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STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These subjects are a part of every aspect of our lives. Science explains the processes that are happening within us and around us. Science helps us understand our natural world, including the sun, stars, moon, ocean, animals, weather, plants, and more. Technology is growing in its importance to our everyday functions of life. We use televisions, tablets, and smartphones every day. Advances in medicine and other fields are made using microscopes and other technological equipment. Engineering underlies everyday experiences, forming the foundations of roads and every vehicle that travels on them. Every area of our life has been engineered in some way. And mathematics is in every occupation and many of the tasks we perform each day. It is also the basis for every other STEM field.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM careers are growing at a rate of 17%, while non-STEM occupations are growing at a rate of 9.8%. STEM careers also tend to bring a larger income than non-STEM careers. People educated in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are innovators who lead the way to new ways of doing things. In the 21st century, these innovations are becoming increasingly important. The challenges and benefits that come with globalization and a knowledge-based economy require competence in STEM-related concepts. As time goes by, more and more jobs will require people with specific and developed STEM skills.

Hands-on learning is an important part of STEM education. It is one of the most popular and effective types of learning and allows you to use trial and error and to learn from mistakes or miscalculations. It closes the gap between theory and practice. Hands-on learning activities can motivate you to stay interested in learning. Some students find a traditional lecture format very boring and have a tough time staying focused on or excited about the subject when they're just listening and taking notes. But being able to work with your hands and your mind on projects can help you connect with the subject on multiple levels. Even the students who do enjoy traditional classroom lectures can gain a new perspective from exploring material in this way.

Hands-on learning teaches practical problem-solving skills and provides a way to look at school subjects in real-life scenarios. It's also a more concrete way to deal with abstract subjects such as math. And this type of education can also introduce you to trades that require specific skills. There are many careers in highly skilled trades such as auto mechanics and welding, and these fields also require STEM knowledge. The only way to learn these trades or to find out if such careers might be of interest is to dig in and try them.

The best part about hands-on STEM learning is that it doesn't have to just take place in the classroom. There are also a lot of different experiments and activities you can do at home that are fun and help you learn about things like science and engineering. You can also try tinkering with things around the house to see how they work (with your parents' permission, of course). Since science, technology, engineering, and math are all around us, you can learn about them anywhere at any time.
Tinkering Simple Electronics Simple Machines Engineering Coding

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Hands-on learning is an important part of STEM education. It is one of the most popular and effective types of learning and allows you to use trial and error and to learn from mistakes or miscalculations. It closes the gap between theory and practice.

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Helping Children Cope with Changes due to COVID-19

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Helping Children Cope with Changes due to COVID-19

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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

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Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most schools, places of public gathering, and nonessential businesses are closed, and parents and other caregivers are faced with helping their families adjust to the new normal. This includes trying to keep children occupied, feeling safe, and attempting to keep up with schoolwork as best as possible. None of this is easy, but it helps to stay focused on what is possible in order to reinforce a sense of control and to reassure children that they are okay, and that the situation will get better.

It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking the necessary actions that reduce the risk of illness. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. This is also a tremendous opportunity for adults to model for children problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through adjustting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we spend time, processing new information from authorities, and connecting and supporting friends and family members in new ways. The following tips can help.

STAY CALM, LISTEN, AND OFFER REASSURANCE

Be a role model. Children will react to and follow your reactions. They learn from your example.

Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19. Your discussion about COVID-19 can increase or decrease your child's fear. If true, remind your child that your family is healthy, and you are going to do everything within your power to keep loved ones safe and well. Carefully listen or have them draw or write out their thoughts and feelings and respond with truth and reassurance.

Explain social distancing. Children probably don't fully understand why parents/guardians aren't allowing them to be with friends. Tell your child that your family is following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include social distancing. Social distancing means staying away from others until the risk of contracting COVID-19 is under control. Showing older children the "flatten the curve" charts will help them grasp the significance of social distancing. Explain that while we don't know how long it will take to "flatten the curve" to reduce the number of those infected, we do know that this is a critical time-we must follow the guidelines of health experts to do our part.

Demonstrate deep breathing. Deep breathing is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system. Do breathing exercises with your children.

Focus on the positive. Celebrate having more time to spend as a family. Make it as fun as possible. Do family projects. Organize belongings, create masterpieces. Sing, laugh, and go outside, if possible, to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Allow older children to connect with their friends virtually.

