As we enter the winter months, many schools around the country are still navigating through virtual learning. Some schools are in a hybrid model where kids attend school in-person for part of the week and attend remotely for the remainder of the time. Like many schools in my city, some schools have been moved back to virtual learning. Either way, schools have now gathered tons of resources for students to be successful during virtual learning. Many of these programs and resources are not just isolated for school use. These programs can and should be navigated at home as well. Here are my top 10 resources for parents to support their child during virtual learning.
Resource #1 Epic – This online digital reading platform has over 40,000 books for children. Whether your child is a beginning reader or a more advanced reader, this platform is perfect. Right now, they are offering a 30-day free trial for parents to get sign up. Parents, you should also ask your child’s school if they have an account for your child right now. https://www.getepic.com
Resource #2 Moby Max – This online resource is excellent for helping to close gaps and providing your children with some independent work time to keep them engaged. With Moby Max, parents can get an educator’s toolkit just for their home. Great for differentiated learning covering all subjects in K-8. Right now, parents can get this for $7.99 a month. Parents can also ask their child’s to see if their child already has an account. https://www.mobymax.com/families
Resources #3 Read Theory – Read Theory is for parents looking to challenge their children in reading comprehension. This is one of the essential skills for students to master. Read Theory is entirely free, and parents can sign up to access personalized reading comprehension exercises for their child in grades K-12. https://readtheory.org
Resource #4 Teachers Pay Teachers – While I would never in my professional life recommend this resource for teachers in my school, I do push this site onto parents. Many parents have asked me for activities their children could do during breaks or even on weekends. I sometimes recommend Teachers Pay Teachers. On this site, teachers post for sale and sometimes for free lesson plans and activities. This resource is easy to access with multiple subjects and covering almost all grades. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com
Resource #5 Khan Academy for Kids – Khan Academy for children is excellent as it helps children learn reading, language, writing, math, and even social-emotional development. The activities and games, like drawing and coloring, encourage creativity and self-expression. Khan Academy Kids is free, and they are always adding new content to keep kids engaged. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.khankids.android&hl=en_US&gl=US
Resource #6 Lexia– This online reading platform must be primarily purchased by the school district and is an excellent resource if your child’s school has a subscription. Lexia combines interactive modules along with rigorous supports for beginning and advance readers. Students enjoy it as they move through levels; they can earn points. https://www.lexialearning.com
Resource #7 Days with Grey – Even for those families with children who started the year in preschool or should be in preschool at home, resources will come in handy as well during this time. There are some great resources for you all as well. Days with Grey is great for parents looking for fun, hands-on activities for their child at home. It gives tons of ideas on how to use items in your home for learning. https://dayswithgrey.com/blog/category/literacy/
Resource #8 Boston Basics – This site is helpful for new parents to help support their child’s development. Many of the concepts they may learn from daycare or preschool, parents can have the same resources and support this development right at home. https://boston.thebasics.org/en/about/
Resource #9- Busy Toddler – Busy Toddler is another great resource for parents who have children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Busy toddlers include resource for both indoor and outdoor activities. https://busytoddler.com/
Resource #10 Go Noodle – Many children are in the house and not allowed to get as much physical activity. Go Noodle is a great resource to get kids moving right in the comfort of their own home. Go Noodle supports physical, wellness, and social-emotional in children. https://www.gonoodle.com/