Recently Added Learning Links
Article on AFIWD: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved since 2021, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. However, with the integration of AI into various sectors and applications, the issue of bias in AI has rightfully come to the forefront of discussion. Recognizing and addressing bias in generative AI models is crucial to building inclusive technology which ensures diverse perspectives are factored, and that outcomes are both fair and equitable.
Finding new and smart ways to use or get rid of your old art supplies, including recycling them, reusing them in new projects, and reducing the amount of supplies needed for your art, can keep our planet clean.
Empowering teachers and students to start learning data science - with fun, free datasets
The National Geographic Education Resource library has Activities, Articles, Collections, Infographics, Lessons, Maps, Photographs, Units and Videos for PreK through High School in subjects including: Geography, Biology, Ecology, Health, Earth Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Engineering, Experiential Learning, Arts and Music, Anthropology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.
The link will bring you to lesson plans but you can find other materials by clicking on the filters on the left.
Tech Bytes is a teen taught class on various aspects of Computer Science. Teen Mentors, Rayaan Siddiqi, Labdhi Jain and Andrew Choi, host live sessions each week accompanied by online activities posted in the associated Google Classroom. Teens (12-19) may register at the library's website to participate and receive the code to enter the Google Classroom for more lessons and activities. Tech Bytes is funded by the Project Next Generation grant from the Illinois State Library.
Standards-aligned science online content at all K-5 grade levels that support classroom learning from home during this challenging time. All kinds of "ology" including: Anthropology, Archeology, Marine Biology, Paleontology, Zoology
We have hundreds of standards-based lesson plans written and reviewed by educators using current research and the best instructional practices. Find the perfect one for your classroom. Every lesson plan on ReadWriteThink has been aligned not only to the IRA/NCTE Standards for the English Language Arts but to individual state standards as well.
Here at ReadWriteThink, our mission is to provide educators, parents, and afterschool professionals with access to the highest quality practices in reading and language arts instruction by offering the very best in free materials.
Looking for engaging ways to introduce your child to reading or to encourage your teen to write? Need some age-appropriate book suggestions or rainy day activities? The materials here are your answer—all of them created by experts to be fun, educational, and easy to use outside of school.
Joyful learning starts here! Inspire a lifetime of learning and discovery with our free, fun educational program for children ages two to seven. Our program engages kids in core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language, and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills.
Original interactive activities, books, animated videos, games, and creative lessons captivate children’s attention.
100% Free. You’ll never see ads. You’ll never need a subscription.
Khan Academy Kids was developed in collaboration with learning experts at Stanford and aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards.
CommonLit’s Mini-Units. These units include over a dozen high-quality reading and writing activities and are a great way to keep students learning. CommonLit has developed over units for grades 3–12. Each of these 15 units include:
4–10 texts organized around an essential question
Daily lessons and questions for cross-textual analysis
A final writing assessment and an alternative assessment that encourages students to be creative
Student handouts with graphic organizers
Answer keys for educators
CommonLit is a nonprofit education technology organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, especially students in Title I schools, graduate with the reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in college and beyond.
We believe in providing teachers with all the resources they need to set their students up for success, while also encouraging best practices in the classroom. That’s why the CommonLit Literacy Model is built on a foundation of over 2,000 high-quality free reading passages for grades 3-12, complemented by aligned interim assessments, growth-oriented data, and expert-led teacher development.
Our resources are: Flexible, Research-Based, Effective, as proven by third-party review, Aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Created by teachers, for teachers.
Dad's Worksheets has a growing collection of over 9,000 printable worksheets, online Math games, puzzles, and tools such as calculators, converters, and timers. All of these are completely FREE!
The Goal of the podcast is to:
A) Showcase some of the cool stuff teachers are doing and hopefully inspire the listeners to try new things or reflect on their practice in a new way
B) Make Listeners feel less alone in their journey of improvement as teachers who are doing amazing things share their not-so-amazing moments
The Lion King Experience is an immersive arts education program that introduces students to many aspects of theater-making through the lens of The Lion King. We’re thrilled to unlock all sessions of The Lion King Experience for you to explore at home! Each lesson plan contains videos, journal prompts, performances, and more. How it works: Self-directed activities broken into 45-minute lesson plans on a flexible schedule.
