Topical Tuesdays from The Week Junior – Coronavirus and Covid-19

Key Stage

KS2, KS3

Age

Years 3-9

Subjects

This week’s story looks at the spread of the coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, and the effect it has has in Italy.

Covid-19 is a disease caused by a new type of coronavirus, with symptoms including breathing difficulties, a sore throat and a high temperature.

The Italian government has placed the country in quarantine, in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, with people being banned from travelling and being asked to stay at home.

As well as banning public gatherings, like sporting events, all schools and universities have been closed to stop young people from getting sick. Lessons will be carried out online as best possible.

These actions were taken due to a sharp rise in confirmed coronavirus cases.

In the UK the government has decided that that it isn’t yet time to introduce similar measures here.

This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:

Debate as a class whether you think online learning is possible now. Wouldn’t it be cheaper than keeping schools open? Or are there other benefits for children to all learn together in one place?

What should people know in order to prevent the spread of the disease and stop themselves getting sick. Write a set of instructions to let them know.

Write a letter to a pen pal in the UK, imagining that you are a child in Italy whose school has closed due to the coronavirus. Explain what it’s like to have to stay home, good and bad.

We know a lot about diseases nowadays, but obviously that wasn’t always the case. Research some facts about what people throughout history used to believe caused disease, and what they used in an effort to cure them.

To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.