Pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to keep your littles entertained and educated during these uncertain times? Keep on reading for a list of resources from across the web!
With nationwide school closures and stay-at-home orders in effect, we all find ourselves faced with a new normal. For many of us, our days were structured around getting our littles ready for school, heading to work (whether that was at home or in an office), gathering the kids from school, dinner, and bedtime routine. Now things are a bit topsy turvy, and schedules are all over the place. Not to mention, many of us have been tasked with working and educating our kids; it can make for a melting pot of frustration.
Over the past few weeks, I have been gathering resources that can help families during this transition. I think that educating our little is so important, but you know what is more important than education? Their emotional and mental health. That is why this list includes education-focused resources, but also branch out to include resources for entertainment, mindfulness, and fun.
An important thing to remember in all of this is to try and fill your cup in ways that work best for you. I am not going to use the term “self-care” because, for many, it has turned into a buzzword that means absolutely nothing. I like the phrase “fill your cup” because you can take a moment and figure out what brings you joy and fills you up. At the end of this resource list, I have also included resources for parents that are either blog focused or continuing education.
Please be safe, take care of yourself, and take each day at a time. We are wishing you well!
*Last updated: May 15, 2020. This list will be updated as I come across new resources*
Table of Contents
Autism & Special Needs Social Stories & Resources
Social Stories:
https://theautismeducator.ie/2020/03/11/corona-virus-social-story
https://www.facebook.com/116941762340407/posts/521698881864691/
https://l.ead.me/bbTE3n?fbclid=IwAR3jMmxaKSWOxEAuuKn5_WDEOuRNs6gbVmUvwlItB_Txv0jc59NAILLxYsw
https://www.facebook.com/CARD.UCF/videos/vb.433166070083840/208612983883611/
https://links.biasbehavioral.com/
https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/
https://www.facebook.com/TeachingAutism01/
Special Needs Apps: https://www.edutopia.org/article/apps-students-special-needs-school-buildings-shutter
Handwashing Visual Steps: https://nationalautismassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/N2YWashHands.png
Schools Staying Closed: https://www.autismlittlelearners.com/2020/04/schools-staying-closed-story-for.html
Wearing a Mask: https://www.facebook.com/jupiterfeedingandspeechtherapy/posts/216909519751833
How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
Special Needs Apps
Apps for Dyslecix Learners
Sound literacy | Dyslexia Quest | Happy Math Multiplication Rhymes | Read2Me | Phonics with Phonograms | Dyseggxia | D.D.’s Dictionary: A Dyslexic Dictionary |
Apps for Autistic Learners
Sight Words | Sequences for Autism | See Touch Learn | Words on Wheels | Verbal Me | Autism iHelp | Autism DDT Shapes | Autism DDT Letters | Speech with Milo
Apps for Learners with Writing Difficulties
The writing machine | iWrite words | Letter School | Alpha Writer | ABC Pocket Phonics | Word Magic
Education Resources
Education.com: https://www.education.com/
Wide Open School by Common Sense Media: https://wideopenschool.org/
Khan Academy Sample Schedule: https://keeplearning.khanacademy.org/daily-schedule
BIAS Behavioral Sample Schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uJsAK1Hz7FWp_o9-FSPiO3ya6Co0eYar/view
Rage Against the Minivan Sample Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KwjGdaYALWYqIDgVZlYIOPBfyvqUL8F1t60EFIEcilE/edit
Art
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1EVMQiHHKugF4RQ071DzimkSKn1AuiBNOJ-i6xs1mBts/
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Free Comic Drawing Lessons: https://weirdenoughproductions.com/
Coding
Code.org – Free: https://code.org/
Scratch (ages 8-16): https://scratch.mit.edu/
Scratch Jr (ages 5-7): https://scratchjr.org/
Music
https://prodigiesmusic.com/Curriculum/
Hoffman Academy: https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/make-music-at-home/
Miss Sarah Music with Mar: https://www.facebook.com/misssarahmusicwithmar/
Math
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Prodigy Math Game: https://www.prodigygame.com/
MobyMax: http://mobymax.com/
Preschool
Ms. Monica Circle Time: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTYXAQ0g5cKdr1mFJRPy2g
Miss. Megan’s Camp Kindergarten: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvkAp0r-wni4UM9_UQWkRdQ
Blippi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PYHgAzJ1wLEidB58SK6Xw
Khan Academy Kids: https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/
Science
Raven the Science Maven: https://m.facebook.com/raventhesciencemaven/
Kennedy Space Center: https://www.facebook.com/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex/
PhET Simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/_m/
Museum of Discovery and Science Virtual Learning Videos: https://www.facebook.com/MODSFTL/
Steve Spangler Science Lessons: https://www.facebook.com/stevespangler/
SciShow Kids: https://www.youtube.com/user/scishowkids
Animal Wonders Montana Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Anmlwndrs/
Crash Course Kids: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
Museums & Science Centers Virtual Experiences: https://beta.nsf.gov/science-matters/7-nsf-funded-museums-and-science-centers-offering-virtual-experiences-enjoy-your
Spanish
Ms. Nicole Canta: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Ms-Nicole-Canta-102196668092389/posts/
Rock N’ Learn Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExx109KH5msQR0n52ZzyAw
Homeschool Spanish Academy: https://www.spanish.academy/
Reading
Scholastic: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Kickstart Reading Program (40% off using SALE2020): https://www.kickstartreading.com/
Read Aloud for Kids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQFvj29hltTtVnTs-u6YiA
Audible: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Teach your Monster to Read (Currently Free, usually $5): https://amzn.to/3dkqVBv
Astronauts Reading Stories from Space: https://www.scarymommy.com/astronauts-story-time-in-space-kids-books/
