More Ideas for Learn at Home

Every teacher is facing the same dilemma right now: How do we meet the needs of every family and every student when we can no longer meet face-to-face, differentiate assignments, provide accommodations, and evaluate student progress? We want to connect with students and advance learning, but we can't access the tools, techniques, and texts that our students utilized every day in the classroom. As professionals, we are keenly aware that our effort to find middle ground is equivalent to mandatory mediocrity. We know our students can't learn effectively without a teacher, and those packets are merely a stopgap to help bring structure to families and limit educational backsliding in the midst of chaos! But we are trying. Thank you so much for forgiving our shortcomings as we navigate the unpredictability of this situation. We wish we could do more.

Teachers know, however, that a few of the overachievers in our classrooms probably gobbled up all of the recommended activities for the first week on Day 1, leaving parents scrambling for ways to occupy their curious minds for 4 more days. If that is your situation, here are my favorite options to explore for 4th through 6th graders.

1. Freckle: This program, which will replace Renaissance's Accelerated Math program next year, was so popular when I introduced it to my students, that I actually blocked access during study time! This adaptive program begins with a placement test and offers interactive tools, game time, and assessment. If your child has used Freckle at school, they probably signed up with a class code, but parents can set up free "teacher" accounts, too. Then you can add your children and track their progress. 
2. Brainpop: This favorite among students offers high-quality videos on topics ranging from nouns to magnetism. They are offering families free access during this shut down, so take advantage of some educational videos. They will learn so much more on this site than TikTok!
3. Hour of Code: This website will teach students K-9+ the basics of computer coding with games they will love. Set them up to use their problem-solving skills to advance through levels and complete the projects. 
4. Khan Academy: Join for free and choose your learning path. These easy to understand videos and quizzes will keep your child learning and reviewing.
5. DogoNews: Read news articles specifically curated for kids. This site has videos, quizzes, and great images to explore, too.
6. PBS Learning Media: Find your grade level resources for Science, Social Studies, Math, and ELA. Animations, simulations, and instruction abounds!
7. Scholastic Learn at Home: Free, grade-level resources to keep your children "reading, thinking, and growing." These articles will engage your children.
8. Mr. Nussbaum: Choose your subject and explore. Games, articles, printables, and more. 
9. NoRedInk: With expanded offerings through the end of the year, parents can create an account for students to practice grammar and writing skills. This program creates sentences based on student interests and tracks student progress through grade level skills. 
10. ReadWorks: Sign up now for access to over 3000 reading passages and question sets to engage your children with printables and digital access. Parents can create accounts for their children now.

Stay home and stay healthy!