With school districts across the country closed to help slow the spread of coronavirus, many parents are now trying to fill the role of teacher, too. It’s a trying time, but this list of free classes, printables, media subscriptions, and more can help you get started. (h/t to our sister site, PTOtoday.com, for compiling the original list of links and tips.)

 

We’re all in this together

This is a challenging time for parents, teachers, and children. Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development offers these tips to help families adjust.

• Consider a “digital quarantine” and limit use of cell phones and tablets until schoolwork is completed.
• Create a dedicated space for learning, ideally different from where your kids usually play games or watch television.
• Make sure kids are learning rather than zoning out when they’re in front of a monitor or screen.
• Include time for physical activity every day. If it helps, set alarms and send the kids outside.
• Encourage reading of physical books and other print materials, especially for younger children.
• Check in with other parents in your community to get advice, share concerns, and learn useful tips.
• Remind your children that this isn’t a vacation; set up assignments, grades, requirements, and tests if it helps.
• Don’t forget to have fun! Plan off-screen activities and bonding experiences for the whole family.

Trend Micro: Free #StayAtHome Webinars for Parents

Slate: You Are Not Your Child’s Teacher

Susan Kaiser Greenland: Parenting in a Pandemic

 

Take advantage of a free media subscription

Many educational companies are offering extended trial periods or free subscriptions to their resources.

PBS LearningMedia

Amazing Educational Resources: Companies With Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings

Travel & Leisure: 12 Museums With Virtual Tours

Scholastic Learn at Home

Discover Pods: 12 Great Podcasts for Kids

 

Keep academic skills strong

Practice math, reading, writing, and science concepts.

TeacherLists: 28+ STEM Activities To Do at Home + other Learn at Home resources

SchoolFamily.com: Graphing for Reading and Math Fun

SchoolFamily.com: Help Your Child Become a Sentence Builder

Common Sense Media: Best Books for Kids

SchoolFamily.com: Fun and Easy Help With Basic Math

SchoolFamily.com: Math Fun for Summer (or Anytime)

Common Sense Media: Free Educational Games, Apps, and Websites for Reading and Math

Common Sense Media: Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home

HuffPost Parenting: Teachers’ Favorite Free Learning Websites And Apps For Kids

LivBits: Interactive Read-Alouds List

Major League Baseball and Everfi: Summer Slugger (baseball-theme digital learning platform for ages 8-11)

Purdue University: Writing Resources

Freedom Trail: Distance Learning Resources

Wall Street Journal: 100 Non-Screen Activities To Do During Quarantine

 

Get cooking

Cooking provides opportunities for great lessons in math and chemistry!

SchoolFamily.com: Make Family Meals Count

SchoolFamily.com: Recipes Kids Can Make Alone

 

Printable puzzles and worksheets

Word searches, crosswords, acrostics, and interactive learning games are some good ways to interest kids away from the screen.

SchoolFamily.com: Printable Activities

SchoolFamily.com: Activities for Sick Days

 

Stay active outdoors and inside

SchoolFamily.com: 10 Healthy Hacks for Parents and Kids

Common Sense Media: Movement Apps, Games, and Websites

Fitbound: Online Excercise Community for Kids (inclusive of disabilities)

Maryvale Elementary School and PTA: Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Activity