Epic! Books: https://www.getepic.com/
Children’s Authors Reading Aloud List: https://www.weareteachers.com/virtual-author-activities/
New York Public Library: https://www.nypl.org/books-music-movies/ebookcentral
Free Chicken Soup for the Soul animal series: https://www.chickensoup.com/ah
Where’s Waldo at Home: https://waldo.candlewick.com/
Starfall: https://www.starfall.com/h/
Headsprout: https://www.headsprout.com/
Our Favorite Books for March: https://www.tribeonaquest.com/favorite-childrens-books-march-2020/
Worksheets
Kickstart Reading: https://www.kickstartreading.com/free-printables
Grade Level Relief Packets: https://www.havefunteaching.com/resources/relief-packs/
Break Packets: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/11Gn85SkOv1yGaZrzNOWvFJ_cIshdUqgY
Kindergarten Printables: https://www.planesandballoons.com/free-printable-worksheets-for-kindergarten
Blog Roundups
https://www.greatschools.org/gk/coronavirus-school-closure-support/
https://www.bkmamasandpapas.com/posts/online-events-for-kids
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rBqt7UJ7U_8Nz0mnLgbRd3TsSgzoJ1gawefZPCNNmAY/preview
https://www.weareteachers.com/best-math-websites/
https://growingbookbybook.com/online-literacy-resources/
https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2020/03/13/100-activities-to-do-at-home-during-school-closures/
https://colorfulpages.org/2020/03/15/colorful-pages-at-home-introduction/
https://funinfirst.com/free-online-learning-at-home/
https://learnincolor.com/educational-activities-for-when-youre-stuck-indoors.html
https://we3travel.com/vacation-planner-for-kids-downloadable-worksheet/
https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/21-free-educational-apps-kids
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/free-educational-apps-for-kids
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems
Afrocentric Education Resources
Afrocentric Homeschooling Resources: https://a2zhomeschooling.com/religion/afrocentric-homeschooling-black-children/
Afrocentric Montessori: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Afrocentric-Montessori
Lil Kings and Queens School App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details
Kamali Academy: https://www.kamaliacademy.com/
Black Classical Academy: https://blackclassicalacademy.com/
The United Black Library: https://unitedblackbooks.org/
https://thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com/african-american-childrens-movies/
Virtual Field Trips
Virtual Field Trips List https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/
Museums offering Virtual Tours: https://people.com/travel/stuck-at-home-these-12-famous-museums-offer-virtual-tours-you-can-take-on-your-couch/
National Park Virtual Tour https://totallythebomb.com/heres-33-national-park-tours-you-can-take-virtually-from-the-comfort-of-your-home
G.A. Attractions Livestreams: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ocean-voyager/
Disney-related
Imagineering in a Box – Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling/imagineering-in-a-box
Virtual Walt Disney rides: https://www.themeparkprofessor.com/2020/03/virtual-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-rides/
Disney Magic Happens Parade: https://youtu.be/rR-KP8KH1Ng
Lion King Experience Education Program: https://www.lionkingexperience.com/
Cooking up the Magic at Home – #DisneyMagicMoments Recipes: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/topics/magic-moments/
P.E.
Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
GoNoodle: https://www.youtube.com/user/GoNoodleGames
Just Dance Kids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrNheEb07WMBiiaKivKdsyw
Gyminny Kids Virtual Gymnastics Classes: https://www.gyminnykids.com/
Entertainment
Alvin Ailey Streaming: https://www.alvinailey.org/ailey-all-access
Movies to watch with the kids: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/17/entertainment/family-movies-streaming-wellness
Classical Concerts: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/no-audiences-concerts-streamed-to-world
Cirque du Soleil: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect
Kids Shows list: https://pregnantchicken.com/best-kid-shows/
Harry Potter at Home: https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home
DoubleTree Cookie Recipe: https://newsroom.hilton.com/static-doubletree-reveals-cookie-recipe.htm
For Parents:
Creativelive Free Health & Wellness Classes: https://www.creativelive.com/wellnessclasses
Broadway Workouts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GISGRRL/
Professional Photographers of America- Free Photography Education: https://www.ppa.com/education-unlocked
How to Start a Photography Business: https://photomba.net/start-a-photography-business/
Simply Snapping Mom Photography Printables – Free: https://goldenslumbersphotos.com/free-simply-snapping-mom-printables/
Cole’s Classroom Indoor Photography: https://www.colesclassroom.com/improve-your-photography-by-practicing-in-your-own-house/
FREE Photography Books: https://photzy.com/6-free-e-books-that-will-help-you-understand-your-camera-better/
Nikon School Online: https://www.nikonevents.com/us/live/nikon-school-online/
Ivy League Classes – Free: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/here-are-380-ivy-league-courses-you-can-take-online-right-now-for-free-9b3ffcbd7b8c/
Free Online Courses: https://www.classcentral.com/report/new-courses-october-2018
Streaming Concerts: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown
Broadway Plays & Musicals from Home: https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home
Udemy MBA Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/an-entire-mba-in-1-courseaward-winning-business-school-prof/
Comedic Relief: https://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2020/03/parents-little-broke-best-friends-out-quarantine.html
Travel related movies roundup: https://happytowander.com/best-travel-movies/
Neon Museum Virtual Tour of Tim Burton’s Lost Vegas Exhibit: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=220973265786706
Blogging Resources:
https://momsmakecents.com/free-blogging-courses/
https://2traveldads.com/being-proactive-travel-blogging
https://vimeo.com/showcase/6934812/video/402404949
https://lounge.travelmassive.com/c/covid-19-resources/27
https://www.ppa.com/articles/new-ways-to-marketing-your-photography-business
