No School?
Let’s Have some Fun!
-Brought to you by Joyce + Jessie-
(2 friends that are Mommies who happen to be OCTs)
What do we do for 3 weeks or longer?
Here are some resources that we’d like to share with parents. Many of them range from grades K-8. The virtual libraries, ebooks, audiobooks, writing and article websites also apply to students in highschool. There are a lot out there but hopefully these will get you started.
*TIP: If you want to google other resources for your child(ren), try adding “for kids” at the end of your search and it will narrow down your options.
Some things to keep in mind…
Like many, we’re still trying to figure this “parenting thing” out. By no means are we experts, but with our teacher caps on, we can offer these suggestions:
- Although they will never admit it (no matter what age), kids like having some kind of a routine and some structure. Yes, at the beginning of the break it is going to be fun doing whatever you and they want (at home), but eventually, you may hear “I’m bored…” because things seem a little off for them. After all, it’s 3 weeks or longer?
- You don’t need a daily lesson plan, but having some idea of what the day will look like may help with their structure.
- It helps to start the day with a breakfast invitation; a short, low prep activity that gets your child’s mind turned on and sets the intention for the day. It could be something like a Sudoku or word search, a sorting activity, or a little building challenge.
- Let them help you come up with ideas! Brainstorm as a family. At the beginning of the day, have one of them write it down and post it for everyone to see. Watch as things get checked off. It feels good for them to feel some sense of accomplishment.
- Remember to do some activities WITH them. This will help to build engagement. Sitting them in front of a laptop screen and printing worksheets is fine, but they will be engaged if you are too. We know that as some of you work from home, this may be hard, but keeping an eye on what their learning and asking questions helps them make meaningful connections.
- Although you won’t be able to edit or type into this copy, feel free to highlight the whole Doc and copy and paste into a new Microsoft Word Doc or Google Doc of your own. Sharing is caring!
*The first section is for School Aged children. Please scroll down for Toddler and Pre-Schooler activities
Literacy:
https://www.mpl.on.ca/bmm/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks
https://www.mpl.on.ca/bmm/just-for-kids
https://www.teachingwithamountainview.com/
https://www.dancemattypingguide.com/
games to do with your children
http://www.mathematicshed.com/uploads/1/2/5/7/12572836/make_mr_miss_characters.pdf
Apps
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Numeracy: (for all grades)- Special thank you to our colleague, M. Le Brun for documenting many of these amazing resources. https://solveme.edc.org/Mobiles.html https://solveme.edc.org/whoami/ https://www.solvemoji.com/Puzzle/Puzzle/32920/ https://www.pbs.org/parents/shows/peg (Peg and Cat TV show) https://www.pbs.org/parents/shows/odd-squad (Odd Squad TV show) https://play.prodigygame.com/ (Great interactive game- my kids enjoy it) http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/math/index.htm- Great math scholastic activities https://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets - math worksheets https://www.math-aids.com/ - math worksheets https://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/potw.php - Problem of the Week UWO https://wodb.ca have a conversation abouch which item, shape, or number doesn’t belong. Khan Academy, along with their great math videos, has posted a suggested daily schedule for kids of various ages. https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub Other numeracy-related ideas: -cook and bake together- measuring -sorting laundry and socks -look through the grocer flyers, even young children can benefit from this. Have them go on a number hunt, compare prices, look at and estimate weight and volume of items. -count the money in their piggy bank -playing board games such as Monopoly, Life, Yahtzee -sort and organize their toys -dramatic play + play kitchens- using money, creating menus with prices for restaurants and grocery stores -counting items in their collections - Hot Wheels, Mighty Beanz, Bey Blades |
Technology + Interactive: https://kahoot.com/ - supervise your child and use this as a family. Visit the Facebook page: Amazing Educational Resources, you will find a Google doc with many links and ideas https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/ - Mom with great activities and a list of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings https://games.corusent.com/ytv/ - Corus Tv Games (Ninja Turtles, Lego) Apps: Book Creator for iPad (fees may apply) Pic Collage Chatterpix Lightbot - coding (fees may apply) Kodable- coding (fees may apply) Osmo Coding Awbie |
Science and Social Studies: http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/index.htm- great science concepts https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ https://www.howweelearn.com/43-science-experiments-to-blow-your-kids-mind/ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/center/htbw-main-page.html https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/preview?fbclid=IwAR35THVC4k20AAaYLEbAiFusoXUqOYeLl7gDybZegLE6x5xJyQC2QzMvp_M&pru=AAABcQWkIkI*YWv2lxKPrOh09We9Kz8sSg - Virtual Field Trips to many cool zoos and museums https://www.historyforkids.net/- videos, games and worksheets for kids about historical events Lego Challenge https://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/free-printable-30-day-lego-challenge-instant-download/ https://www.timeforkids.com/- Time for Kids
