Educational apps, subscriptions, and websites are opening doors to students working from home during Cornovirus closings. Below are twenty free resources!
Many schools in countries around the world have had to close temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. Recognizing the enormous impact this situation has on school communities, many educational apps, subscriptions, and websites have started offering free access.
If your school hasn't provided a lot of direction, check out this list of educational companies sharing free subscriptions during school outages.
Here are fifteen FREE tools geared toward middle and high school students that will help you maintain your kids' education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*There are a variety of excellent educational options for middle and high school students, as well!
RELATED RESOURCE: How to realistically prepare for school closing — and not go crazy
1. Brain Pop
Website | Free subscription info for closed school districts
BrainPop hosts over 1,000 short animated movies for students in grades K-12 (ages 6 to 17), together with quizzes and related materials, covering the subjects of science, social studies, English, math, engineering and technology, health, arts, and music. The animated movies engage via narrative, humor, and characters who speak in a voice that kids can relate to, encouraging self-directed learning and further exploration of the world around them.
2. Khan Academy
Website | Always free!
Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers. Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.
Additional resources for parents:
- Parent Quick Start Guide
- As a parent, how can I use Khan Academy to support my child's learning during a school closure? Frequently Asked Questions about School Closures
- A free webinar for parents is taking place Wednesday, March 18, at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT. Recordings will be available for those who can not attend.
3. CK12
Website | Always free!
A great collection of 'always free' educational opportunities (science, math, social studies, photography) for kids of all ages. Each lesson has a reading passage, videos, optional review questions, and self-graded practice questions. It is available for use by schools, but individuals can use lessons too!
4. ArtHub For Kids
Website | Always free!
Here you’ll find all kinds of art lessons for kids, including how to draw for kids, even painting and origami for kids. Most of the art lessons are self-contained, which means you can jump in and start drawing. All you need is something to draw with and some paper!
5. PBS Learning
Website | Always free!
PBS Wisconsin and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for you. Browse by subject and by grade (PreK to Highschool).
6. Libby
Website | Always free!
Did you know your local library has thousands of ebooks and audiobooks? You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand. Get the free app for your phone or tablet, sign up with your library card, and start reading.
7. Braingenie
Website | Always free!
Braingenie™ builds deep mastery and sharpens problem-solving skills in math and science (Grades 1-12).
8. Must-Watch Streaming Documentaries For Kids: THE BEST Educational Documentaries + Series
Got Netflix or Amazon Prime? There are some fantastic online documentaries for kids available. Below is a list of ten of THE BEST educational documentaries and series available online right now!
9. izzit
Website | Always free!
Izzit offers FREE educational materials to teachers, homeschoolers, parents, grandparents, scout troop leaders – to anyone interested in learning/teaching! They believe that education can enhance the power of individuals to solve problems for themselves, their families, communities, and society at large.
10. Prodigy
Website | Always free!
Prodigy follows school curriculum for Grades 1-8. It’s teacher-approved. The math problems presented in the game reinforce what your child is learning in school. They tout that children voluntarily practice math with Prodigy at home, for as long as they do in school.
11. TED Talks For Kids
TED Talk Playlist | Always free!
A collection of fun, informative, and captivating TED talks to inspire young minds.
12. SmartMusic
Website | Free Subscription Info
SmartMusic is a web-based suite of music education tools that support efficient practice, helping musicians to develop and grow. This paid educational site is currently offering free subscriptions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
13. Mystery Science
Website | Free Subscription Info
To help during this time of coronavirus, we have pulled our most popular science lessons and are offering them for anyone to use for free. No account or login is needed. All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy for teachers and parents to use. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.
14. YouTube Science Channels
Check out this ultimate-list of science inspiration for kids. You'll find resources for finding awesome at-home experiments, the best YouTube channels to follow, and more.
15. Kids Art Spot
Website | Nearly free — $1 for 2-weeks, then $14.99 monthly
Making it easier for you to foster your children’s creativity through simple and fun art activities you can do at home. With these video art classes, we come into your home and walk you and your kids through engaging art activities virtually. Let them get creative while you take a much-needed break — OR sit down and enjoy the art activity together with your child!
16. Breakout EDU
A collection of digital educational games elementary school-aged kids can play at home.
17. Epic!
Website | Free for 30 Days, then $7.99 a month
Epic is the leading digital library for kids 12 & under. Instantly access 35,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes & more. Unlimited award-winning fiction, non-fiction, STEM, biographies, graphic novels, DIY & more.
18. Backpack Science
Free video series that teaches hands-on elementary science without the overwhelm.
19. Age of Learning
Websites: ABCMouse (Ages 2-8), Adventure Academy (Ages 8-13), ReadingIQ (Ages 2-12) | Request school district access
Reach out to your school district and request that they provide free access with this form.
20. Book Creator
Website | Free Subscription Info
Book Creator allows kids to make books, so it can be used in any subject, with any grade level. Focus on assignments that allow the student to get creative and demonstrate their understanding. This could literally be anything you’ve been working on in class!
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How to realistically prepare for school closing — and not go crazy
You've likely received a district warning that this is a possibility, or perhaps your school has already been shut down. Here are ten tips for how to realistically prepare for school closings.