Establish and maintain a daily routine. Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being. It also helps children and other family members respect others' need for quiet or uninterrupted time and when they can connect with friends virtually.

Identify projects that might help others. This could include: writing letters to the neighbors or others who might be stuck at home alone or to healthcare workers; sending positive messages over social media; or reading a favorite children's book on a social media platform for younger children to hear.

Offer lots of love and affection.

MONITOR TELEVISION VIEWING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Parents/guardians should monitor television, internet, and social media viewing-both for themselves and their children. Watching continual updates on COVID-19 may increase fear and anxiety. Developmentally inappropriate information, or information designed for adults, can also cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.

Dispel rumors and inaccurate information. Explain to your child that many stories about COVID-19 on the internet may include rumors and inaccurate information. Older children, in particular, may be accessing a great deal of information online and from friends that contains inaccuracies. Talk to your child about factual disease information.

Provide alternatives. Engage your child in games or other exciting activities instead.

TAKE TIME TO TALK

Let your children's questions guide you. Answer their questions truthfully, but don't offer unnecessary details or facts. Don't avoid giving them the information that experts indicate as crucial to your children's well-being. Often, children and youth do not talk about their concerns because they are confused or don't want to worry loved ones. Younger children absorb scary information in waves. They ask questions, listen, play, and then repeat the cycle. Children always feel empowered if they can control some aspects of their life. A sense of control reduces fear.

BE HONEST AND ACCURATE

Correct misinformation. Children often imagine situations worse than reality; therefore, offering developmentally appropriate facts can reduce fears.

Explain simple safety steps. Tell your child this disease spreads between people who are in close contact with one another, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when one touches infected objects or surfaces.

Stay up-to-date on the facts. Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlfor additional factual information.

KEEP EXPLANATIONS AGE-APPROPRIATE

Early elementary school children. Provide brief, simple information that balances COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people make every day to stop germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Use language such as "adults are working hard to keep you safe."

Upper elementary and early middle school children. This age group often is more vocal in asking questions about whether they indeed are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 spreads in their area. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss the efforts national, state, and community leaders are doing to prevent germs from spreading.

Upper middle and high school students. Issues can be discussed in more depth. Refer them to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home.

For all children, encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener!

STAY CONNECTED TO SCHOOL

Locate learning resources. Schools' capacity to conduct virtual learning experiences will vary greatly, but most schools are providing lessons and learning activities for children to do. Take advantage of the many companies and online platforms currently offering free learning opportunities.

Identify additional resources. Know if your school or district is providing additional resources, such meals, or technology, such as a laptop or tablet.

Stay in touch. Find out how the school is communicating with families and students. Be sure to read any communications you receive. Check with you children, particularly older ones, as they may be receiving information directly that would be helpful for you to know.

Connect with school staff. Reach out to your child's teacher and other relevant school staff if you have concerns about their coping and keeping up with assignments or activities.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

According to the CDC, symptoms of fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath appear within 14 days after being exposed to the disease.

For some people, the symptoms are similar to having a cold; for others, they are more severe or even life threatening.

MODEL BASIC HYGIENE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PRACTICES

Practice daily good hygiene. Encourage your child to practice these simple steps to prevent spreading the virus.

Wash your hands multiple times a day for 20 seconds. Singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Happy Birthday" twice is about 20 seconds.

Compliment your children when they use a Kleenex or sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow. Teach them the importance of throwing away used tissues immediately after sneezing or coughing.

Sadly, handshakes and hugs need to be limited to immediate family members, at least for now.

Foster a sense of control. Offering guidance on what your child/children can do to prevent infection offers them a greater sense of control, which reduces anxiety.

Build the immune system. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly; this will help them develop a robust immune system to fight off illness.

BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.

Preschoolers -thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.

Elementary school children -irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.

Adolescents -sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information related to schools and physical and mental health, visit www.nasponline.org and © 2020, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East Wes t Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-0270 www.nasn.org.
Adapted from, Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses, NASP, 2020.

Contributor: School Psychologist Kathy Sievering

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Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19

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Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most schools, places of public gathering, and nonessential businesses are closed, and parents and other caregivers are faced with helping their families adjust to the new normal.

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Free access to books from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

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List of Authors doing Live Readings of their books

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List of Authors doing Live Readings of their books

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NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind.

