Worried about how to keep your kiddo engaged with learning during school breaks and long weekends? Hands-on experience and free play are best but the internet has also become a great resource. We have collected our favorite online learning resources to help bridge the gap while school is out.
Online Classes
Online classes are becoming more popular as technology has allowed teachers and students more tools to log in.
Outschool
- Best for ages: Pre-K-12
- Device: Computer or any device that allows web conferencing
- Cost: Varies. Each teacher sets their class pricing.
Outschool is the closest resource to an actual class. Students can browse hundreds of subjects and sign up for the class that works for them. Most often done through Video Conference apps, they offer one-off classes on special topics, as well as ongoing classes for deeper learning.
Kids’ Club Spanish School
- Best for ages: At least 4
- Device: Computer only
- Cost: Free trial available. $20 per 30-minute class (as low as $18 with packages)
Kids’ Club Spanish School is a one-on-one online class. Spanish teachers are located all over the world and tutor students in an immersive learning experience though a video conference interface and shared screen.
Apps
Mobile Device apps provide more flexible learning options. They can be done in the child’s own time and pace.
Libby by Overdrive
- Best for ages: All
- Device: iOS 9.0 or later, Android
- Cost: Free. You need an active library card at a participating library
Libby has linked with tons of libraries to offer e-books and audiobook loans. Download the app, put your library info in and gain access to thousands of books.
Audible
- Best for ages: All
- Device: iOS, Android and computer
- Cost: $14.99 per month and includes 1 book credit every month
Audible is one of the biggest audiobook providers and offers a great selection of children’s books. Audible Members also get access to Audible originals.
Kindle
- Best for ages: All
- Device: iOS, Android and computer
- Cost: Varies per book
Kindle remains one of the best resources to have your child’s favorite book at your fingertips. If you need to freshen up what you are reading but can’t leave the house, this is your friend!
Starfall
- Best for ages: PreK-3rd Grade
- Device: Computers, tablets and mobile devices
- Cost: Starting at $35 per year (Schools may have subscriptions.)
Starfall is a comprehensive learning app. Family accounts allow multiple children to use the app and at their own pace.
ABC Mouse
Best for ages: PreK-2nd Grade
Device: Computers, tablets and smartphones
Cost: Starts at $9.95 per month after 30-day free trial
ABC is a popular comprehensive learning app. One family membership can be used for multiple children since each child can have their own profile.
Prodigy
- Best for ages: 1st-8th Grade
- Device: Computer, iOS and Android
- Cost: Free with a paid upgrade available. If your school has an account they may be able to provide free access from home.
Prodigy Math is an adventure focused math program that feels like a video game. To progress through worlds and battles, students answer math questions.
Homer
- Best for ages: 2-8
- Device: iOS, Android and computer
- Cost: $9.99/month after 30-day free trial
Homer is an early literacy app. One membership allows for multiple children per family. Each child has a custom profile for their level and interest. There are games, videos and activities that take children along a path through literacy and phonics.
Podcasts
Podcasts can bring a world of content into homes without a screen. A simple search on Spotify will bring up amazing content on almost any topic. Here are some geared toward learning that we use:
Wow in the World
- Best for ages: At least 4
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Wow in the World is focused on science, technology and innovation. Children PreKthrough elementary school will enjoy the deep level on info and wacky facts!
Brains On
- Best for ages: At least 4
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Brains On episodes are full of curiosity and exploration of science and history, as well as current events.
Smash Boom Best
- Best for ages: At least 4
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Smash Boom Best is a fast-paced debate podcast for kids. Each episode brings two ideas and debates them, leaving viewers to decide which thing or idea is the best.
Story Time Pirates
- Best for ages: At least 4
- Cost: Free through a podcast app
Story Pirates is a sketch comedy show based on stories submitted by children. Listeners can submit their wild and wacky stories for a chance to be featured in an episode.
Videos
There are plenty of YouTube channels and shows that can help grow your child’s education. Here are some of our favorites.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Best for ages: At least 2
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Jamie uses imaginative adventures to guide children through yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Yoga with Adrienne
- Best for ages: At least 7
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Kids and grown-ups learn how to practice yoga with an experienced yogi.
Basho and Friends
- Best for ages: At least 2
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Basho and Friends uses original music videos to teach children Spanish, French and Mandarin. Accessing language learning through music is just another way to increase the likelihood of retention.
Culture Groove
- Best for ages: At least 3
- Cost: Free on YouTube
Culture Groove exposes children to Indian culture through dance and story videos. Aiming to help parents raise multicultural kids, their videos are a window into the history and fun of Indian traditions
Netflix
- Best for ages: All
- Cost: Plans start at $8.99 per month
A Netflix membership offers a plethora of content for children. It also offers a large library of documentaries. To access many of them, be sure to be on a parent account, then explore deep sea diving, outer space, philosophy or any other topic you can think of.
Amazon Prime
- Best for ages: All
- Cost: $8.99 per month after free trial, plus Amazon Prime membership
CuriosityStream channel on Amazon Prime is an extensive collection of documentaries based in science, technology and history.
Disney+
- Best for ages: All
- Cost: $7.99 per month
If you’re looking for more educational shows on Disney+, Disney Junior shows are a great option for your little ones. Older kids will enjoy the documentaries or maybe have them read the book before watching the movie adaptation.
Storyline
- Best for ages: K-5th Grade
- Cost: Free
Listen to your favorite celebrities read children’s books in these pre-recorded videos. Activity guides are also provided for each storytime.
Vooks
- Best for ages: 2-8
- Cost: $4.99 per month (1 month free trial)
Vooks is a streaming service aimed to provide better screen time for kids with their digital library of animated storybooks. At-home lesson plans are also available for some of their titles.
Other
Scholastic Learn at Home
- Best for ages: PreK-6th Grade
- Cost: Free
Divided by your child’s grade level, every project includes a theme with stories, videos and other activities. Scholastic has made signing up free for families as they stay home. New activities will be added weekly.
Noggin’
- Best for ages: PreK-Kindergarten
- Cost: Free
Nickelodeon brings you weekly activities that will help your kids grow. They’ll love learning along with their favorite characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Bubble Guppies.
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This article originally published on March 13, 2020. It has been updated with the most recent information.
