resources for learning at home

Well, this month has been interesting, hasn't it? I'm sure you're reading this from home because, let's be honest, we're all stuck at home these days. It has definitely been interesting trying to keep my kids (aged 4 and 7) busy while also trying to get some work done. Fortunately, I was mostly scheduled to be off on Spring Break this week, so not too much has changed in our daily routine. Yet. :) I'm sure most of you are going through the same things!

So, to help you guys out with the new challenges of entertaining kids without all of our usual activities, I decided to write a post that includes some of my favourite online resources. Stay tuned for another post all about my favourite stay-at-home (or otherwise social-distancing) fun activities.

If only working from home with kids were always so...color-coordinated!

First off, I want to add a little caveat. As a parent, language development expert, lover of all things kids and play, I have to say: It is okay for your child to be bored. I'm going to say it again for the people in the back.

It is okay for your kid to be bored!

Bored is not a bad word. From boredom comes the fire of creativity. Okay, maybe that's a bit much, but certainly boredom helps our children develop certain important skills like problem solving, emotional regulation, executive functioning, play skills, social skills (especially if your bored kid has an equally bored sibling!), and - yes - creativity. So, if your child is whining about being bored, maybe wait a smidge longer than usual before handing them some entertainment or suggestions. More often than not, after about the 5th (or 500th? Eesh) time they ask you to entertain them, they will go off and find something to do themselves.

BUT, that's not always the case. Sometimes they don't. And sometimes, we as parents just don't have it in us to wait through all the whining. And that's why I'm here to help! Here are a couple online sites (mostly learning-related) that you can give your child when they really need some downtime or screen time.

• Vooks - Vooks is a website (and app) where you can find animated videos of your favourite kids books. I LOVE this site and my kids do too. They're offering extended free trials until summer.
• Epic - This site also has a lot of common kids books in ebook and audiobook versions, as well as some Epic-originals. You can get them arranged by learning level, topic, or others. They have a free 30 day trial.
• Storyline Online - This is always free! And so amazing. Here you can find some celebrities reading kids books. It's very engaging and a great way to "get kids reading" who aren't yet reading full books on their own.
• BrainPop - A great learning site where kids can watch videos, read articles, and learn about ALL sorts of things in all subjects. They even have some great, age appropriate information about the corona-virus.
• PBSKids - Has some GREAT games. The Pinkalicious Storymaker is a good one (you might want to turn off the sound though!) and Daniel Tiger's Guess the Feelings is another favourite.
• Highlights - Highlights offers lots of kids' games, such as look and finds 
• BookFlix - I just found this one while doing the Scholastic learning activities (see below!) It's another one like Epic where the books are animated and/or read aloud.
• Scholastic - Scholastic has post a MONTH's worth of online learning materials for elementary aged kids. My kids have been loving this!! Just remember to pace yourself AND your kids. Being home during the Covid is a temporary break. If they aren't into doing an online learning activity, remember that they are ALWAYS learning through play. Don't feel pressure to have them sit down and "do work."
• Audible - They've just announced they're releasing a ton of titles for FREE! No log-in needed.
• Unite for Literacy - This is a new site I found with a variety of cool books and learning activities.
• Dr. Seuss App - Kids can explore books from this iconic children's book author
• My Playhome App - This one isn't so educational, but kids love being able to move the characters around, and you can use it to foster a lot of great language while talking about what's happening!
• Virtual Tours - There are so many free virtual tours available now, including Zoos, Museums, Castles, and even Disney Theme parks! I've posted a few good ones below, as well as some lists:
  • https://londonist.com/london/museums-and-galleries/calling-all-culture-vultures-here-s-how-to-experience-london-virtually-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
  • http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover
  • https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/03/disney-parks-launches-first-ever-360-degree-panoramas-on-google-street-view/
  • https://www.legoland.dk/en/accommodation/hotel-legoland/virtual-tour/
  • https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
  • https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos
  • https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/
  • https://adventuresinfamilyhood.com/20-virtual-field-trips-to-take-with-your-kids.html Check out the Activity and Resource Ideas at the end of each section!

I wish you all the best in these trying times! Stay tuned for an upcoming post about my favourite do-at-home activities for keeping kids busy and learning. Feel free to comment with other favourite online resources below.

Thanks for reading!
​Amanda