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Help for Parents during the School Closure

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Help for Parents during the School Closure

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Information and free tutoring for families during COVID-19 school closures
(See resources for teachers here)

How to find out if a school is closed

To find out if a school is closed, visit the school district's website or contact the district. Also, make sure your district has up-to-date contact information for your family so you don't miss important online communication.

The CDC advises parents to be sure to ask their children's schools about their plans for school dismissals or school closures.

To find a public school's website or contact information, visit https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/.

Updates on school closures

To keep up with the latest school closings as they're reported in local and national news media.

What to expect if a child's school closes

Most schools should have an action plan in place for continuing classes online if schools close, according to Nancy Messonnier, a director at the Centers for Disease Control.

Parents should ask their school for teleschool or online learning plans via a website like Google Classroom.

If your school does not have a plan for remote learning, consider using a free online resource such as Khan Academy that requires no parent involvement, is aligned with state standards for learning, and will make sure your child is staying on track academically.

How to pull a child out of school if schools do not close

Even if a child's school does not close, parents may want keep them home. In the United States, "the Supreme Court has ruled that parents have a fundamental right to direct the education of their children." This means that a parent has a legal right to homeschool at any time and for whatever reason.

Most schools require a simple letter of intent notifying the school principal of the intention to homeschool.

Parents may also consider filing an independent study for a shorter absence (7-10 days).

To learn about the local laws for homeschooling in your state, visit HSLDA. https://hslda.org/content/laws/.

Food: places for children to get breakfast, lunch and dinner

With schools closed, parents may be concerned about children missing meals. According to the USDA, "all Food and Nutrition Programs have flexibilities and contingencies built-in to allow them to respond to on-the-ground realities in the event of a disaster or emergency situation." In several states, the USDA has approved requests to continue meal service during school closures.

The best way to be connected with food resources is through your school. To find a public school's website or contact information, visit https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/.

In addition, here is contact information for other agencies that can help children get meals during school closure:

For more information about the coronavirus response from the USDA, please visit: www.usda.gov/coronavirus. Parents who are having trouble getting in touch with these organizations and worried about their children missing meals should contact us to get connected to nutritious meals in their area.

Enriching activities for kids to do while parents work at home

It's normal for parents to be concerned that their children staying home all day may disrupt their productivity. It represents a significant change in one's day to day routine and can cause stress for the whole family.

Remote jobs for Parents

Parents may feel pressed to make up lost income from shutdowns. There are many opportunities for parents to work at home. Here are a few places to start:

Childcare resources for parents who cannot stay home from work

Many cities are either already providing emergency childcare to families or are in the process of setting up systems and locations to do so. If parents need to find childcare in their area, they can:

We will be updating this section as more information becomes available.

Keep children on track academically

Parents may be worried that their children will fall behind academically if they miss class. It's likely that your school will provide homework or online learning for students while they're closed. Some schools may already have software they use for online learning such as Google Classroom.

Be sure to ask your school what plan they have in place for remote learning while schools are closed.

Even if your school does not have a plan in place, there's a lot of great support available for keeping children on track academically.

The online learning movement has been active for over a decade and many free, superb tools exist that require zero parent involvement. Khan Academy is a great online learning tool for grades K-12. It's aligned with state standards and common core and can track your child's progress and personalize learning according to your child's strengths and weaknesses.

Another useful list is here: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/

You can also encourage your child to go beyond their academic requirements and learn computer programming by checking out Code.org.

Common Sense Media has a wealth of resources here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/resources-for-families-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

Connect with parents experienced with distance learning

It's normal for parents not familiar with technology or online learning to have difficulty choosing or using these tools for the first time.

To connect with parents who are experienced with online and distance learning for additional support, consider joining the S.E.A Facebook group (Secular, Eclectic, Academic Homeschoolers).

To be matched with a parent or learning specialist for additional support, please contact us here.

Sample daily schedule

Khan Academy has published a suggested "school day" schedule for telelearning: View Schedule

Teaching Kids to Code

Students of all ages can learn computer science and coding at home, and it's really quite fun! Even though most schools don't offer it, studies show that students do better at reading, writing, math, and science if they also learn computer science, because it engages them in problem-solving and creativity. Try these options:

Start a Microschool

Microschooling is a model of education where parents can start schools in their home for their own kids. This model of education has been proven over the last several years, and is a viable solution to families wondering how to educate their children during these times. Here are some tips to start your own microschool below:

Get your kids together. Learning works best in a social setting, even if it's your own kids.

