School’s out for summer! Just kidding. It’s out for COVID-19; a pre-summer summer of sorts. To our kids, dreams do come true. In their little minds, this is their month-long bonus vacation. No school means no school work. Well, the world isn’t the only one about to wake up to a “unfair” reality. Although, it is tempting to give into our kids’ desire to treat this as ‘no work, all play’ time-off; Our little darlings’ minds still need to be stimulated and some sort of structured education needs to be incorporated into their daily lives. So, congrats parents! You are now a certified home school teacher. Puke! That puts a pit in my stomach thinking about being the sole educator in my kids’ lives for the time being. But, I am not alone! It is estimated that 861 children are now learning from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From what I have read, I am putting more pressure on myself than truly necessary (#storyofmylife). Instead of thinking about yourself as their replacement teacher, think of yourself as their substitute teacher (their favorite substitute teacher, of course).
THE BASICS OF AT-HOME LEARNING:
You are augmenting their development. Lessons do not have to be lengthy, comprehensive or by any means replace learning methods from their schools.
Keep lessons and instruction times short. As we all know kids attention spans are short and education with movement is crucial. Click here for ways to add movement to lesson plans.
Set daily themes to mix it up. Since every day is ‘bring your parent to school day’, try adding theme days such as: Pajama Day. Backwards Day. Team Spirit Day. Show & Tell Day. Get creative.
Take virtual field trips. This is a thing! But first, switch hats, you are now a chaperone. After you are done, ask your kids to either share aloud or write down about what they learned during their stay-at-home field trip.
Create a dedicated area for ‘school’. Maybe have them bring their own school supplies or pack a lunch. Also, keep distractions to a minimum in their learning space.
Set aside a “Quiet Time”. There are plenty of Audible books you can order for your kids on Amazon. These downloaded books are available to listen to via computer, I-pad, phone, tablet, etc. This gives everyone a well-deserved BREAK and allows time to unwind for a minute. *Most importantly, don’t forget every Friday is designated teacher appreciation day! (wink wink)
This website offers educational lessons categorized by subject and/or age groups. A team comprised of education reporters, former teachers and parents created this list of useful resources to aid parents in navigating is challenging transition. Additionally, there are a plethora of online resources offering FREE or discounted programs that are easily accessible and can be done at your own pace. Here are some options below:
Top 12 Educational Resources for Kids:
- ABC Mouse: Educational games for most subjects in the form of books, puzzles, songs, etc.
- Scholastic: Launched a ‘Learn at Home’ website with daily lessons using videos, stories, prompts for drawing and writing activities. Grade levels include: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1-2; 3-5; and 6+.
- Revolution Math: Designed to help Grades 2-5 refine their math skills in just one hour each week. Check out my blog review that has a code for 4 weeks free.
- Khan Academy: Find daily schedules for organizing at-home learning for students ages 4-18 years with lessons, exercises and quizzes.
- Crash Course: YouTube channel offering engaging educational videos suitable for high school students. The channel features a wide range of subjects from anatomy to world history.
- Nova Labs at PBS: For teens: Multimedia videos that focus on various scientific topics using video, animation, and games.
- Outschool: Live online classes, conducted via video chat, for students ages 3-18 years affected by COVID-19 shutdown of public schools.
- PBS Kids: Launched a new free weekday newsletter with activities and educational games for students ages 2-8 years. The PBS video app is also available on mobile, tablet, and connects TV devices. *Livestream 24/7 with no subscription required.
- DIY.org: For crafty kids: This website includes thousands of courses and projects with how-to videos for ages 4-13+ years. Topics include: drawing, photography, science, music, Lego-building and Minecraft-video making. Kids can use this as a platform to design their own videos and share them. *Currently, offering 90% off its library of hands-on projects and how-to videos in a safe-learning community for kids. Use code- TOGETHER.
- Prodigy Math: Math platform used by more than 50 million students, teachers and administrators; which reinforces math skills through video game-style play.
- Adventure Academy offers a 3D world for your child to explore while learning skills in language arts, science, math, social studies, and more.
- Duolingo App: An app that helps kids (and adults) learn a language through short, game-like exercises, and motivates you to continue learning with a “streak” feature that tracks the number of days you’ve reached your point goal.
Kids Quarantine LIVE (and replay) Video Classrooms and Tutorials Round-Up!
Offered Daily Monday-Friday. The classes are scheduled at different times and differ throughout each day as well as weekly; useful for getting your kids on a schedule similar to their school schedule.
- 10AM Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Virtual Classroom via FB Live
- 10AM – 12PM Science Mom & Math Dad ‘Quarantime’ Online School for ages 7-12 years via FB Live or www.youtube.com/sciencemom Find FREE printable sheets for lessons here: https://www.patreon.com/ScienceMo
- 11AM Cassie Stephens Art Class FB Live and IG Live
- 12PM McHarper Manor Online Art Tutorial via FB Live *check for supply list each week
- 1PM Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Virtual Classroom via FB Live
- 2PM Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Home Safari via FB Live (*replay available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3VoxyYmyQCReOXk2ogsVg)
OTHER EDUCATIONAL VIDEO OPTIONS:
- Mystery Science: FREE video lessons sorted by grade during COVID-19 quarantine. Choose from short or long lesson options: https://mysteryscience.com/school-closure-planning
- Art for Kids Hub: All sorts of drawing tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub
Also we love Teach My Learning kits for baby, toddler, preschoolers and kindergartners.
Thank the Education Gods for these wonderful educational resources for kids and suggestions that give structured guidance for all ages of children; which assures some of their screen time is educationally beneficial. One thing is certain, this COVID-19 is a learning curve for everyone. Comfort zones not included.
Oh! Also, check out today.com for an incredibly helpful and informative list of 25 educational toys in 2020 for toddlers and kids.
So now that you are schooled in how to school, go get dem kids schooled, ya heard?! I think its about nap time at the Houston School of Hard Knocks.
Pin these educational resources for kids for later!
