Portland Public Schools (PPS) are on the verge of a potential teacher strike, with educators indicating a significant likelihood of a strike in the coming days, as per KGW reports.

Well, what do we do? PPS has a few guidelines, and they will provide access to devices to all students who need them. 

As outlined by the Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), district authorities have announced that there will be no mandatory schoolwork or new assignments during this period. Instead, middle and high school students are advised to utilize the time to catch up on any outstanding assignments. Additionally, all students will have the option to access supplementary learning resources. Families will also be provided with self-directed digital resources, allowing for continuous supplemental academic and social-emotional learning from their homes.

Here are some of the resources provided on their websites:

Preschool and Head Start families

PreK-12 students and families

Online K-12 tutoring will be accessible, according to officials. Additionally, trained PPS staff will be on hand to assist young students who need extra help in reading instruction.

If a teacher’s strike occurs and schools are temporarily closed, it can be a challenging time for parents and students. However, there are several productive and educational activities that kids can engage in during a teacher’s strike to ensure that their learning doesn’t come to a complete halt. These are things that go above and beyond PPS resources.

Things To Do in Case of a Strike

Read

Reading is a great way to continue learning. Head to the library or explore e-books to keep your child engaged in reading. You can also discuss the books they read to ensure comprehension. Reading will be the best thing you can do for your kids during a gap in education.

There’s an App for That

There are numerous educational apps and websites available that cover various subjects, from math and science to language arts and history. Encourage self-guided learning. Here are Good Housekeeping’s Best Apps for Kids in 2023. Lots of great choices to keep your kids engaged. 

Go Online

Platforms like YouTube have a wealth of educational content, including science demonstrations, history lessons, and more. I mean, your kids are probably already on Kid’s YouTube, so make it educational!

Play Games

There are many board games and card games that have an educational component, such as Scrabble, chess, and various math and word games. Playing games keeps your mind sharp and keeps everyone entertained. 

Take a Class

There are online platforms like Khan Academy and Outschool. There are also resources like  Coursera and edX for older kids/teens that offer a wide range of courses. These can be an excellent way for students to explore new subjects or reinforce their knowledge.

Go Explore

Consider taking educational field trips to museums, science centers, nature reserves, or historical sites. These experiences can be both fun and educational. Check out this article, “Family Fun – A Day In The Pacific Northwest,” for good ideas on where to go. 

DIY Science Experiments

Conduct simple science experiments at home to foster curiosity and a love for science. There are many online resources for age-appropriate experiments. One resource is We Are Teachers. Check out “70 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand.”  They have lesson plans and printables as well.

Create

Encourage artistic expression through activities like drawing, painting, crafts, and music. These activities can foster creativity and problem-solving skills. Art just makes everything better. Check out Art for Kids Hub for some art ideas. 

Move it, Move it

One thing that will really help is to get your kid’s body moving (and yours too). Physical health is closely linked to cognitive function and well-being. Kid’s YouTube has a ton of quick, easy, and fun workouts, or check out Very Well Family for some more workouts. 

Get Cooking

Cooking and baking can teach valuable math and science concepts while providing a tasty reward. Plus, it is science! Go to Cooking with Kids or PBS for recipe ideas and more for kids. 

Volunteer

Use the time to engage in community service or volunteer work, helping your child learn about social responsibility and empathy. This summer, Oregon Kid had a great list of places to check out in “Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities In And Around Portland To Do With Your Kids This Summer.”

Set a Routine

One thing you also want to consider is having a routine. Maintaining a daily routine that includes time for learning, physical activity, and relaxation is essential. Consistency can help children adjust to the temporary disruption.


Remember that while these activities can be educational and engaging, it’s also essential to balance structured learning and leisure time. Children can learn valuable life skills through free play and unstructured activities. Additionally, support and communication with teachers and the school during the strike can help keep you informed about any updates or alternative learning resources. 

This can be a challenging time for our kids and our teachers. It is a delicate situation. Give yourself some space for big feelings all around. What are your plans if PPS strikes? Do you have childcare? What are you thinking about this upcoming strike?