The resources are divided into two categories Academics and Extension. The academics are sites that teach content in a systematic order found typically in schools, such as reading and math. The extension sites provide enrichment information that I think is quite interesting and well-done. Some sites have content for early learners others are designed for middle school and high school students. I have tried to include a balance of sites that address the needs of a variety of grade-ranges. Some sites have activities and content that can be downloaded.
I have looked at each site to ensure that parents can access them easily without an additional step of contacting the school/district. Some require an account and sign-in, others do not. If the site does have a log-in, I deliberately chose those that were fairly simple. I have also ensured that the links are viable.
The sites were chosen based upon my personal definition of quality. (You can disagree with me.) A brief description is provided to help you choose what might work for you and your student. Finally, there are many, many sites out there, I have chosen just a few in order not to overwhelm you and create mass confusion.
I hope these are helpful. Enjoy learning!
Academics
Achieve 3000: Literacy packages can be accessed through computer or can be printed. Nicely designed. Interesting articles and relevant multiple questions that follow. Appropriate for 1stgrade through high school. Has a variety of levels. “Chilling out”, “Cruising Along”, and “Challenging Myself.” Answer key is at the end of the packet. The students are reading about the same topic. So, if you wanted to, you could design some art activity or other extension for your first grade student and your fourth grade student because they would have the same background. These are quality materials and very expensive if you were to purchase them. But for us, they are FREE!
Bright Fish Learning: This is a systematic reading program that has a placement test and lessons based upon the students current reading skills. I am NOT usually a fan of computer based software programs for reading. I do feel that the teaching is best done by a qualified, live teacher. With that being said, however, during this time of homebound instruction, this program may be a good option. And luckily it is FREE!https://www.brightfishreading.com/membership/
Calvert Homeschool: This is a full curriculum for homeschool for three months and up to three children in a household. It has videos and activities. It has free placement tests. For those of you whose schools have provided suggestions about what to do at home without concrete assignments and accountability, this might be an reasonable option to explore. The content covers multiple subjects, including math, geography, language arts, science, and spelling. You NEED the promo code Calvert90 to enter into the promocode field. And absolutely wonderful. It is FREE!https://www.calverthomeschool.com/freetrial/enterpromocode
Delphian School: This comes from a private school in Oregon. Students can join through Zoom as participants in live lessons, or they can access at a later time through You Tube. This source has a variety of lessons that are well-done and ranges from writing to art history. Definitely worth a look. It has 25 classes a week. This is especially nice for students who like to see a REAL teacher. There are two links below. One to the virtual classes and one to the YouTube. And, YES! It is FREE!
CarnegegieLearning MATHia: This is an individualized math software program until the end of the school year. It is quality and is very appropriate for middle and high school students.
Extension
Draw with Drew and Rosie: This is quality and fun! A father who is an art director and his daughter teaches how to draw students favorite things. The first lesson is a giraffe. Any other time, lessons like these would cost a fortune. The lessons are at a specific time of the day and are interactive. Your students will LOVE this. And best of all, they are FREE!
American Museum: This is wonderful. It has virtual tours and a lot of interesting topics. Make sure you scroll down the homepage to the section for Families and Students. That is where you will find some interesting materials. Especially OLOGY! Very cool. After you check out that location, then explore further. You will find some wonderful things including art, science, history. The T-REX conversations and videos are really great. And right! IT IS FREE!
B & O Junior Junction: This site as video and downloadable activities. It’s nice quality and appropriate for students in grades 1 – 4. Very cute! Your students will love it! Easy to access. New content added weekly. And again. Yes! It is FREE!
League of Young Inventors: This is an opportunity for students to DO something, not just sit and learn. Projects, using common household items can be done with parents grades K-2 or independently grades 3 – 5. Get students involved. Lots of fun. AND, by the way, it is FREE.
Harvard: You want your kids to go to Harvard? Well, here’s your opportunity. This content is engaging, beautifully designed. Check out both sites. The LabXchange is wonderful as well as the on-line courses (both Free). Parents, you will find it fascinating, also. You must be at 13 years old to access it. One of the best things about this site is that it does not magically disappear at the end of COVID-19. It will still be available for FREE. You will need to create an account, but that’s easy. Very nice. And need I say it again: And WOW! It is FREE!
https://www.edx.org/school/harvardx
I invite comments, suggestions, ideas.
If you have questions that I might be able to answer generally, please email me. Please, keep in mind that this blog is for suggestions that may or may not work. Here is the disclaimer, professional advice requires much more in-depth information and contact and is beyond the scope of this blog. email: gail.coulter@outlook.com.
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