I'm lucky in the fact that I work for a virtual charter academy. We're always online. So I'm still working (from home at least until April 17) and my students are still able to learn. But that's not the case with most students, as schools have been closing around the country. And who knows when they're set to open. Here in the Treasure Valley they keep pushing back the date. At first schools were planning to remain closed until March 27. Currently, they're set to open back up on April 20. I have read that some schools will be closed through the entire month of April. That's a lot of homeschooling that needs to be done. And by the way, I think Shonda Rhimes is my new favorite person.
I promised you learning resources for your little ones. Now keep in mind, I teach middle school, so some of these links will not work for very little ones. But I'll try to include them as well.
My school has a list of resources going around that the teachers and staff are able to update often. Maybe your child's school has something similar. So you may have everything you need. But if you're out of ideas or your children are complaining about being bored, keep reading.
Some of these resources are completely free. Some come with a free trial period once you sign up. And some are sites you may have to pay for. Some of the sites that normally charge a fee are offering free access at this time.
General Learning Resources
Math Resources
Reading and Writing Resources
Fun Resources
I hope you found some of these links helpful. Please let me know if you know of more resources. Parents who are being forced to homeschool are always looking for new things to do with their kids.
As someone who has been teaching for over a decade, I know that all kids learn a little differently. You may have multiple children at home who are learning at different levels and at a different pace. My advice is to work with your kids when they're ready. Don't pick fights with them. Create a schedule and try to stick to it as much as possible. Set boundaries. Kids thrive with boundaries. Screen time can be overwhelming for kids. I don't think they should be staring at screens all day. However, I understand that they are going to be staring at screens more than they should during this time. But please have them take breaks. You can purchase bluelight blocking glasses for kids, such as these ones from DefenderShield. Do not allow kids to stare a screens within 2 hours of bedtime. Have them read a physical book instead. Make sure they are getting outdoors daily for some much needed sunshine and fresh air.
Good luck to those of you who are dealing with school closures and are attempting learning at home at this time. May the odds be ever in your favor.
And here's one more tweet for some good laughs. I think it's one of my favorite.
