Staying home?

 
Here are some resources to learn and pass the time. Many publishers have generously given free access to their normally subscription based materials. 

You can access all of the eBooks and audiobooks through the library’s catalog page. If you don’t currently have a card, but would like one, sign up here. With a library card, you can also access TexShare databases. For health information, try MEDLINE. Crafting and other DIY projects can be found on the Hobbies & Craft Reference center.

For more free audiobooks, try Audible. They offer a kid's collection and some for adults to try. 

If you enjoy fine arts, several museums have online tours that work like Google Street View here. To virtually explore the Great Wall of China, go here. 

Visit the zoo from home! The San Diego zoo lets you choose animals to watch live. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Georgia Aquarium have live cams as well. 

Wanting to pick up a new language? Duolingo has short quizzes, games, and other language learning activities. Set up an account with this free website and track your progress.

For kids

Kids can continue learning with schools closed. TexShare has a K-12 resources tab while searching by subject.  Explora has databases specific to elementary and high school education, and MiddleSearch Plus specializes in middle school resources.

Several authors of children’s books have shared their stories via videos. Storyline online has narrated stories with engaging graphics and animated presenters. Kate Messner has a compilation that includes and exercises and tips for aspiring writers.  Jbrary offers more links to read aloud books and other entertainment for kids. Story Nory features audio and text stories, original and previously written content. 

Needing a schedule for school while at home? Khan Academy has links to age appropriate educational goals, and schedules for different grades to give parents an idea of what's needed. 

Bedtime Math, the creators of the Crazy 8's club, has a website with activities for helping kids not only learn math, but to enjoy it. No flash cards here!

Looking for science experiments that can be done with the supplies you've got at home? We Are Teachers has a great collection of those. This website also has links for projects for grades K-5. 

Scholastic has daily learning challenges on a variety of subjects for students from pre-k to 9th grade. 

Wonderopolis is a place where kids can ask questions about things that they would like to know, and vote for subjects they want to learn about. Answers are written at an understandable level, and there are comprehension quizzes as well as extension activities. 

Abdo has several collections available. Their research database covers animals, biographies, and STEAM concepts simplified for beginning readers, and has read-aloud features. The elementary bookshelf contains classic literature, nature, states and countries, health, feelings, pop culture icons, and much more. Many are available in Spanish as well. For more in depth information, explore their secondary bookshelf.

Bookflix is a kid-friendly site that offers book reading videos, extension activities, and more. To use the free trial, sign in with the library account.
          Username: bookflix46
          Password: blue

TumbleBooks has audiobooks for all ages, a teen book cloud, and math ebook collection for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade.
          Username: tumble2020
          Password: A3b5c6

Sebco offers free eBooks until June 30th, 2020. This collection can be searched by subject, reading level, and Accelerated Reader status. Once logged in, users will be prompted to give either library card or student ID number and name.
          Username: Keepreading
          Password: Sebco

Search for educational games by grade, subject, or category for kids up to sixth grade on ABCya! Another website for learning games that specializes in pre-k through third grade is Starfall. When you set up an account with BrainPOP, you get free access to quizzes, videos, and more for free. 

SpacePlace by NASA has topics explained with lots of infographics and some videos. Satisfy you curiosity about all things space. 

Studying history? The Digital Public Library of America has pictures, papers, and more primary sources to further your research.