For the Mind: Online Resources/Activities

For the Mind: Online Resources & Activities

We've compiled a list of activities, free resources, craft ideas and other tidbits of information that provide opportunities for learning and imagination while kids are out of school and adults may be home from work. Take a virtual field trip, doodle with Mo Willems, watch authors read their books live, create a 'laser' obstacle course at home, and more! We will be updating this list periodically as we gather more resources.

• Age of Learning Provides Free Home Access to Leading Digital Education Programs ABCmouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ for Preschool Through Middle School Students
• Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings
• Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links
• Our Library has an "Activities for Kids" Pinterest board with free and low-cost activities for the kiddos. These are some of our favorites:
• Boredom Busters for Kids
• 15 Indoor Activities for Kids
• Paper Plate Maze
• Shadow Drawing
• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems! Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. New episodes will be posted each weekday at 10am PDT and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.

• Jarrett J. Krosoczka, a children/YA author is streaming "Draw Every Day" every weekday at 11am PDT for at least the next few weeks.
• Live Author Readings & KidLit Resources
• The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens will be streaming Home Safaris each weekday at 12pm PDT where they will highlight one of their amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home. Videos will be streamed on Facebook Live and then uploaded to their website and YouTube channel.
• Storyline Online streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kristen Bell, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more.
• Scholastic has created day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin!

• Scholastic, in partnership with Amy Adams and Jennifer Garner, have teamed up to launch #SaveWithStories on Instagram and Facebook to benefit Save the Children and the No Kid Hungry campaigns coronavirus response. Watch your fave celebs read your favorite children's books. Enjoy!
• The New England Aquarium is streaming virtual visits throughout the week. Their site has live presentations, new videos, and activities to try from home.
• Mystery Science has put together a set of science lessons ranging from short mini-lessons that are completely digital to full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home. If you need more lessons than what is listed below, you can sign up up for a free account.
• NatGeo Kids has tons of free content including Weird but True and Amazing Animal videos, quizzes, animal profiles, and other opportunities for exploration.
• 21 of the Best Educational Podcasts to Listen to Every Week