As parents across the country the world scramble to figure out how we are going to manage social distancing at home, with our children, while many of us attempt to work remotely resources are springing up across the Internet. It’s actually one of the coolest things that has come out of our current crisis — people working together. I’ve found so many cool opportunities to entertain and teach my children while we are all at home. Here is my growing list of virtual classes for kids stuck at home.
FREE Virtual Homeschool Classes For Kids Stuck At Home
Today, my daughters have taken two art classes, visited the hippos in Cincinnati and learned about cute animals all over the world. That is in addition to playing outside, helping mom with chores, practicing piano, reading, vegging on the couch and more. It’s been a full day.
This list is ever-growing and changing as others lend their talents to help teach kids. If you have a suggestion for the list, I would love to add it.
Cincinnati Zoo
Bravo to the Cincinnati Zoo, at one point my kids were among more than 100,000 people watching the zoo’s first Home Safari via Facebook Live. They learned all about the hippos and loved every moment. Tune into Facebook each day at 3 pm EST, live stream will be available for replay later.
Lunch Doodles With Mo Willems
Mo Willems has teamed up with the Kennedy Center to offer Lunch Doodles. In addition to drawing with the kids, he also answers questions and on day one showed them some of the archived art from his famous books. Very cool. New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1 pm EST and remain online for streaming later via the Kennedy Center.
Art Class With Make
Make is an art gallery in Kentucky offering daily art classes via Facebook Live. Day one was about how to draw a face, and while it was a bit advanced for my 8-year-old, my middle schooler loved it. The best part is that she is creating projects with things most people have at home. Tune in daily at 1 CST via Facebook, live stream available to watch later as well.
Scholastic Learn At Home
Scholastic has launched Learn At Home Daily lessons for kids K – 6th+ (divided by age group). Currently, the site includes five days of lessons, and scholastic is preparing 15 more days of content. Each day includes about three hours worth of content that includes articles, videos, learning challenges, virtual field trips and more. Visit the Scholastic Learn At Home site HERE.
Skype a Scientist
Even though it is called Skype a Scientist, lessons are currently being run on Zoom. Sign up via the link below to receive an email with a schedule of scientist talks available and how to sign up. We missed day one, but plan to join in tomorrow.
Skype a Scientist LIVE schedule is PACKED to deal with COVID19.
Sign up for reminders & info here: https://t.co/8RCeXAUlqa
FEATURING @ChuckWendig @jess_i_am @G_Pask @DaniRabaiotti @zookeeperjake @a2freema @AlongsideWild @sarahlsheffield @HiDrNic @MARspidermonkey @IceSheetMike pic.twitter.com/HwKfgv8q74
— Sarah McAnulty, Ph.D (@SarahMackAttack) March 13, 2020
Virtual Preschool
Even little ones are missing their preschool routines, and Play To Learn Preschool is offering virtual preschool each weekday at 11 am EST. Daily circle time lessons, song, game, and storytime – everyone is welcome.
Central Florida Zoo
Central Florida Zoo is also offering a daily class about animals (day two was about the rhinos). You can tune in daily at 2 pm EST, video available after as well, on Facebook.
PE With Planet Fitness
Don’t forget about PE! Although this one isn’t geared toward kids, my middle schooler and I love these types of at-home workouts. Join Planet Fitness for daily workouts at 7 pm EST – no special equipment necessary.
Shark Storytime
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is offering shark storytime weekdays at 10 am EST. A shark story is read and then a Q&A about sharks. Watch live on Facebook or later.
Storytime With Josh Gad
Storytime counts, right? Every day Josh Gad (OLAF!) is reading a story to audiences on Twitter, and it is as awesome as you hope it will be. Find him on Twitter.
Kids Cooking Class
Put your kids to work in the kitchen making tasty treats for the family with kids cooking classes from Taste Buds Kitchen. Sign up to receive access to the free classes offered live on Tuesdays and Thursdays or available for replay later. In the first class, kids made pancake muffins.
Science Mom
For some super science fun including engineering challenges, crafts and games tune into Science Mom. Living streaming on Facebook and YouTube, this program is two hours long. (I wonder if I could actually get two-hours of work accomplished?!) We haven’t tuned in yet, but friends gave it rave reviews. The program, called QuaranTime is offered weekdays from 11am – 1pm EST.
Gatorland
Welcome to Florida, home of tha Gators! Gatorland has opened up its team of gator experts to offer daily virtual classes about the reptiles kept there. Tune in daily at 10 am EST or watch the video replay later on Facebook.
McHarperManor Art Class
McHarperManor is another art studio offering a daily art class for kids. The materials needed for these classes are a bit more than you might have around the house (for example tomorrow they are creating peg dolls), but she offers an Amazon shopping list to help you prepare for the classes. (Today’s class was watercolor animals.) Tune in weekdays at 1 pm EST or watch the video later.
Zoo School Live
Elmwood Park Zoo is another zoo offering daily virtual classes with its zoo animals via Facebook. Virtual classes are at 11 am or watch the video later.
Virtual Field Trips
Virtually go beyond the walls of your house to explore zoos, museums, historical landmarks and more! Lady and the Blog has 20 virtual field trips and this Google Doc has 30 (some overlap).
15 Broadway Shows
All the world really is a stage as Playbill announces 15 Broadway shows that are now available for free online streaming. If you’ve ever wanted to see Rent, Cats, Newsies… this is your chance. Check out all of the available shows on Playbill.
150 Educational Shows On Netflix
This one isn’t really a class, but it is a great way to use the excess screentime we are all having to learn more about the world around us. Homeschool Hideout has 150 educational shows on Netflix. I gave my daughters’ the list and today the picked one about cute animals. (Lists for Amazon Prime, Hulu and YouTube also available.)
As if these classes aren’t enough my kids also love the following free educational websites:
We have been keeping busy with distance learning through Heathrow Elementary. Both of my daughters are doing great with it. I love the additional resources that you listed. I will check them out for my girls.