It’s a tough time in March 2020. We are fighting the corona virus all around the world. Families are sequestered in their homes, and leaving has all together become impossible. But, we need to make sure to help our kids have some kind of education enrichment moving forward since we do not have a definite date that schools will be re-opening.
So in lieu of being in school, here are the top ten sites you can use right now to help your little one at home. The learning must go on!
And even if you’re reading this at a different time, these sites are sure to still put a smile on your child’s face and so let’s start exploring.
1. 123 Home School 4 Me
This is an absolutely fantastic website and will bring the hands on learning back to your child. It provides you with a wide assortment of different topics and printable activities to do based on those topics. So if your child likes bugs or animals, they have activities based on that. If your child enjoys dinosaurs or space they have those as well, and so on and so on. The website is also divided by age level so it is easy to maneuver when searching for what is age appropriate and cognitively challenging for your kiddos. Take a minute and look around. Choose the free printable or the hands on activities like slime and play dough fun if you have time.
https://www.123homeschool4me.com
2. Age of Learning
This website is another great choice and provides access links to three wonderful online learning programs. One is called ABC Mouse Academy, the next is Adventure Academy, and the third is Reading IQ. All of these platforms provide virtual games focused on the specific skills detailed in the program description. They are interactive, colorful, and keep your children engaged and learning while you get your work done.
It is a tad more tech heavy though. Because of that it may be easier for older kids to navigate. However, if you have time to participate, preschoolers can definitely benefit as well.
https://www.ageoflearning.com/
3. Switcheroo Zoo
This website is amazing for children that are heavily into animals, reptiles, and anything science. They have great thematic activities based around those items that will keep your child engaged for long periods of time.
https://switchzoo.com/default.htm
4. Fun Brain
This website is sorted by grade level as well and is very easy to use. You can choose whichever grade you want through the very well placed menu at the top. It then sorts different activities by content topics such as reading, writing, math, and science. They also include resources for other learning websites so the learning continues. But just take note, to access the full website you will need to become a member. It takes a short time to sign up though so do it fast and let the learning begin!
5. Story Online
Story Online is a great website that specifically targets read alouds for children. A variety of different celebrities choose a popular children’s story and move through the pages with elaborate and eloquent readings that keep the children engaged and interacting with the material. Their library is immense and they include famous titles such as The House That Jane Built, A Bad Case of the Stripes, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Strega Nona. Every month they have special selections as well that are added, which keeps the rotation fresh. It is a lovely way to incorporate story time on a more independent basis if you might not have the time just that minute.
https://www.storylineonline.net/
6. SchoolTube
This website has a few different avenues you can view. There is an interactive portal and also a virtual classroom for schools to set up if they wish. I like them because they too have a platform like story online. It’s called Brightly, and provides a reading platform but with even more titles. They also share read alouds but when they look to the book images, they are slightly more digitized in nature.
https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Brightly+Storytime/130950152
7. ABC Ya
This is a beautifully organized site that is also very easy to use and very aesthetically pleasing. It is sorted by grade level too so maneuvering through is simple. It combines the use of common core standards (which are used in most public schools) with fun and engaging activities, so you know your child will be keeping up with the demands of the school system education objectives. It also provides a parent and teacher portal as well. Definitely a really beautiful site to explore.
8. Highlights for Kids
I love this website because it has an array of fun things for kids to do. It’s not just structured online learning but also includes some fun games and even a jokes portal. Basically everything you need to keep your child content and happy while you work. It is somewhat more complex to navigate though so it may be better for elementary age children.
https://www.highlightskids.com/
9. Star Fall
Star Fall is another great population for the younger and older crowd. Choose your grade level (they have everything from pre-k through 3rd grade) and what topic you want to learn. Their content topics include letters, numbers, math songs, nursery rhymes etc. So even preschoolers can engage with it somewhat independently. The aesthetics are great and the site is quite colorful. There are a bunch of videos as well to help captivate your little one while they’re learning.
https://www.starfall.com/h/index-kindergarten.php
10. Go Noodle
This website will most likely be the only gross motor activity website. It is so important during times like this, where we are stuck inside, to keep your kids moving as much as possible. As amazing as online learning is, the sitting down can be tiring and monotonous. This website helps kids get up and moving and gives them a break from the constant sitting. Think of it as an aerobics video but for kids! Definitely give this a try on the day the kids are having heavy heavy cabin fever.
*Summary
So there you have it parents! The top ten resources that will help home school your little ones and get you through any extended at home period. These resources are used by different school systems, private teachers, companies, and can be well trusted. All of them have won awards in one sector or another so be sure to really check them out if you need help with ideas.
But remember, a lot of it does involve screen time. Resources like these are balanced with actual hands on play and activities. Screen time should be limited as much as possible and can never really substitute for practical real world learning. So when you get a minute, get down on the floor and play with your kids. I promise they will love it just as much too.
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow parents! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just on the right hand side of this post. See you there!
Elvera says
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read: https://bit.ly/2VxFhqh
Allison Tylek says
Thanks for sharing this link! What a great resource!
Jennine Cavers says
This article is great! If it help, you can teach your child to read, this video
reveals how any child aged 2-9 can quickly learn to read at home:
https://bit.ly/36nmkge