Technology gets a bad rap – but right now, we are so lucky to have virtually everything at our fingertips. Just because we’re home, doesn’t mean we aren’t connected. From live-streamed story times led by favorite authors, to free exercise videos to virtual tours of far-away places, we’ve got everything you need to keep kids learning and engaged during this time.
Here are 40 FREE resources to stay connected and learning while your kids are home:
Amazing Educational Resources is a one-stop shop with endless suggestions, materials and links in its open Facebook group.
Cincinnati Zoo – Hosting daily Home Safari Facebook Live sessions
Jason Tharp – Hosting daily drawing lessons on his Wonderville Studios page. (“Like” this page for notifications!)
Lura Johnson – pianist from Baltimore Symphony – is FB Live-ing a concert on FB every Wed. and Sun. at 8 eastern/7 central for the near future. Program and info about music provided.
Make Paducah Family Art Lessons – Join them on their Facebook page for family-oriented crafts using supplies typically found in your home.
Narwhal and Jelly – Doing FB live on March 18 and March 20 graphic novels on the adventures of a narwhal and his friend with author Ben Clanton.
Peter H. Reynolds — author of ‘The Dot’ — will read aloud at 12 pm each day on Facebook.
The Science Mom and Dad – Daily Science and Math Lessons from The Science Mom and Dad on FB Live: a daily show from 10 to noon central time, featuring science and math lessons, crafts and games. Hosted by Science Mom and Math Dad, this two hour livestream is a wonderful way to put some fun learning into your quarantine. For ages 7-12.
Wump Mucket Puppets – FREE shows via Facebook Live — follow them on Facebook for details!
Blue Manatee Literacy Project – Hosting virtual story times on Instagram Live at 10 am Tuesdays and Thursdays. {Also offering 20% off your online order with the code STAYHEALTHY}
Cincinnati Art Museum – check their Insta page for “art of the day” picks and facts.
Mac Barnett – check his Insta page for daily story times.
Oliver Jeffers reads his stories – Instagram story time at 2 pm, Monday through Friday.
Pete the Cat – check page for live story times
Online
Cincinnati Library has put together a list of books and resources for parents and kids.
GoNoodle – FREE movement and mindfulness videos for kids.
Khan Academy – Daily (weekdays) 9 am PST/12 EST live streams on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for students, parents and teachers navigating school closures.
Kiwi Crate – FREE at-home learning kits for parents; sign up today for 30% off your subscription.
Little Twisters Yoga – Right now, all yoga plans and activities are FREE.
McHarper Manor – FREE arts and crafts tutorials.
Metropolitan Opera will host “Nightly Met Opera Streams” on its official website. (Get an opera schedule here.)
Mystery Science – is the creator of the most popular science lessons in U.S. schools. To help educators during this time of coronavirus, they have pulled their most popular science lessons and are offering them for anyone to use for free. No account or login is needed.
Scholastic – offering FREE online courses via their new Learn at Home website.
Sworkit – Free, kid-friendly workouts.
Podcasts
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids – For the ever-curious kids who ponder our existence, this podcast answers questions that are based in reality. Topics like how butterflies fly, why the sea is salty, and the universal question on why the sky is blue are all featured.
KidNuz – A daily, 5-minute news podcast made with kids in mind. The podcast provides briefings on the day’s top stories that are appropriate for kids ages 8-14.
Peace Out – A series of 10 minute podcasts featuring all-original stories about animals.
Story Pirates – A captivating audio show by real actors, comedians, and entertainers who tell stories that have been written by kids.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has its own podcast (and it’s FREE!). Listen here.
Virtual Tours
Climb aboard the Curiosity Rover for a virtual tour of Mars!
FarmFood 360 – 11 Virtual Tours of farms from minks, pigs, and cows, to apples and eggs.
Great Wall of China virtual tour.
Museum tours of 12 world-famous attractions here, including the Guggenheim in New York and National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
San Diego Zoo has a website just for kids with amazing videos, activities and games, plus a virtual tour.
Smithsonian – This website brings your child everything from live video of the National Zoo to the Smithsonian Learning Lab to you!
Yellowstone Park virtual tour + facts here.
YouTube
Cincinnati Museum Center – subscribe to their YouTube channel for STEM-spired Wonder Zone videos! (Follow @cincymuseum on Facebook, too, for live steamed science experiments.)
Jarret J. Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series and the National Book Award finalist “Hey, Kiddo,” is hosting daily drawing webcasts on YouTube at 2 pm EDT for all ages.
Madcap Puppets – daily puppet shows