The Big List of Educational Resources for Homeschooling During Coronavirus

There are affiliate links within the post. If you purchase any subscriptions or products through this post, I will get a small percentage of the sale price.

Updated:
So right now we are doing remote learning. My little guy (age 10) has been a little resistant, so I am going to have to make it as interesting as I can, but my 15 and 12 year old seem to be okay with it.

I have an education degree and taught for 6 years, but it’s been a while since I was in the classroom. I’m gathering a list of websites, Google Docs, video links and information that may help us and may help you too. Note, I’m linking to these sites, but I am not responsible for any information on these sites — I would check everything out before you show your kids.

Note: As I find more and more resources, I will be adding to this list. If you have any links for me to add, please leave a comment on this post or email me at themamamaven AT gmail.com.

But First – Some Advice

Be realistic. Your homeschool is not going to last from 8 AM to 3PM. It may be four hours max or you may be happy with a couple of really good hours. We find that starting at 9 and going until 1:30 or 2PM has been the most successful for my 9 year old. He has special needs and frankly I’ve been amazed at home much he has gotten done. Give yourself grace, some days may be better than others. You can try to stick to the schedule your school recommends.

Physical education and getting outside (remember to keep the social distance) is important, especially get your kids to blow off some steam.
Most likely they’re stressed too, this is something they may be very worried about. Things are going to look very different in their world and we need to worry about their mental state. I know I’m so anxious these days and keeping to a schedule actually helps me to relax.

Brainpop created a 4 minute movie that you can access to teach kids about the Corona Virus. https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/

And if your school fills out this link, they can get free access for you. It cannot be a parent, your school must do it. https://educators.brainpop.com/2020/02/19/free-brainpop-access-for-schools-affected-by-the-corona-virus/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=coronavirus&utm_content=free-access
This is courtesy of the Google Doc listed below.

Updated: Resources for Younger Children

These 4 links below are affiliate links. We’ve used ABCMouse and Homer with my youngest child and had a wonderful experience.

ABCMouse

Homer – Free Trial

Academy Adventure

Hooked on Phonics – $1.00 trial

Baby Einstein R

Elephant Learning Math Academy — click here for our review — this is an excellent program.

Review: Elephant Learning Math Academy

Websites

https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Khan Academy – terrific resource. Plus they even planned out a sample daily schedule for you.

Daily Schedule from Khan Academy https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub

Jenn from Ever After in the Woods also compiled a great list https://everafterinthewoods.com/online-school-resources-when-you-cant-go-to-school/

Coding Resources:
This is free from Udemy — they have a ton of great courses for kids and adults (note: some of them are paid).

https://www.udemy.com/topic/coding-for-kids/free

Here’s a video walkthrough that I did of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry https://youtu.be/fn6eisqhU_I

Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT Walkthrough Videohttps://youtu.be/1jLOliy7FxI

NYC Businesses and Cultural Institutions Offering Online Classes, Entertainment and More.

My friend Monica over at NYC Macaroni Kid East put together a fabulous list with ALL the information (plus more) that you need. Head over to hear site to read.

https://nyceast.macaronikid.com/articles/5e6fc5a172bd3a1c1c528e59/online-resources-to-keep-nyc-kids-engaged-entertained-at-home

Crafting/Indoor Activities

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/indoor-activities-for-kids/

Cardboard Sword Craft DIY Video

Art Classes

https://www.facebook.com/creativityduringcorona/

UPDATED: My friend Nicola Stewart is an art teacher and has posted special YouTube Lessons for your kids.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChDWG66VDo9kAgFy0TWrU4Q

Graphic Resources

Canva, which I use often, is offering their free amazing online graphic program to teachers, students, and educational institutions transition to online learning during this time – click here Canva for Education. It’s a great way to create infographics, cool items for Google Classroom, and so much more. They also have a ton of graphic resources on Covid-19 so you can share accurate information and spread messages of support to your community. Go here: Here are some resources.

Learn a Foreign Language

https://www.duolingo.com/

Exercise (Cardio/Yoga/Mindfulness)

If you can get your kids outside at least once a day, that’s ideal. But if you can’t or want to add more physical activity, YouTube is a great resource. You can find videos from Cosmic Kids Yoga and more.

https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

Family Cardio Workout from Pop Sugar https://youtu.be/5if4cjO5nxo

Podcasts

Get FREE podcasts for kids at BestRobotEver.com.

Downloads include the Peabody winning The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel: http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/the-unexplainable-disappearance-of-mars-patel
Pants on Fire, which is being turned into a 30 episode Disney+ series! Also the addictive Six Minutes; The Mayan Crystal ( Parsec Award nominee); Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids, named a 2016 iTunes Best of the Year; The Ghost of Jessica Majors (Webby Best Family Series honoree); and Young Ben Franklin, The Weirdness and Becoming Mother Nature, distributed in conjunction with PRX.
All of the Podcasts can be downloaded here.

Reading

From SAG-AFTRA
The Foundation’s ad-free online children’s literacy program, Storyline Online^®, includes a digital library of 57 read alouds by top Hollywood talent who engage young viewers with their animated interpretations of historic, adventurous and fantastical tales that promote imagination and inclusion.

The Storyline Online^® cast of readers includes Oprah Winfrey, Rami Malek, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Chris Pine, Kristen Bell, Justin Theroux, Michelle Yeoh, Marc Maron and more, who have volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading in children pre-K – 4^th grade. The program also provides supplemental activity guides aligned to Common Core Standards, which means that whether children are in a classroom with a teacher or at home with a parent or caregiver, every young reader has access to a full range of educational possibilities.

Need Tech?

If you need some tech to buy for your kids to go online, I love this iPad – 10 inch, latest model

Smart Keyboard – https://amzn.to/38YZtWu

Apple Pencil https://amzn.to/33sCiTl

If you’re looking for a reasonable tablet for the kids, the Amazon Fire 8 is on sale for $50. This won’t last long. It’ has an 8″ HD display; 16 or 32 GB of internal storage (up to 400 GB with microSD).

https://amzn.to/2TW2Au4

MicroSD Card:

https://amzn.to/39XAKTL

And if you are looking for an adult mask – I found this offer

Free Protac Breathing Mask