Although this program is traditionally facilitated in a classroom setting, these instructions give you everything you need to explore theater on your own at home. And teachers: feel free to facilitate these lessons remotely as well! Have fun!
Camp Kinda is a free virtual summer experience designed to keep kids in grades K-8 engaged, curious, and having fun—even if they're stuck at home. It's like summer camp... kinda.
your kids will get 3-4 hours’ worth of activities each day, all connected to a weekly theme. Nothing boring. We’re talking about exploring the art of graphic novels, unlocking the mysteries of history, or jumping into the world’s craziest sports. Start any time you want. End any time you want. Camp Kinda runs on your schedule. We’ll add new adventures every week, and save them all for you right here.
If you are a White parent of a White child, and you are having some aha moments about the extent, depth, and prevalence of racism in our country, or you’ve had this awareness for some time but are having a different kind of aha moment (i.e., reckoning with your own participation in this system, your own privilege, and a true desire to do something about it), talk to your children. Not about equality in general, or the importance of standing up for what is right, or the history of civil unrest in our country, or the greatness of Dr. King, but about White supremacy, systemic racism, and Whiteness.
Tinkergarten is on a mission to elevate childhood. We help kids develop a host of important capabilities, including empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem solving. Our expert-designed classes and activities help kids ages 6 months—8 years develop core life skills while enjoying healthy, fun, engaging experiences in the physical freedom of local green spaces. We also provide a DIY list of activities for you to try out at home.
The Brown Bookshelf hosted the KidLit4BlackLives Rally that took place on June 4, 2020. Led by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds, the Rally featured inspiring words, music, and numerous calls to action in support of equity and justice.
A Project by the Augusta Baker Chair | Dr. Nicole A. Cooke | University of South Carolina | @BakerChair
This project emerged out of the pain and frustration associated with the back-to-back deaths of #GeorgeFloyd #BreonnaTaylor and #AhmaudArbery in 2020. We must do better as a global society! #BlackLivesMatter
Almost 200 resources listed here - * Green = materials for youth
Sesame Street and CNN produced for “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism,” a town hall special featuring both CNN journalists and Sesame Street favorites trying to illuminate issues of racism and police brutality for young people.
With protests over the violent deaths of black Americans dominating the news, it’s understandable that many kids are feeling scared, confused or angry about the situation. How can parents, many of whom are struggling themselves, help children process what they’re seeing and manage their feelings?
There’s no one right answer. That said, there are a few guidelines parents can keep in mind to help kids deal with troubling news about race and violence.
Roots & Shoots mission is to empower young people to affect positive change in their communities.
This site includes exclusive lesson plans, activities, 1-Click Actions, projects, an online course, reflections, and opportunities to stay connected. Whether it’s doing something immediately to support first responders, grow understanding through activities like Community Mapping, or finding ways to grow Compassionate Traits from home, we’ve got everything you need to grow hope at home and anywhere, every single day.
Black Lives Matter in Schools Resources for Educators: Books, Videos, K-12 Lesson Plans, and more.
Author Jason Reynolds shares a powerful message about racism and antiracism. June 1, 2020
CBS News This morning Youtube video about how to raise kids to be anti-racist and talk to them about racism. Protests across the nation over the death of George Floyd are forcing parents to have tough conversations with their kids about racism. CBS News contributor Ibram X. Kendi's upcoming book "Antiracist Baby" is about raising anti-racist kids. He shares how to talk to your kids about racism amid the protests over police brutality.
As part of its mission to advance excellent teaching in American schools, Annenberg Learner funds and distributes educational video programs – with coordinated online and print materials – for the professional development of K-12 teachers. Many programs are also intended for students in the classroom and viewers at home, with videos that exemplify excellent teaching. Annenberg Learner also partners with impactful organizations to provide other means of achieving this goal. As part of the Annenberg Foundation, Learner supports the Foundation’s mission to encourage the development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.
