Distanced, but together.
Below are a few resources that we've gathered to keep kids learning.
Want more? Check out this list of all lists.
Thank you to all our tuned-in listeners who contribute to our ever-growing page of go-to information.
In the News
1. A giant manta ray photobombs a surfer! Check out the picture here!
2. What does a road trip sound like on Mars? Find out here!
3. Interested in a lesson in happiness? Yale University has you covered. Click here for more information.
4. Meet the TSA's 4-legged heroes! Download a free calendar featuring 12 of its top working dogs here!
5. Marvel's newest superheroes are our coronavirus frontline workers! Read all about them in "The Vitals: True Nurse stories!"
6. Live Panda Cams! Tune in to the National Zoo in Washington, DC to check out the daily routines of Mei Xiang and her new cub,
Xiao Qi Ji!
Talking to Kids about the DC Violence
The events of January 6th were unprecedented in US history.
Below, you'll find a few resources to start the conversation.
1. Advice from the National Education Association on encouraging questions and listening to concerns. Click here for the article.
2. "SheKnows:" Don't shy away from the conversation. Click here for a primer.
3. The challenge for educators: "Teachers are always, in a sense, the nation’s first responders to world historical developments." Edweek.Org
4. Teachers let kids take the lead. USATODAY.
5. Teachers tell People Magazine how they handled the week. Find the article here.
6. What do they know and how do they feel? Age-based tips and questions from Common Sense Media.
Race Resources
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The ABC's of diversity from the New York Times. Tips on how to embrace differences and explain race and social justice to kids.
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Fighting Hate at every age. Great strategies from Parents Magazine, no matter how young your kids are.
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The Conscious Kid. Loads of great places and spaces to improve understanding.
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White Silence. NPR's discussion on how white parents can start the conversation, even if they don't entirely understand it.
5. Popular books & movies. A list of the best reads and watches to help kids appreciate diversity.
Share My Lesson
A digital platform where educators can collaborate and share standards-aligned learning resources such as lesson plans, classroom strategies and professional development webinars—at no cost. Owned and operated by the AFT (American Federation of Teachers). Share My Lesson.
Learning Tools
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Bamboo Learning Free, voice-based educational apps for kids age 5-12: Just say “Alexa, open Bamboo Learning” to open a world of active, conversational skills with Bamboo Books, Bamboo Math, Bamboo Luminaries, Highlights Storybooks, and Bamboo Music!
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NatGeoForKids Ages 8+ Geography, animals and more.
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Amazing Educational Resources. By teachers and for teachers.
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Scholastic Learn at Home. Grades 3-5 and Grades 6+. Fantastic curriculum that breaks the day into engaging, interactive lessons.
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We've curated this teacher-focused list of free learning resources. You'll find them organized by grade.
6. Space optimization for teachers! Tips on separating home from work when you're working from home!
Good Reads
1. What is the First Amendment and what does it mean to me? Check out "Your Voice is Your Superpower," a beginner's guide to Freedom of Speech by Jessica Bohrer. A portion of the book proceeds will go to the Committee to Protect Journalists and the important work they do protecting journalists and free speech worldwide. The School Library Journal says about the book: “The Bohrers showcase a powerful idea. There aren’t many books that discuss the First Amendment for young readers, so this title is a recommended addition to school and public libraries."
Virtual Experiences
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NASA for Students. A place to Inspire, engage, educate, and employ the next generation of engineers. And don't forget Slime in Space! Astronauts teamed up with Nickelodeon to take kids 250 miles above the earth to see how slime reacts to microgravity! Watch ping pong with slime! Free!
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Architecture and Design. Tailored, creative hands-on projects to support curiosity, creativity, and innovation. Adopted from the Arkki curriculum, designed by experts in Finland. Available in 8 languages. Arkki at Home.
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Coding, AI and Spy School! Get your tech on with cutting edge courses in STEM!
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Bring the Zoo to You! Virtual Field Trips, Creature Feature, A Breakfast Club and Storytime, courtesy of the Ft. Worth Zoo.
Camps, Classes and Everything in Between!
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Activity Hero. One stop shopping for any type of activity-- online or in-person -- by child's age, session dates, price and other search tools. This school year, popular categories include academic, art, music, coding, science, fitness and more! KidNuz receives proceeds for sign-ups!