Making learning fun for kids at home

Wonderopolis

This website was created by the National Center for Families Learning. It is a great resource for kids in Grades 2 and up. Every day, the center poses an intriguing question and provides plenty of ways to let your kids explore. It encourages curiosity, discovery and, of course, wonder.

“Reasons for the Seasons”

TED-Ed is TED’s youth and education initiative, and its signature content is TED-Ed Animations—short, award-winning animated videos about ideas that spark the curiosity of learners everywhere. Get started with this video about seasons of the year and how the shape of the Earth’s orbit and tilt of its axis affect the amount of sunlight each region of our planet receives. Then, continue exploring more videos on science, technology, civics, emotional health and more. Every video is accompanied by additional resources and extension activities.

Emily Arrow YouTube

Emily Arrow writes and performs music inspired by children’s books. She uses her ukulele, named Bow, to foster a love for literacy and music. Emily’s YouTube channel is a great way to give yourself a half an hour of time to work or do chores around the house while your son or daughter is occupied. And best of all, you’ll feel good about what they are watching.

WFH + Kids

More of us are working from home these days, and doing so with kids around can be a marathon. This website has, in its words, more than 1,000 ideas for “how to survive” the situation successfully. Although there is a lot here, I find it useful to have all of the information in one place. That way, I don’t spend time searching for things to do.

Inside Outside Michiana

Screen time can be a useful tool for parents, but we all want to find balance. This Facebook page has regular updates on fun outdoor recreation opportunities at our nearby state and county parks, plus plenty of word-of-mouth insider knowledge such as birdwatching hot spots, where to find salamanders and frogs at play, and when the local U-Pick berry farms are at their prime for picking.

“Trail Games: Activities to Keep Kids Moving and Motivated While Hiking”

When the weather cooperates, going outside is a great way for kids to get some energy out. With that in mind, I try to take my family for walks at public parks. But kids can get bored easily on a walk. This article from the Appalachian Mountain Club has ways to keep hikes and walks interesting. The best part is that these activities don’t require any special supplies or much thinking ahead.

Commonsense Media

When my daughter asks to watch a new show, we look it up together on Commonsense Media to decide whether or not it’s appropriate. This website is a clearinghouse of information with content overviews and age recommendations for parents trying to supervise their child’s screen time and technology use.