Set a schedule. It doesn't have to be long and it doesn't have to be rigid, but agreeing to a time and place to meet each day is a great way to create a sense of oﬃcial-ness and mutual accountability. Now, let's get into the modes of learning.

Conquer mode :  Picture your kids working independently on computers, moving at their own pace on math, english, or other subjects. Use tools like Khan Academy, No Red Ink, Mystery Science and tons more.

Collaborate mode: This is a structured group activity where everyone puts away their computers and interact face to face. It's a fun and engaging way to learn rational thinking, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, research skills, and the scientiﬁc method. Consider having a debate, math puzzle, Science project, etc, You can do these activities with the whole family!

Create mode: This is a chance for your kids to unlock their creativity and work together to make projects they are proud

Parents can support and guidance in starting a Microschool with their children from Prenda. https://home.prendaschool.com/

Psychological support for stressed parents

Concerns about your children's health, cabin fever from being isolated, a disrupted routine, and exhaustion from staying at home with kids may add considerable stress in a parent's life. This can lead to depression and anxiety. In order to be a good parent to your child, it's important to take care of yourself first. Dr. Kristine Fuller recommends the following coping mechanisms to preserve your mental health:

Stay connected in the community. Being quarantined, even with family can be isolating. Talk to friends and extended family via phone and facetime.

Try not to make assumptions.

Follow reputable sources about the outbreak .

Be cautious of social media and news stories.

Talk to your children about this pandemic.

If you are quarantined, engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, doing a new art project, reaching out to friends on social media, watching a movie, learning a new language.

Visit the following links for more information:

Free psychological support:

In order to be a good parent to your child, it's important to take care of yourself first. Here are resources that can help:

The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 service that's text only. Their website also has support numbers and additional information. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. They are there to help. Lifehacker has a list of the top 10 free and affordable services for mental counseling: https://lifehacker.com/top-10-free-and-affordable-mental-health-and-counseling-1788814933

Many cities have a number to call for free therapy that allows you to consult directly with a counselor. If you aren't sure what hotline to call, you can call 211.

It's also possible that therapy may be covered by your employer or insurance. For more advice on strategies for finding free and affordable therapy, visit https://www.psycom.net/how-to-find-affordable-therapy/

Meditation apps:
Meditation can reduce stress, help control, anxiety, promote mental health, improve sleep and even help generate kindness. Plus, you can do it anywhere.

MIT Medical recommends the following 5 apps to help reduce stress and preserve well-being. Most have free options or include 7-10 day free trials to get started.

Headspace: Starts with the basics and teaches as it progresses

Smiling Mind: Not-for-profit app designed by psychologists and educators

iMindfulness: 3 meditations of different lengths available in English, Danish and Norwegian

Mindfulness Daily: Helps integrate mindfulness meditation into your daily life

For more information on how Mindfulness can help, visit https://medical.mit.edu/stay-healthy-mit-stress-reduction/mindfulness-apps.

How to talk to children about COVID-19

It's normal for children to be concerned about a topic that's foreign to them. However, sometimes the way the topic is addressed can also cause stress and anxiety for a child. Dr. Jacqueline Sperling, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, recommends providing the right amount of information (just what they absolutely need to know), to be an example of calmness (if your child sees you stressing out it will worry them too), limiting your child's access to news about the virus and being on alert for your child seeking reassurance about the virus, which might take the form of them asking a lot of questions. For Dr. Sperling's full blog on talking to kids about COVID-19 visit this link: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111.

Here are some other resources for talking to kids about the virus:
All ages: Pre and Lower School: Middle and Upper School
Socializing and Staying Connected

In difficult times, our connections to one another become even more important. We all rely on our communities and relationships. As a team of Harvard Medical School reminds us, "It's important to stay connected even though we should not do so in person. Keep in touch virtually through phone calls, Skype, video and other social media. Enjoy a leisurely chat with an old friend you've been meaning to call."

