Learn and Play at Home

Please use this post and companion Pinterest Board as a way to find free and low cost learning and activity websites. I have included resources to help you access free ebooks and e-audiobooks, homeschooling resources, tutorials and classes for adults, exercise videos, and online tours of famous zoos, aquariums and museums. I have also included reliable drama free news sources to help you stay up to date in this unprecedented time.

If you are an educator and would like to add resources please click “Join” on the Pinterest Board and I will approve you to add new content. If you are a blogger and have ideas for indoor activities you would like to add please join the board as well. Let’s all turn this crisis into an opportunity to learn and grow!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

---

e-books and e-audiobook

If you have an active library card go to YOUR LIBRARY WEBSITE and find their online resources. Chances are they offer Overdrive, Cloud Library, or Hoopla (links go to instructional websites, to gain free access, go to YOUR LIBRARY WEBSITE). You can use these resources to download ebooks and e-audiobooks for free. You can typically download to an Ipad or Kindle with just a few clicks. You may have to wait for popular and new titles, but you will always find something great available for checkout, even if it came out a few years ago.    

If you do not have an active library card, contact your local library. Many libraries are allowing temporary automatic approval of e-library cards to allow people to access online resources without going to the library. If your library does not have auto-approval set up, email the library. They will likely have someone monitoring email who can issue you a temporary e-card.

Did you know you can digitally share your Kindle ebooks with a friend? Follow this link to Kindle for instructions. If all else fails, Barnes and Noble and Amazon will, of course, accept your money in exchange for books! 
​

ExercisE

There are basically unlimited options for workout videos available on YouTube. The quality varies significantly, but there are lots of good options. I have included a few popular and highly recommended options, one full body workout and a beginner’s yoga video. 
​

Homeschooling ResourceS

Online resources available for free or low cost to parents. These websites and apps are helpful for kids ranging in age from Pre-Kindergarten to High School. WorkSheetFun offers free printable worksheets for Pre-Kindergarten all the way through 8th grade on a variety of subjects. Starfall is an interactive program for elementary students and focuses on reading, writing and basic math. GoNoodle is a great option to help Elementary age kids get some exercise even if they are indoors. Crash Course Kids is perfect for 5th grade through 8th grade, the channel features short videos on Science and Engineering. Crash Course is for High School students covering topics like Science, History and Engineering. 
​

Museums

Enjoy the exhibits and tour the grounds of some of the world’s foremost museums. I have included the Guggenheim, National Gallery of Art, and the Louvre. These museums have set up high resolution pictures of some of their most treasured pieces, coupled with in-depth descriptions of the art. They also include interactive tours which allow you to control your movement within the museum, and highlight certain items. I have included a pin for Google Arts and Culture Online. It has everything. Just start there. 
​

News Sources

Stay up to date on the Coronavirus (Covid-19), through these websites. I have included the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH) websites, these sources will give you current data without the panic inducing sensationalism of news outlets. You will also want to check your State, County, City and School District websites for local news.

I am personally on a news strike, because I hate feeling like I need to move into a bunker. So while I am not watching, Channel Doomsday News, I want to remain informed. I am seeking out information on the above listed websites. 
​   

Tutorials and Courses for Adult

A few ideas to help you think about new indoor hobbies and activities. DuoLingo is a free language learning site! You can finally learn a second language! YouTube offers tutorials and courses on anything you can imagine. I have included, cooking basics, learn to paint, introduction to music theory, and a hairstyling video. 
​

Zoos and Aquariums

Watch your favorite Zoo and Aquarium friends from the comfort of your own home (I mean, what choice do we have right now?). The San Diego Zoo, Houston Zoo, Georgia Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium offer live cams of their most popular animals. Sea Otters, Penguins, Turtles, Polar Bears, Giraffes and Elephants are all available online. The Georgia Aquarium Beluga Whale cam is so soothing and the Otters are otterly adorable. Great for kids and adults!
 
I hope you benefit from the resources included in this list and the Pinterest Board. Educators and Bloggers don’t forget to “Join” the board to add your own contributions!

Check back on Thursday for a No Spoiler Book Review of Flatshare by Beth O'Leary