We have collected Home Teaching Resources for parents and others who are keeping kids active and engaged while staying at home.
Thanks to the Silver Family for these Tips! Patty Silver is a pre-associate, homeschooled her five daughters and teaches at NDMU
- Set up a weekly schedule with your child covering what they will do each day. Check their work at the end of the day or completion of an assignment, reteach if needed..with your child covering what they will do each day, by creating a simple calendar CLICK HERE
- You don’t have to keep the same hours as the school. Your teen may be more effective if they can sleep in and start at 10:00, while your youngster may prefer to start very early in the day.
- You don’t have to work at a desk or table. Some children will be more successful working on the floor or couch. Others may need to sit at the kitchen table.
- Make media work for you. Set up a schedule of when media is permitted. Check with your school about their recommended educational programs. Limiting media use will encourage a bored child to create their own fun. (A rule in our family was if anyone ever said they were bored, I would always find a chore for them to do. After the chore, they never had a problem finding a way to entertain themselves!) There are lots of free online resources (see below).
- Read alouds are a great way to start the day and get everyone back on track after lunch! Cuddle up together and read a chapter at each sitting.
There are also famous authors offering read alouds online HERE - Add reading for pleasure to your child’s homeschool day. Set the example and all have downtime together reading great books
- Try the Internet Archives Open Library HERE
- There are a lot of free online resources for the arts and Physical Education. Find what works for your child and add it to your schedule.
- Along with homework packets from your school, realize that you have the freedom to add anything your child wants to learn. This is a great time to teach to their interests. Have your child research and write on topics that interest them.
- Most Important...Have fun!
RESOURCE LIST (we continue to add to this list so check back often)
- Do you want to talk to your young child about issues of social justice, but don’t know how? You’re not alone - Many Resources Found Here
- Cute Series of Videos- How to be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq4R6piMoBTubXwW-W_jkK-lK9gPY_1XL
- Julie Andrews Reading Books for kids - https://www.julieslibraryshow.org/episode/2020/04/14/introducing-julies-library
- The Smithsonian Learning Lab provides access to millions of digital resources and pre-packaged collections that contain lessons, activities, and recommended resources - https://learninglab.si.edu/distancelearning
- Educational Companies Providing free resources: https://thejournal.com/articles/2020/03/13/free-resources-ed-tech-companies-step-up-during-coronavirus-outbreak.aspx
- Learn at home:https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
- Arts and Physical Education Link: https://wpde.com/news/coronavirus/school-at-home-free-online-learning-resources
- World Wide Fund for Nature The future of all life depends on the next generation gaining the knowledge, skills and passion for nature necessary to build a more sustainable future. Whether you are an educator, a parent or just curious-minded, WWF Education resources are designed to support your journey to become an environmentally conscious 21st-century global citizen. All Resources here - including this Introduction to Climate Change Lesson
- Global Sisters Report - GSR in the Classroom shines light on the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious around the world. Each lesson connects articles about sisters or columns written by sisters to the good news found in scripture and church teaching. Action ideas and compelling prayer bring new learning alive focused on high school and middle school students, but the resources can be used for retreats and other youth ministry settings. Teacher guides provide vital context and engaging activities to launch group discussions. Check out these free resources here: https://www.globalsistersreport.org/classroom/topics
- Read and Spell website - "Teaching reading is one of the first big challenges homeschool parents of younger children face. That’s because there’s a lot riding on successful literacy skills development. Learning to read is not only fundamental for the language arts part of your curriculum but necessary for most other subjects you teach." How to build a homeschool reading program
- Online Tools: Check out Airtable's (you can create a free online account) "School At Home Planner" checklists https://airtable.com/universe/expsUcqHqtZj6Qml1/school-at-home-planner and a Math resources for 2nd graders List here https://airtable.com/universe/exp71ouub6bJUZuZP/math
- The Ultimate Guide to Staying at Home with Kids - checkout this website full of activities, tips and tools https://www.enrichmentactivities.org/
- Protect Kids Online, Child Protection During COVID-19 Response for Educators - https://www.icmec.org/education-portal/
- Teach Green Tips at Home - https://greenamerica.org/consume-less-live-more/go-green-free
- Solutions and Resources for Overcoming the Challenges of Online Learning During COVID-19: https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/resources/online-learning-during-covid/