How to Learn at Home During School Closure

So schools are closed! Possibly for several weeks or months. First things first: Don't panic. You can do this. Kids are made to learn; they learn new things every day just by interacting with their world. You can help them by providing a little structure and access to tools that will encourage their curiosity. (Read this article from KQED, opens a new window to get started.)

Know that you don't have to recreate a school classroom in your kitchen. Start with whatever work your child's school has sent home. It might not take very long to complete worksheets or do assigned reading. What else can you do to keep your family occupied? Well, we know that kids learn when they are interested and having fun. The topic almost doesn't matter. Try one of these free educational sites to find more of what they like.

• OPL always has online databases, opens a new window for students. If you don't have an Oakland library card, please 1) complete an online application, opens a new window and 2) email eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org to set up your account. If you already have a card but do not have it with you, email eanswers@oaklandlibrary.org to recover your account barcode number. 

• Tutor.com, opens a new window - offers live and FREE one-on-one tutoring in a variety of subjects. Live one-on-one assistance is available everyday from 12pm (noon) until 12am (midnight). OUSD's list of online learning resources is available here, opens a new window in English and Spanish.
• Scholastic Learn At Home, opens a new window allows open access to daily learning journeys divided into four grade spans—Pre-K–K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–5, and Grades 6–9+, covering ELA, STEM, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning.
• Khan Academy, opens a new window’s free library of lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more.
• Many paid educational services are offering free subscriptions during this time. Here's a long list, opens a new window!
• Free online coding classes taught BY youth FOR youth: Kids Teach Tech, opens a new window
• Check out the animal webcams (and DIY lesson plans) from California Academy of Sciences, opens a new window.
• PBS Kids, opens a new window offers videos and learning games themed with favorite TV and book characters.
• Practice touch typing with Typing Club, opens a new window (and then send Grandma an email, not a text message).
  
• Find fun animal facts, science experiments, and world studies from National Geographic Kids, opens a new window.
• Tumblebooks, opens a new window: interactive, online picture books and early readers for kids for different reading levels, with games and puzzles.
• Science Buddies, opens a new window: kid-friendly projects and experiments you can do at home.
• Brain Pop, opens a new window has learning modules organized by subject. 
• The New York Times provides writing prompts, opens a new window for middle and high school students.
• Virtual tours, opens a new window of famous museums worldwide - art, culture, and history!
• Virtual field trips, opens a new window to zoos, farms, state parks, and more prove that learning doesn't have to happen only in a classroom.

Whether you are a seasoned homeschool leader or just looking for something to keep kids busy while you work from home under self-isolation guidelines, Oakland Public Library can connect you to learning every day!