Here are some other ways people are managing this:

Why social distancing is important

Social distancing means not only avoiding large gatherings but also eliminating all nonessential in person contact with others - whether at a store, an appointment or even a small get together of a couple friends. Because of the exponential rate of spread, preventing just one infection today will prevent 2600 infections over the next three months. (See the links below for more on that.) Now is the time to practice it.

If you are unclear on the reasons for social distancing, are worried about "overreacting" or "going too far," or still think the need to distance may not apply to you (because you are young, asymptomatic, etc.) please check out one of these excellent resources to learn more.
https://medium.com/@ariadnelabs/social-distancing-this-is-not-a-snow-day-ac21d7fa78b4

Safe social interaction

With COVID-19, parents may be concerned about their children getting enough social interaction and if it is all right to organize playdates, go on trips or attend activities. Dr. Juvaddi from the Lucile Packard's Children's Hospital at Stanford has recommended that parents not panic. Fortunately, children are the least affected by the virus. That said, because the virus can cause pneumonia and because some children have severe asthma or a congenital heart problems which make them more susceptible, doctors are are recommending parents take extra precautions. Juvvaddi says, "This could mean keeping them home from swimming lessons and indoor play places or activities like gymnastics." She recommends staying away from indoor places, but continuing to going outside to play, which is important for a young child's development. There is likely minimal risk in catching the virus on a playdate, but it is wise for parents to make children wash hands for 20 seconds before and after the playdate and to consider having their child to wear a face mask so they avoid touching their face (which is the easiest way to contract the virus).

How to organize virtual playdates

For parents who are worried about their kids being away from friends, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Remember that in our culture, and our particular era, we've come to believe that children's friendships and large amounts of time spent together are highly important. But that's not a universal truth - in many contexts globally and historically, children have primarily spent time with family, and have been very happy to do so!

Give your child time to adjust. There may be a lot of complaining about missing friends early on, but it will likely shift. Kids are adaptable and resilient. They will settle into focusing on other things and connecting with friends in new ways.

To make virtual playdates:

If kids are younger and need adult support for a virtual playdate, you can put one parent in in the "facilitator" role and have them read stories or sing songs with two or more kids via video chat, giving the other parents a few moments to load the dishwasher or prepare a meal.

You can also coordinate with another parent so that two or more families are all working on the same project independently, and then have a time to share their projects and talk about it on a video call. Or meet online over lunch to share a mealtime together. Get creative and experiment with ideas to see what works for virtual meet ups for your kids!

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To find out if your school is closed, visit the school district's website or contact the district. Also, make sure your district has up-to-date contact information for your family so you don't miss important online communication. The CDC advises parents to be sure to ask their children's schools about their plans for school dismissals or school closures.

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How to join Google Classroom from an Xbox or Playstation.

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How to join Google Classroom from an Xbox or Playstation.

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Now that many of our schools have closed and we have converted to distance learning, you might be wondering how you or your students can access Google Classroom; especially in one computer households or for students without devices. Well, accessing Classroom is easier than you think!

Google Classroom App

I feel like the easiest way to access Google Classroom without a computer is by using the Classroom App on a phone or a tablet. Click here for the app on the App Store and here for Google Play Once the app has been downloaded to a phone or tablet, students login with their school district accounts and will find an interface that feels very similar to the one they find at school.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

They can click on any assignment, interact with the content, watch any videos you post (did you know that you can record videos directly into Classroom by using the camera on your phone while you are using the app?), and even create Slides and Docs right on their phones! I have known quite a few students that claim they can type an entire paper on their phone. Now is their time to shine! Teachers can even grade assignments and give feedback directly to students with the app. It is really a great tool to have at your fingertips.

Xbox and Playstation

Classroom can be opened on Xbox and Playstation. There isn't an app that the students can add to their consoles. Instead, they are going to have to use the built-in browsers that come on the two devices. On Xbox, it is Microsoft Edge. On Playstation, it is the "www" browser. Your students will probably know how to find the browsers on their consoles, but if not, each one has a search function they can access on the home screen.

Once the browser has been opened:

Type in classroom.google.com in the URL bar.

A prompt for a Google account will appear.

Type in your school district email and password - it doesn't end in google.com and that is ok!

The Classroom home screen will open up.

If students have a keyboard they can plug in, they will have a much easier time of navigation. Otherwise, they will have to use their controllers to click on the classroom tiles, open up assignments and type. I did a trial run on both consoles and was able to open assignments and interact with video and written instructions. I was also able to open attachments like Docs and Slides and type on them. It wasn't easy with a controller, but at least I could access the content. I will say, I have watched my son type faster with his controller than some kids can on a keyboard, so maybe I am worried about this for nothing!

