And we're back here again.
Sigh.
And here's us having such high hopes for 2021.
I know we are all feeling a little – or maybe a lot – overwhelmed right now. I know I sure am.
But I think it's important to keep in mind that this isn't home-schooling by choice. This is crisis schooling – happening at home. And there is a big difference between the two.
Luckily, since the start of this pandemic, the world has really come together to have each other's back right. Companies, individuals, educators, artists, singers, yoga teachers and more – have all trying to help us parents out.
Many apps, websites, and curriculum planners have also lowered their paywalls and offered their services for free to families globally affected by school closures. Some of these were always free, but seem all the more essential now.
From storytimes to language skills, science experiments, TED talks and yoga classes, all designed to help educate, entertain, work out and enrich – and we are so utterly grateful and excited for
each and every one of these.
1. Duolingo
Never mind the kids, I am loving this always-free app for myself (and have my very budding Italian skills to show for it!)
2. Scholastic
Every weekday, Scholastic's website offers a new mini-lesson that includes a story, a video, and an activity.
3. Tinkergarten
DIY activities that are easy, wildly fun, and designed for a week’s worth of learning at any age. All you need are basic household items and a spot outside—whether that’s a quiet corner of a park, on your stoop, or in your own backyard.
4. NatGeo@Home
We love this! National Geographic has launched its own at-home educational hub, which includes tons of animal videos, DIY projects, live talks from National Geographic Explorers, and fun quizzes.
5. Circletime
Lots of different educators host free, interactive videos in whatever their area of expertise might be. You can find video lessons in everything from yoga to family cooking to sing-along songs.
6. GoNoodle
Literally our very favourite way to get everyone to move – needless to say, we are rocking those dance moves at this stage!
7. Mystery Science
Mystery Science is the creator of the most popular science lessons in U.S. schools, and now they are offering their most popular science lessons for anyone to use for free – no account or log-in needed.
Activities range from five-minute mini-lessons (including one called "How Does Hand Sanitizer Kill Germs," which seems appropriate right now), to full, 45- to 90-minute classes with hands-on experiments.
8. Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed especially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.
9. Math Games
If you never thought maths could be fun, you never tried Math Games. We love that you can sort the activities by grade level, or by skills you're looking to get the children to work on.
10. Ted-Ed
Bring the inquisitive curiosity of TED Talks down to school-age level with TED-Ed. Browse hundreds of TED-Ed Animations and TED Talks designed to spark your child’s curiosity. You'll also find thousands of other video-based lessons organized by age-level and subject.