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Physical Education/Gross Motor Ideas: -Outdoor play - bike, walk, play on the driveway, basketball, baseball, soccer, blow bubbles, sidewalk chalk, fly a kite, A game of Eye Spy during a walk, bring the smartphone or tablet. Let them take pictures. Upload or print them. Teach them about photography. Talk about them. -For colder days- gather all of their sports equipment, take turns creating small circuits for everyone to follow in the family room or basement. They love being the leaders and watching their parents do it! -Nerf wars- hitting targets, dodging each other, knock down dixie cups -Self-made bowling lane -Mini-basketball -Paper toss -Airplane distance competition -Beyblade tournaments (parents included) -Many of them are familiar with this program from school. Get your bodies moving: https://family.gonoodle.com/- more effective if you can mirror on your TV or through your Smart TV https://www.boredteachers.com/resources/30-free-physical-education-classes-and-reseources Physical Education ideas for At Home -Freeze Dance -Just Dance Game or videos online -Cosmic Kids Yoga and Zen Den Guided Meditation via YouTube |
You Tube: -While we should always be monitoring what our children watch on here, there are great resources and videos you can find on any subject. -If your child has a favourite book just search for “(name of book) read aloud”. |
For our friends that attend Catholic schools: -In HCDSB the students participate in Daily Christian Meditation. We are going to try this in our house: (We are currently trying to find a link for the music they listen to that is board approved, stay tuned). -Teach them how to pray the rosary together as a family- especially for the intentions of those that need healing and peace. https://teachingcatholickids.com/teaching-children-the-rosary/ https://www.catholicbrain.com/content/773024/1/teaching-kids-to-pray-the-rosary https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer 3 minute retreats great for reflection -Daily Mass can be viewed here: https://dailytvmass.com/about/broadcast-schedule/ -Collection of Mass videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6JtCVy4XKu4BSG-AE2chg/videos Great modern website for adults to read and reflect: https://bustedhalo.com/ - articles, videos, podcasts from Priests and lay people Printables and craftivities for children K-gr 3 (saints, liturgical events, Lenten activities): https://www.catholicicing.com https://readings.livingwithchrist.ca/ Living with Christ Daily Readings |
Arts and Culture https://www.nfb.ca/ -National Film Board (Interactive, Animation, Film) https://miss604.com/2020/03/nfb-online-over-4000-films-for-free.html Over 4000 films for free https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours- 12 Museums with Virtual Tours https://www.artforkidshub.com/how-to-draw/ - How to Draw for Kids
https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/40-best-art-projects-for-kids/ https://craftsbyamanda.com/kids-puppets/ - making puppets. Website from a Mom https://kottke.org/20/01/paris-museums-put-100000-images-online-for-unrestricted-public-use?fbclid=IwAR1GD7q2g9G2dt3O9nhwus2Aveiflq24PYtgU04J0gEWkgXYLgjK50xFx3M - Paris Museums put up 100 000 images for public use https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2020/03/13/100-activities-to-do-at-home-during-school-closures/?fbclid=IwAR17obAa_tFvTzIEcBDZaCfvWc4ncFvV6_YLhRywUjbdDZSpLrwbWG1-VOA- Mom blogger with lots of hands-on activities to do around the house Each day at 1:00 pm author/illustrator Mo Willems hosts Lunch Doodles https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/ Cassie Stephens (an art teacher who you might recognize from Nailed It Season 3) made a list of art projects you can create using toilet paper rolls https://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2020/03/toilet-paper-tube-crafts.html?m=1 -Crafts with anything you have - Don’t have any craft materials? Use old boxes, popsicle sticks, q-tips, empty water and pop bottles, paper towel rolls -draw anything- show them your favourite things to draw, create a still drawing by grabbing something in the house for them to try and draw -3 marker game- randomly choose 3 markers and colour in a colouring page using only those three colours -Paint -if you have some -Playdough- build and sculpt. -You can type the name of their favourite characters and add “...colouring pages” to your google search and you will find lots for them to colour -search for word searches, mazes, what’s different?, crossword puzzles |
Some other ideas: -board games/card games (everyone loves them!) -Lego/ Block building -puzzles -time to reorganize (their rooms) -look at family albums or pictures together. Tell them stories about when they were younger. Share your childhood stories and family memories. -Some Smart TVs have an app called “Karaoke Channel” sing together as a family. -Dance party- turn up their favourite tunes. Introduce them to some of your favourite old-school jams! -Anyone play an instrument?- Fam jam time! - sing and dance along -Old gaming consoles? - we’re unboxing the old XBox so they can experience our old Rock Band game -Build a fort with sheets and hockey sticks or chairs -Sleepover in each other’s room or set up air mattresses in a different room |
Thank you to the following people who have also contributed ideas to our list: D. Fox. K. Ondevilla-Peralta L. Papa-Robinson M. Young M. Le Brun C. O’Neill-Xavier J. Vogel-Allen A. Pacis N. MacDonald E. Papa-Balatbat L. Wilson S. Haydar M. Fahrney K. Salema M. Diamond J. Stallman M. Xerri-G. B. Peterka. K. Lopez-Dela Cruz |
Toddlers and Preschoolers Sensory and Fine Motor Play:
We understand that at this time food based sensory play might not be possible or may feel unethical to you. We have compiled a slideshow of different sensory/fine motor ideas which do not require the use of food: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-qfmyUBZsAamS9YAFrM31Dw00u2E_-X9XBatPwmJNkA |
We hope that these ideas are useful for you. Although this is a very challenging time for all, may we take this opportunity to further connect with our families, count our blessings and work together as a community. Stay safe, everyone!
