Worried about how to keep your kiddo engaged during the COVID-19 school closures? Hands on experience and free play are best but the internet has also become a great resource for engaging students. We have our favorite online resources to help bridge the gap while school is out.
Online classes
Online classes are becoming more popular as technology has allowed teachers and students more tools to log in.
Outschool
Outschool is the closest resource to an actual class. Students can browse hundreds of subjects and sign up for the class that works for them. Most often done through video conference apps, they offer one-off classes on special topics, as well as ongoing classes for deeper learning.
- Age: Pre-K-12
- Device: Computer or any device that allows web conferencing
- Cost: Varies, each teacher sets his or her class pricing
Kids Club Spanish School
Kids Club Spanish School is a one-on-one online class. Spanish teachers are located all over the world and tutor students in an immersive learning experience though a video conference interface and shared screen.
- Age: At least 4 years old
- Device: Computer only
- Cost: $20-$30 minimum class (as low as $18 with packages); free trials available
Apps/Websites
Mobile device apps and websites provide more flexible learning options. They can be done in the child’s own time and pace.
Amtrak Kids Activity Center
Stop at Geography Junction to take a virtual trip to our national parks and historic landmarks. There are coloring activities and games, too. More stops coming soon.
- Age: All
- Cost: Free
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Online videos teach kids all about coronavirus and how they can better cope with the changing world.
- Age: All
- Cost: Free
Libby by Overdrive
Libby has linked with tons of Libraries to offer ebooks and audiobook loans. Download the app. Put your library info in and gain access to thousands of books.
- Age: All
- Cost: Free; you just need an active library card at a participating library
Audible
Audible is one of the biggest audiobook providers, and it has a great selection of children’s books. If you are an Audible member, you’ll also get access to Audible originals.
- Age: All
- Device: iOS, Android and Computer
- Cost: $14.99/month, includes one book credit every month
Kindle
Kindle remains one of the best resources to have your child’s favorite book at your fingertips. If you need to freshen up what you are reading but can’t leave the house, this is your friend!
- Age: All
- Device: iOS, Android and Computer
- Cost: Varies per book
Starfall
Starfall is a comprehensive learning app for pre-K-3 kids. Family accounts allow multiple children to use the app and at their own pace.
- Age: Pre-K-3
- Cost: Starts at $35/year (schools may have subscriptions)
ABC Mouse
ABC is a popular comprehensive learning app. For grades pre-K-2. One family membership can be used for multiple children through each child having their own profile.
- Age: Pre-K-2
- Cost: Starts at $9.95/month
Prodigy
Prodigy Math is an adventure focused math program that feels like a video game. To progress through worlds and battles, students answer math questions.
- Age: Grades 1-8
- Cost: Free with a paid upgrade available; if your school has an account, it may be able to provide free access from home
- Device: Computer, iOS and Android
Homer
Homer is an early literacy app focused on children ages 2-8 years. One membership allows for multiple children per family. Each child has a custom profile for his or her level and interest. There are games, videos and activities that take children along a path through literacy and phonics.
- Age: 2-8 years old
- Cost: $7.95/month after 30 day free trial
- Device: Computer iOS and Android
Podcasts
Podcasts can bring a world of content into homes without a screen. A simple search on Spotify will bring up amazing content on almost any topic. Some of the best that are geared towards learning are below.
Wow in the World
Wow in the World is focused on science, technology and innovation. Children pre-K through elementary school will enjoy the deep level on info and wacky facts.
- Age: 4-plus
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Brains On
Brains On episodes are full of curiosity and exploration of science and history, as well as current events.
- Age: 4-plus
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Smash Boom Best
Smash Boom Best is a fast-paced debate podcast for kids. Each episode brings two ideas and debates them, leaving viewers to decide which thing or idea is the best.
- Age: 4-plus
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Story Pirates
Story Pirates is a sketch comedy show based on stories submitted by children. Listeners can submit their wild and wacky stories for a chance to be featured in an episode.
- Age: 4-plus
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Videos
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Jamie uses imaginative adventures to guide children through yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
- Age: 2-plus
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Yoga with Adrienne
Kids and grown-ups learn how to practice yoga with an experienced yogi.
- Age: 7-plus
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Basho and Friends
Basho and Friends uses original music videos to teach children Spanish, French and Mandarin. Accessing language learning through music is just another way to increase the likelihood of retention.
- Age: 2-plus
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Culture Groove
Culture Groove exposes children to Indian culture through dance and story videos. Aiming to help parents raise multicultural kids, their videos are a window into the history and fun of Indian traditions.
- Age: 3-plus
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Netflix
A Netflix membership offers a plethora of content for children. It also offers a large library of documentaries. To access many of them, be sure to be on a parent account. Then explore deep sea diving, outer space, philosophy or any other topic you can think of.
- Age: All
- Cost: $12.99/month
Amazon Prime
The CuriosityStream channel on Amazon Prime is an extensive collection of documentaries based in science, technology and history.
- Age: All
- Cost: $2/month after free trial
Disney+
If you’re looking for more educational shows on Disney+, Disney Junior shows are a great option for your little ones. Older kids will enjoy the documentaries or maybe have them read the book before watching the movie adaptation.
- Age: All
- Cost: $6.99/month
HeartSmarts Adventure
This e-learning program helps kids learn about relating to other people and resilience-building techniques.
- Age: 4-6-plus
- Cost: Free on YouTube
