I mentioned that the book was published by Free Spirit Publishing. Free Spirit has many books that are great resources in the area of social and emotional wellness and challenging behaviors.” Look here at latest newsletter.
Good News Dashboard for COVID-19: Your hub for good news, inspiring tips, and a much-needed place to smile in the midst of COVID-19 (updated daily).
Some Good News – by John Krasinski on youtube.com
NEW – Makes you smile watching this quick video from central Illinois’ Proctor Place in Peoria for ACTIVE senior living (Our HS/EHS agencies will be reaching out statewide to adopt one or more of their own community groups (senior-living/nursing homes/firefighters-EMTs/healthcare staffs, as well as area people designated as essential workers) for now and beyond COVID-19) .. #HeadStartHelpsIllinois!
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From 30Seconds.com – quick little pick-me-ups .. especially nice while parents are quarantined with their children — some geared for the Moms and others especially for the Dads – makes life better in 30 seconds through the power of content and community. Powerful media platform enables busy parents to connect, quickly discover and share inspiring tips – [check out the content for your family or team] – each is only about 30 seconds!
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As we care for others, we must include self-care, too!
Up Your Skills: These days, there’s no excuse for boredom, not with the internet! Many experts offer courses for free online. Learn to cook with Gordon Ramsay, take guitar lessons with Fender, dance with an NYC ballerina, and more! Check out these 10 life skills you can start learning today.
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Gmorning, Gnight: Little Pep Talks for You and Me –an encouraging little book by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jonny Sun
“Good morning.
Lead with gratitude.
The air in your lungs, the sky above you.
Proceed from there.
Good night.
Curl up with gratitude.
For the ground beneath you, your beating heart.
Proceed from there.”
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Some Podcast Inspiration in a Time of Isolation:
If you’re like us, you’ve needed good distractions to help take your mind off the news and enable you to keep taking care of your loved ones. We’re all trying to focus on what we can do from home to help continue making a difference in these fraught times.
We wanted to share with you a selection of podcasts to motivate and inspire. I hope that the stories shared might provide a small bright spot between moments of uncertainty.
Marcus Luttrell – Team Never Quit
Sahara Rose – The Highest Self Podcast
Sadie Robertson – WHOA That’s Good Podcast
Esther Perel – Where Should We Begin?
Dan Harris – Ten Percent Happier
Dr. Phil McGraw – Phil in the (blanks)
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Quick Quotes:
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” ― Helen Keller
“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” ―
“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.”—Japanese Proverb
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” – Carl Jung
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Colorful Tips for the Kids:
A colorful illustration you can use with young children on COVID-19.
From a smiling face we all know and love – Elmo reminds your little ones about washing hands – emphasizing a good habit, while kids color!
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Bedtime Stress & COVID – Wellness Tools for Kids:
Strategies for parents and kids to keep bedtime calm and stress-free
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Last but not least .. on your Facebook and Twitter accounts, please post lots of pictures of the good work you and your early childhood partners are doing during this crisis for your children, families and staff.
Then include #HeadStartHelpsIllinois and #EarlyLearningAllinIllinois hashtags. We are so proud of our Head Start Teams!!!
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