A podcast where we use our imaginations to talk about the things that matter, with the people that matter most. Each episode tells a story that’s amazing, fantastical, and maybe a little bananas, while it tackles the big feelings that come with growing up. And the Imagine Neighborhood gives you and your kids fun activities to do at home, in the car, or anywhere you talk to each other.
This series of 18 video lessons helps children learn how to identify worry as an uncomfortable feeling, and identify a grown-up to talk to when they feel worried. This may be a particularly helpful lesson now because children may be feeling more worried during the COVID-19 crisis.
Pixar in a Box is designed to help students answer an age old question: "Why do I need to learn this stuff?" Our answer is found in a series of interactive lessons that demonstrate that the very same concepts that students learn in school are used to make movies at Pixar. We have content appropriate for grade 3 and up.
The Science Behind Pixar exhibition has been designed to let visitors experience the art, science, computer science, and math that Pixar uses to create their groundbreaking films. This website features some of the activities, videos, and images from the exhibition that describe the math, computer science, and science that go into making computer animated films. This exhibition was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios. There are free materials for hands-on, unplugged activities to use with this virtual exhibit at http://sciencebehindpixar.org/educators.
One of the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science introduces approximately 1.4M visitors a year to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), through the world-class hands-on exhibits, and programs. Now, through its new #MOSatHome platform, delivering the Museum experience to families and educators online with a host of live stream events, webinars, podcasts, family STEM activities and more.
Free music education for those without access is having a profound impact on the positive development of our kids. Check out our new online courses that are created for our students but are accessible to everyone regardless of financial status. We believe that music is medicine for the soul and improves mental, physical and spiritual health. Free online courses in Guitar, Singing, Music Theory, Piano, Percussion, Songwriting, Musical Theater and more. Even a Singing at Home with Your Little Ones course with 12 lessons.
With students’ learning going digital, and friends and family shifting to video chats versus in-person hangouts, it can be difficult to manage our screentime. When we look at screens for extended periods of time, it can affect our quality of sleep. Depending on what the content is, it can also increase our anxiety and tire out our brain. So how do you keep you and your family entertained without switching on the TV or pulling out the iPad?
Discover the Desert Online!
Discover the joy of the desert and the joy of learning alongside our expert Desert Museum educators and scientists. Each week is different- check back often for upcoming programs and make sure to register!
Free programs can be found at https://www.desertmuseum.org/center/edu/dtdo/free_programs.php
Paid, custom programs for your group are available Mon-Fri at 10:00 a.m. Choose your date and topic and we’ll put together a program just for you. https://www.desertmuseum.org/center/edu/dtdo/youth_programs.php
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates the world’s largest living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia—the restored 18th-century capital of Britain’s largest, wealthiest, and most populous outpost of empire in the New World. With schools closed, social distancing recommended around the world, Colonial Williamsburg closed, and those who can working from home, we’re gathering materials here so you can escape to the 18th-century, learn a little and find some entertainment. You'll find Videos, Live interactions, Virtual Field Trips, Music, Arts &Crafts, Cooking.
At the Colonial Williamsburg Education Resource Library for Teachers (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/teachers/), you’ll find a variety of materials for teaching and learning American history and civics, including videos, interactive learning games, lesson plans, and more. Video programs are designed for grades 4-8, but have been used successfully in other grade levels as well.
Blend art, design and hands on creativity with STEM concepts using materials readily available in the home. Design challenges are created as a collaboration of the 3DuxDesign team and community professionals ranging from artists to authors, engineers and scientists. High interest, high engagement
STEM Punks is Australia’s leading STEM Education provider and is now providing free online lessons in response to COVID-19. The lessons are all designed, filmed and developed by teachers to ensure learning outcomes.
Each week is themed differently and students are asked to complete mini projects, design prototypes and complete playbooks (all provided). Weekly projects are designed for the students to work autonomously with minimal to no parental supervision required.
The Walking Classroom is an award-winning nonprofit education program that gets kids walking while listening to fun, standards-aligned, educational podcasts. The 15-minute podcasts are custom-written and recorded and cover topics on English language arts, social studies, and science and are designed for kids in grades 3 through 8.
