COVID-19 is a virus that is causing disease in people across the world.
The world is responding in new ways because this is a new virus. It first infected humans in December 2019. COVID-19 was given its name by the Director-General of the World Health Organization on 11 February 2020. It stands for ‘coronavirus disease 2019’. The World Health Organization is calling COVID-19 a pandemic.
As the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of specific language is being used. The language may be at a level above what some students can read and comprehend. Consider working through the activities as a family. This also creates an opportunity for adults, caregivers and students to discuss specifics about COVID-19 and the changes it has made to normal routines. The Ministry of Education has advice when talking to children about COVID-19.
In this activity, students will become familiar with some of the terminology used in the COVID-19 pandemic. They will use and develop their literacy skills within a science context.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- understand key words relating to the COVID-19 pandemic
- identify key personnel that can help during a pandemic
- describe how everyone can help.
The PDF (see link below) contains student worksheets only.
Useful links
See our Pinterest board – full of activities, articles and more to help teachers, schools and/or parents setting up online learning at home.
Visit the Learning from home government website for more activity ideas.
The New Zealand Government’s Unite against COVID-19 website.