During this time of quarantine and social distancing, you’re likely working from home alongside your partner and your kids. Saying “It’s challenging” might be an understatement. The kids are going stir crazy, the dog is barking, and you just ran out of toilet paper.
Take a deep breath. We can’t help you with the toilet paper issue, but we have some good resources to tackle the growing problem of having bored kids at home. As some school districts are scrambling to put together online learning (or not), you can get the kids excited about learning at home via some great resources.
Here you go!
Art
Author/Illustrator Mo Willems (of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus fame) is doing some fun doodle exercises in his art studio. Great for young kids!
Link to article: Mo Willems Is Hosting a Livestream Doodle Every Weekday, Starting Today
Join him on YouTube and don’t forget your sketch pad and pencils! Link to YouTube channel:
Art at Home
Here’s a fun table of links to all kinds of art activities you can do at home. Great for ALL ages!
- Art contests: submit your art for cash prizes
- Museums: take a virtual field trip to museums around the world and even stream operas on your TV
- Art games: compete against yourself and others
- Digital art: create art on your device
- Art education: learn about art
- Art at home: art tutorials and prompts for you to create art where you are
Go on a virtual museum tour of the world’s best art with Google Arts & Culture
Link to site: https://artsandculture.google.com/
Can’t get enough of museums? Here are 12 world-class museums you can tour online
Link to list: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/75809/12-world-class-museums-you-can-visit-online
Language
This is the perfect time to learn a new language! Not just for kids, either. When travel starts up again, you’ll be more prepared to converse in the country of your choice. Check out the selection from Duo Lingo.
STEM
Need some guidance on keeping our kids on the STEM track? Check out Microsoft’s awesome kits/resources for keeping your kids engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Link to site: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/education-workshop/activity-library.aspx
Entertainment
Audible
For as long as schools are closed, we’re open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Explore the collection, select a title and start listening.
Musicals
Who doesn’t love a Broadway musical? Now you can stream some fabulous shows for free in the comfort of your living room.
Music
Need some music therapy? Check out this list of live stream concerts you can watch at home!
A List of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown
Additional Learning
Scholastic has some great educational resources. Dive into their site to see what’s available. Link to site: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/