Resources for Grandparents

Sheltering in place and social distancing does not mean that we all have to be totally cut off from one another.

During this time, we are all finding new ways to reach out and communicate with each other. There are lots of new and innovative ways we can all stay connected. Here is a list of resources and ideas geared towards grandparents, but really they can be used by anyone.

BUT FIRST, read this article: Staying Connected In This Time Of Social Distance from the Jewish Grandparents Network and then JOIN THEIR GROUP on Facebook.

Preschool Aged Children (2-5 years)

• PJ Library® has a list of resources, these include readaloud book videos, craft project Jewish music, podcasts for kids and adults, etc. If you haven’t done so, sign up for the PJ Library grandparents program. Not only can you get FREE Jewish books, your will also find some great resources for grandparents on how to share your heritage and pass down traditions to the next generation.
• Shalom Sesame​ is fun to watch together over Zoom screen-sharing.
• Distract the kids for a bit in any way you can—give their quarantined parents a bit of a break. To do this by computer or phone, create things like a puppet or music show, something the kids will focus on. Keep your expectations low in terms of how long their attention will remain.
• Caribu.com​ is a video calling service that allows you to read digital storybooks to your family. You both see the pages turning, and your voice is broadcast—this can help keep kids’ attention better than a book they can only see through a webcam.

Elementary Aged Children (K-5th Grade)

• You can go virtual museum hopping.
• Do Lunch Doodles together with Mo Willems, Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence at Home.
• See if you can join their online classes or Zoom in for homework hour. Their parents might appreciate a tutor!
• Download a FREE Haggadah from PJ Library, perfect for elementary aged children and their families, maybe you can send them copies and use it for a virtual Seder.
• If your grandkids have a hobby or are learning a skill (music, for instance), you can help by talking about it with them, looking at their work or sitting with them while they practice.

 Tweens, Teens and Older

• Kveller lists Jewish TV shows to watch.
• Sign them up to get FREE Jewish chapter books and graphic novels (that they choose themselves from PJ Our Way™. You will need their personal information for his, so give them a call!
• Share fun cooking videos ad recipes featuring tween and teens on kosherdotcom
• You can play online games for learning Hebrew.
• You and your grandchild can​ create a playlist​

Questions? Contact Erika Simon, Family Engagement Officer/PJ Library® Manager, at 561.209.2616 or erika.simon@jewishpalmbeach.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas and activities.