Find creative ways of entertaining

The resources we have at our fingertips are amazing.

In Wednesday’s newspaper, you read about free options that are available and could be especially useful during the coronavirus outbreak. It was just the tip of the iceberg.

Looking for and finding resources alone is an activity that could take up an entire day or more. This list is virtually endless.

I limited the number that made it into Wednesday’s story because it was already north of 1,000 words. (Publisher Jack Ronald, while proofreading the page, may have accused me of “droning on.”)

So here are some additional resources that didn’t make that piece:



Education

Khan Academy — One of the trailblazers in online learning, Khan Academy offers lessons in math, science, art, history, computing and a variety of other subjects. khanacademy.org

Music

The Moxie Strings — Michigan’s Chelsea House Orchestra, which has played in Jay County and Fort Recovery several times, shared this option on Facebook. The duo that plays Celtic and New Age music streamed an at-home concert on its Facebook page. facebook.com/TheMoxieStrings



Podcasts (children)

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian — A serialized science fiction story for kids told in 15- to 20-minute episodes. Eight-year-old Finn Caspian explores space, meets the occasional alien and solves mysteries. finncaspian.com



Podcasts (adults)

How Stuff Works — The organization offers a variety of different podcasts, from “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” to “Stuff You Should Know” to “Stuff to Blow Your Mind.” iheartpodcastnetwork.com/podcasts (Search for “stuff.”)



Stories

Storyline Online — Videos of stories being read by celebrities. For example, “Catching the Moon” features Kevin Costner. storylineonline.net



The internet is loaded with possibilities. But while taking advantage of the vast array of options the digital world offers, we shouldn’t get too lost behind our devices.

This time when we’re not able to go to school, concerts, plays, festivals and other social events can be used to spark creativity — the ability to entertain ourselves (mostly) without our electronics.

Here are some ideas:

•Create arts and crafts with things you have at home. (Those toilet paper tubes that are probably abundant given the way shelves look at local stores are great material for such projects.)

•Make up a game. Who among us hasn’t played a game of living room volleyball using a balloon? (If you haven’t, you’re missing out.) Or what about “football” that involves catching balled up socks while diving onto the couch? (Sorry, moms.)

•Build a pillow and blanket fort. Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean it has to be “home.” Move the chairs, couches and tables around and create your own world.

•Play outside. Just because we’re supposed to stay at home doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors. Go outside. Play a game of tag. Toss a frisbee. Run. (Hopefully, the rain will go away quickly enough to allow this to be an option. Or, just dance in the rain!)

•Create homemade cards or write letters and send them to nursing homes or other facilities where visitors are limited. (This idea is admittedly stolen from Facebook, but it’s a good one.)

Those ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.

When I was a kid, my parents always asked myself and my siblings what we were giving up for Lent. Well, almost always.

One year Dad decided for us all. We gave up TV.

What did we do instead of watching shows?

We played board games. “Chutes and Ladders,” “Sorry” and “Life” come to mind.

We played cards. “Uno” is a good one. “Go Fish” is fun for any age. Or, maybe this is a time to learn a more complicated game like “Hearts.”

We played records. (Yes, I know. I’m old.)

We created our own radio show, recorded on a cassette tape, complete with commercials.

And every night, we sat around the family room and Dad read the “Little House on the Prairie” books. (He purposely mispronounced “prairie” every time just to drive us all crazy.)

So, while we’re stuck at home, there’s certainly no reason to be bored.

Use your mind. Get creative. Try new things.

While we certainly wish the circumstances were different, you may find that there’s plenty to keep you occupied without leaving the house.