20+ FREE Resources for Parents During School Closures

No, it’s not Thursday, but due to all the flux we are currently experiencing as a result of the coronavirus, I thought it important not to hold off on this post until then.

Many of my family and friends, of course, have been affected by the mandatory school closures that have become necessary and loom before us with no definitive end in sight.

As a parent, grandparent, and former classroom teacher, some of my efforts to help have included the sharing of any links and posts that have come my way.

Today, it hit me that all these links could be a bit overwhelming to parents who are, I am sure, already overwhelmed with the situation.

Perhaps, instead, it would be more helpful to compile all those links into one document.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. (In fact, as soon as I hit publish, I came across a free, daily video series, Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems  hosted by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)! Even so, it is my hope that you find it helpful.

20 + FREE Online Resources

14 Days of Creative Time with Kids by Ignite the Family

New ideas posted daily for 14 days

One list for ages 5+ and one for 12+. Each includes an idea for Free Time, Fun Time, Learn Time, and Love Time.

Art Tutorials by McHarper Manor

Daily Facebook Live Art & Craft Tutorials

Short but fun art projects for children. A schedule of projects supply list, and more information can be found by visiting McHarper Manor’s FAQs page.

Blockly

Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.

BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.  (K-3)

BrainPOP makes rigorous learning experiences accessible and engaging for all. Includes: Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health & SEL, Engineering, and more.

CoolMath and CoolMath4Kids (Math lessons and games for kids ages 3 through 12)

Online math games that help students with basic math lessons including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, money, and more. 

Duolingo

Learn a language for free

Learning with Duolingo is fun. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up. Effective, bite-sized lessons.

Fun Brain

Designed for pre-K to 8th grade students, this site helps students explore topics in math and reading through fun videos and games.

Home Safari by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Daily Facebook Live

Let the Cincinnati Zoo help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3pm where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home. Join us starting Monday, March 16 at 3pm for our first Home Safari- featuring Fiona!

How Stuff Works

A comprehensive articles-based site that introduces and informs on a variety of topics like culture, science, money, technology and more. Games, quizzes, and videos are also available to supplement the articles.

Khan Academy

An online learning website for students of all ages. The site offers short video lessons on thousands of topics, and their programs are personalized to allow children to learn at their own pace. To top it off, all videos and resources are free for all users. Check out their daily schedules for students ages 4-18. 

LifeWay Kids at Home by LifeWay

Free Family Bible Study for Churches Postponing Services

As the concerns over the Coronavirus have increased, many churches have decided to temporarily suspend meetings and move to an online platform. In response to this developing situation the LifeWay Kids team has created a free, temporary, at-home resource that will allow churches to equip families to conduct weekly media-driven kids Bible studies at home.

Click to download 20+ FREE Resources for Parents During School Closures in PDF format.

Mystery Science

Free, easy science for remote learning

Our most popular science lessons free for anyone to use. No account or login is needed.  Mystery Science is the creator of the most popular science lessons in U.S. schools. A curated starter set of science lessons.

National Geographic Kids

Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids

Features fun games, riddles and puzzles to supplement any online learning for young children. 

Scholastic Learn at Home offered by Scholastic

Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. 

Keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!

The Great American Story: A Land of Hope offered by Hillsdale College

25 Lectures

This course explores the history of America as a land of hope founded on high principles. In presenting the great triumphs and achievements of our nation’s past, as well as the shortcomings and failures, it offers a broad and unbiased study of the kind essential to the cultivation of intelligent patriotism.

TIME for Kids

Offers interesting articles, photos and videos on topics like politics, the environment, entertainment, sports and health. Student articles are grouped by grade level.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It’s used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything! Includes: 3D design, Electronics, and codeblocks.

Virtual Field Trip to Ellis Island by Scholastic

Virtual Field Trips (Google Doc) by Mrs. Fahrney

A collection of over 30 virtual field trips including links

Field trips include the San Diego Zoo, Yellowstone National Park, Mars, the U.S. Space and Rocket Museum, the Louvre, and more!

I hope during this difficult time, you find this resource to be a valuable help. If you prefer, the list is available as a FREE PDF. Simply click the link to download, and please feel free to share. We are #bettertogether!

**NEW UPDATED VERSION**

3-30-2020

Now with links to well over 30 resource ideas. Download the UPDATED version HERE.