DigitalDaily4Kids: Online Resources for Families
Time is at a standstill. As families around the globe navigating temporary homeschooling, online resources are more important than ever. During the pandemic crisis, chances are that screen time among minors will rise. And we say who cares. No, really we mean it. In this situation, we are all just doing our best. Give yourself, and your children, a break. No one has written the book on how to be the best caregiver during a global pandemic. Do your best.
We have developed a list of online resources for families to give you a helping hand in all areas of education online to keep the additional screen time as productive and healthy as possible. Please also engage with #DigitalDaily4Kids on Facebook and Twitter to pick up additional resources.
Educators in the classroom use digital learning resources every day. Many schools pay for subscriptions to programs such as BrainPOP. We have gathered a few of the many online resources for families that are free and will continue to share more via #DailyDigital4Kids on social media.
In order to support families in the St. Louis region staying at home for an extended period of time, STEMSTL shared these online educational STEM-related resources to ensure continued learning. Use the Learning Resources link to explore resources by topic. Use the Community Calendar to search by date.
ABCMouse.com Early Learning Academy is offering free membership with the code SCHOOL7771. Your child can create their own avatar, name their own hamster, and master skills such as reading and math.
K5 Learning is an excellent resource for printable worksheets from Pre-K to 5th grade. You can search by grade and subject.
SimplyE is an app that can be downloaded onto any device. As long as you have a library card anywhere in the country you can access books from the New York Public Library System.
Scholastic Learn at Home
Scholastic Learn at Home provides 20 days worth of active learning journeys designed to reinforce and sustain educational opportunities.
Adventure Academy is similar to ABC Mouse for 8-13-year-olds. They are offering free temporary membership with the same code SCHOOL7771.
YouTube is one of those amazing words that is both a noun and a verb. It’s hard to imagine learning something new these days without a little assistance from YouTube. Not only is YouTube great for sharing funny videos but it can be a great resource for history, politics, exercise, and how to play a musical instrument. We’ve compiled some of the most popular channels for creative learning.
Crash Course is exactly what it sounds like. The hosts teach a variety of topics from computer science to film history in short, easy to understand videos.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Cosmic kids yoga is a visually appealing and interactive yoga session for young yogis. The videos are short and the setting is animated. Your little one can participate in a yoga session that is themed in folktales or farm animals.
Whether your child needs to learn the 50 states or brush up on antonyms, Homeschool Pop is covering all the bases. It really is a cool place to learn!
Kahn Academy might be one of the most well known Youtube channels. The videos aren’t very flashy but they’re wide-ranging in subject matter and very informative.
Art & Film
All work and no play will get old fast. In fact, there are emotional and cognitive benefits to engaging with the arts. Here are a couple of online resources for parents to keep children thinking creatively. Please join us in sharing more through social media using #DigitalDaily4Kids.
Mo Williams, the Kennedy Center’s Education Artist-in-Residence, an illustrator is keeping people entertained every day in the afternoon by doodling. His calming presence and easy to listen to voice are exactly what we all need.
Kanopy is available through participating in public libraries and universities. Stream thousands of films for free.
Can you think of a better guest to read to children than the famous and funny Olaf? Me either. Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, is reading to kids stuck at home. He’s easily one of the most recognizable voices for youth today as Frozen and Frozen II has swept the nation. Follow his twitter feed for more live readings of familiar children’s books.
If variety is needed, Storyline Online has numerous readings available. Reading aloud to children has been proven to improve reading, writing, and logical thinking. Storyline Online is available to all children. Readers include Betty White, Viola Davis, James Earl Jones, and many more. Don’t waste any more time and check out who is reading your favorite children’s book right now.
Virtual Field Trips
Social distancing measures have shut down zoos and parks across the nation. Lucky for us we can still take advantage of amazing field trips, virtually of course. Check out these great adventures below.
San Diego Zoo
With this interactive website, you can take your kids to the San Diego Zoo no matter where you live! Students can learn exciting animal facts, explore exhibits in real-time, and play fun games and activities.
Great Wall of China
Most Americans might never have the opportunity to climb the Great Wall of China. This is a perfect time to virtually walk the steps and incorporate a few Chinese history lessons.
The Louvre in Paris, France is one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Take your child on a cultural tour of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, nineteenth-century Romanticism paintings, and other breathtaking exhibits. Don’t forget to peek at the Mona Lisa.
Plan 4 Summer
It’s a perfect time to research summer camp options. Check Blueprint4Summer STL to see what’s on the calendar!
We’re in this together!
We understand that these are uncertain times. It can also be a time to make great memories. The extra family time is sure to be cherished for years to come. Check out these great online resources for parents and let us know which one is your favorite. Don’t forget to share any resources that you think will benefit others here and using #DigitalDaily4Kids on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.