God Bless + Love,
Joyce Magallanes-dela Cruz + Jessie Szafer
*Please see below if you’d like to see a template of what we’re attempting for daily ideas. This can be revised at any time. I have also included a blank template for you to cater to your family’s needs.
This is just so we have an idea of what options we have. Please don’t think that you have to follow a schedule every day. We end up skipping a few and some days just wing it.
Please do what’s best for your family! Remember that learning takes all forms, it does not always look like a paper and pencil task or staring at a screen. You’ll see that many of the activities offer a variety of physical and art activities, chores and then some personal choice.
A Day with the Dela Cruz Family
Date: ___________________________________
Time | Type of Activity | Description |
Before 9:00am | Breakfast | Make Bed, brush teeth, change and eat breakfast |
9:00 - 10:00 | Educational Fun | You choose 1, We choose 1 |
10:00-10:15 | Snack | We all choose a healthy snack. |
10:15-11:00 | Let’s Get Physical | We all choose 1 or 2 |
11:00-11:30 | Tech Time | You choose 1 |
11:30-12:00 | Art Time | You choose 1 |
12:00-12:45 | LUNCH | LUNCH |
12:45-1:30 | Reflection | Christian Meditation/Prayer/Scripture |
1:30-2:30 | Educational Fun | You choose 1, We choose 1 |
2:30-3:30 | Fresh Air | We go outside- we all choose |
3:30-3:45 | SNACK | SNACK |
3:45-:4:30 | Chore Time | Tidy Up rooms- put laundry away, tidy up bathroom, put away toys |
4:30-5:00 | Quiet Time | Read a book, puzzles, draw |
5:00-5:30 | Tech Time 2 | You choose something different |
5:30-6:30 | DINNER | DINNER |
6:30-7:00 | Free time | Your choice |
7:00-7:45 | Bath Time | Bath Time |
7:45-8:00 | Reading | Your choice |
8:00 | Bedtime | Bedtime |
A Day with the ____________ Family
Date: ____________________________________
Time | Type of Activity | Description |
Our Choices
You Choose, We Choose
Art Choices | Tech Choices | Let’s Get Physical |
Drawing Paint Colour Stamping Activity Arts + Crafts Sing songs Dance Party/ Just Dance Mom/Dad playing an instrument *Virtual Trip to a Museum Playdoh Make a card | Book Creator *Starfall *ABCYA.com *Prodigy Nintendo Switch iPad Game Coding (Light Bot) *Any of Mommy’s websites *Dance mat *Corus Games *Kahoot.it | Circuit in the basement Muay Thai Hitting and Catching Baseballs Walk/Bike/Run outside *Go Noodle Dance Party Bowling Pool Table Paper Toss Just Dance You Tube dance Cosmic Yoga |
Educational Fun
Literacy | Numeracy | S.T.E.M |
Write a Book/Story *Write anything from the writing prompts Printing Spelling *Practice Sight Words and Games Reading to Self Reading to Others *Listen to an audiobook *Listen to an online story Teach A Monster to Read Game Boards Reading/Writing a Recipe Write Anything | Geometric puzzles Worksheets *Prodigy online Baking *PBS.org *Mash Up Math *Math Before Bed *Solve Me Mobiles *Solvemoji Make a bracelet Dot-to-dot puzzles Any kind of puzzle Game Boards Make a Grocery or Restaurant with Dramatic Play- prices and all Create patterns w/anything | Marble Run Coding Apps Lego Building/Any kind of building Building a Fort Blocks Make an Invention *Science experiment *Virtual Trip to a Historical Event Plant something *Learn about the Human Body *Bill Nye *National Geographic *Time for Kids *Newsela article |
* can be found on the list of websites