In additional to the podcast's core content, each podcast begins with a different brief health message to build health literacy. It also incorporates a character value woven throughout the narrative (and included in the discussion questions) to support social and emotional learning.
The new mobile app includes almost 200 podcasts and is completely free to use through July 31, 2020. Discussion questions for each podcast are included right in the app. A separate Teacher's Guide with full lesson plans including quizzes is available in our online store.
British architecture studio Foster + Partners found a way to keep children entertained during the lockdown. They have released a series of paper building templates that kids can print out, color and use to build their own paper cities to keep themselves busy. The studio even encourages children to share their own creations on social media using the #architecturefromhome hashtag! More information can be found here: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/archive/2020/04/architecturefromhome/
Writing prompts, Lessons from the News, Mindfulness, TikTok, Crafts and Author Readings including posts/videos from well known YA and Middle Grade Authors like John Green, Matt de la Peña and Elizabeth Acevedo
The Checkology virtual classroom is a browser-based platform where middle school and high school students learn how to navigate today’s challenging information landscape by developing news literacy skills. Through its lessons, educators equip their students with tools to evaluate and interpret information and to determine what they can trust, share and act on.
A site with hundreds of learning resources from Pre-K through Adult Learning categorized by grade and subject. For Teachers and Parents to share educational resources and support each other. Both Free and Paid resources exist on the site but the site itself is always free to use
Unite for Literacy has a mission to ensure that all children have access to an abundance of books that celebrate their cultures and languages.
Bring joyful reading into your classroom with UniteBooks.com, a digital library for preschool and primary learners that’s free and easy to use for teachers and families alike. Can use on a computer or as an app on the tablet.
Unite Books are short, colorful, and easy to understand with picture/text format and narration in home languages. Listen to narrations in more than 40 languages – great for dual language children and families! No logins, ads, or gaming; the site is safe for use in schools. Read text in English or Spanish. Images and text throughout the library reflect the diverse makeup of the U.S.
The Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums, galleries, gardens and National Zoo remain active in the digital sphere, making it easy for museum lovers, creatives and lifelong learners alike to experience its offerings from the comfort of their couch. To help readers narrow down their search, Smithsonian magazine has compiled a list of virtual experiences that cater to an array of interests. Whether you’re in the mood to peruse the National Portrait Gallery’s presidential portrait collection, explore the engineering marvels of the Inka Empire or remix one of the 2.8 million images available through Smithsonian Open Access, this roundup has you covered.
In addition to highlighting virtual views, many Smithsonian museums offer exhibitions optimized for digital audiences.
Watch the latest Neil Gaiman videos and see Neil (and some famous friends!) read The Graveyard Book and Coraline in their entirety.
The National Council of Teachers of English Children’s Literature Assembly offers a bi-weekly blog with resources for preK-university educators. Each entry highlights a great online resource available for teachers and how it might be effectively utilized or offers a description of a short lesson using children’s literature that educators can use in their newly located classes.
Fun science experiments you can do at home
Comprehensive resources with an ability for teachers to bring their own materials
We cover standards across ELA, Science, and Social Studies with articles, textbook sections, fiction, videos and more. And teachers don't have to transition to new materials; they can upload their existing assignments onto the platform. Easy student access with supports for all learners and collaboration with peers
Actively Learn is easy for students to access at home, whether on a smartphone, laptop, or desktop. They can access scaffolding notes and media, an embedded dictionary, translation into over 100 languages, plus in-line peer discussion and shared peer responses.
Progress monitoring and easy ways to provide real-time feedback and grades
Assign self-paced lessons students access anytime, anywhere. Students complete assignments independently while you gain insights into students’ understanding with post-session reports. Easily integrate with your LMS (i.e. Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology and more).
Note: with Nano Pod, you can also create your own lessons.
A creation and communication tool for students, educators and administrators to create interactive content, allowing those of all ages to visualize concepts and communicate creatively. Buncee empowers educators, administrators, parents, and all types of learners to achieve their remote learning goals. Easily create and share engaging activities, resources, and assignments directly with students, give students the tools to creatively demonstrate their learning, and connect with your entire school community through your virtual classroom.