If you’re moonlighting as a homeschool teacher for the next few weeks, technology can help get you up to speed. High quality apps and websites exist for every subject and every age. For younger kids, they can add some variation to other screen-free activities. For school age kids and teens, they can complement their school’s remote learning program. Here are ten we love.
Foreign Languages
Early Lingo – A wonderful mom-founded learning system that includes 6 language options (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Mandarin), for ages 0 to 9. Their easy to use app features full-length videos, flashcards, tests and more. Founder Caryn Antonini has slashed prices to make her program accessible to kids worldwide during this time.
Various
ABC Mouse – This huge academic platform is offering 800 lessons for ages preschool to 2nd grade, including one month FREE and 49 percent off an annual subscription.
Homer– My own children used this app which has evolved over the years into one that not only teaches reading skills, but history, folklore, cultures, music and more!
Reading
Scholastic – The renowned kids publishing brand has created a free website just for the purpose of keeping kids engaged and learning during the next few weeks. Ages range from pre-k to 6th grade. Expect project ideas, books, movies, and games.
Starfall – This website is popular with both parents and teachers, and schools across the country are using it to remotely teach language arts as well as math.
Math
Khan Academy – Best known for their math apps for ages 2 through college age, this is a popular free tool for free, remote learning worldwide.
Prodigy – Kids ages 7 to 13 will love playing these games that don’t feel like math class.
Science
Code – From Minecraft to Star Wars and Frozen to Moana, this user-friendly digital platform makes a great intro to coding as well as science. Ages range from pre-reader to 9th grade.
CMC Zoo School– Each day Zookeepers are introducing a new animal in a short video to keep kids learning at home! Past videos are available on their Facebook page.
P.E.
Cosmic Yoga – If social distancing is giving your whole family cabin fever, this cheery app (basically a beginning yoga class for kids from 2 to 8) is a must-download.
Go Noodle – The characters and dialogue are silly and energetic—and make kids shake out their energy without realizing they’re exercising. Perfect for helping them get focused before getting started on that homeschool pile…
Art
Mo Willems — At 1 pm ET daily, the famed Pigeon Ate a Hot Dog illustrator will be doing a sketching class online through The Kennedy Center. This definitely falls into the category of silver lining in this whole dark cloud.
Local Businesses Offering Online Learning or Activities You Can Have Shipped to Home
Austin Tinkering School– order tinkering kits for hours of fun and creativity. Available Kits: Tinkering Challenge Kit, Rube Goldberg Machine Kit, DIY Boardgame kit, and Marshmallow Shooter Kit. Email [email protected].
Boost Kits from Find Your Sunshine– Developmentally focused, all in one, adaptable kits for kids AND adults.
Figment Creative- Amber started a Facebook Group called Austin Homeschool with Figment to share enriching tips and fun projects rooted in STEAM principles of learning.
Busy Bebes– Subscribe to have a themed monthly busy bag delivered to your doorstep!
Little Lakes Collective– Themed sensory kits for kids made here in Austin.
TKC (The Kindness Campaign) is hosting a cheerful check-in about all the big feels, followed by storytime! Grab your kiddos and check-in Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am CST on Instagram Live @tkckindness.
La Tribu Rural continues bringing bilingual content for your littles through their YouTube channel La Tribu Preschool. Check it out for read-aloud and songs in Spanish!
This post first appeared on The Local Moms Network.