As we all struggle with ways to meet the needs of our learners, I just thought it would be valuable to know that there are multiple options for students as they access your content.

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Access Google Classroom with your phone, your Xbox or your Playstation!

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Now that many of our schools have closed and we have converted to distance learning, you might be wondering how you or your students can access Google Classroom; especially in one computer households or for students without devices. Well, accessing Classroom is easier than you think!

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iCivics, inc. is a non-profit organization in the United States that provides free educational online games and lesson plans to promote civics education and encourage students to become active citizens.

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In this new Private i History Detectives unit, Elementary students analyze primary sources to discover how Constitutional Amendments attempted to address slavery's wrongs, how the courts challenged unfair laws, and how individuals and groups fought for civil rights.

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In this new Private i History Detectives unit, Elementary students analyze primary sources to discover how Constitutional Amendments attempted to address slavery's wrongs, how the courts challenged unfair laws, and how individuals and groups fought for civil rights.

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Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments.

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Music is for everyone. Play with simple experiments that let anyone, of any age, explore how music works.

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Must have a library card to access.

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Digital Collections | Redford Township District Library

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Digital Books, Movies, Music, Magazines, and More Investment Research

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Livonia Public Library Free Digital Library

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Livonia Public Library Free Digital Library

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Must have a library card to access.

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Digital equity and access to information are at risk. The Library Network is a large system that serves more than 70 libraries in southeast Michigan. Many of these libraries share the resource known by the names Libby, Overdrive and Download Destination. This means that only one copy of a popular eBook would be available for all interested eBook patrons the first 8 weeks.

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Digital equity and access to information are at risk. The Library Network is a large system that serves more than 70 libraries in southeast Michigan. Many of these libraries share the resource known by the names Libby, Overdrive and Download Destination.

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ReadTheory’s offers a vast library of reading comprehension content that fosters improvement by automatically meeting learners at their own, individual ability levels. Find passages and prompts for students to answer.

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ReadTheory | Reading Comprehension Exercises

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Reading comprehension exercises — online, free, & adaptive. Fits K-12, ESL and adult students. Easily track progress for the entire class.

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Explore.org hosts live streaming videos from all over the world allowing learners to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats.

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GRACE Gorilla Forest Corridor | Explore.org

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Watch live video of gorillas at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. Watch as the gorilla's pass through, graze on vegetation, and make their nest for their overnight slumber

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Everydae is an online SAT math prep program. 10-minute micro lessons match busy schedules.

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Everydae - The World's Smartest Digital Tutor

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The world's smartest digital tutor. Ace your classes and prepare for college in just 10 minutes a day! Sign up for free today.

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Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented youth.

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Learn computer science. Change the world.

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Every student in every school deserves the opportunity to study computer science.

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Our comprehensive and engaging educational platform to develop math and coding skills is available to you in your home!

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Enhance your childs learning today!

You will receive a login for yourself and each registered child. All the content is aligned to the curriculum they would be following in the classroom, so it's perfect for homeschooling or supporting them with their learning at home.

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You will receive a login for yourself and each registered child. All the content is aligned to the curriculum they would be following in the classroom, so it's perfect for homeschooling or supporting them with their learning at home.

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Engage students with thousands of texts on topics they care about most, with standards-aligned lesson supports built for ELA instruction.

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On The OT Toolbox, there are many free resources designed to build skills in children through movement and play. Many related services will be halted for children over the next weeks (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, etc.) Parents are seeking resources and strategies to help their children move and play in a way that helps them achieve their goals.

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Easy, actionable, and functional Occupational Therapy activities and interventions. OT resources and information to help kids thrive.

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A creative community to connect with others from all over the world, while getting to learn about topics that are important to our wellness (social, emotional, physical) through interactive experiences.

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Healthy & Fun Choices® | Whole health education, community, and resources. | Creating community, providing connections, and encouraging healthy and fun choices.

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Healthy and Fun Choices® inspires people in and around Happy Valley, OR to better understand and make whole health choices by embracing social, emotional, physical, environmental, and economic whole health.

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Online Art Projects for Kids

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Rainforest Creature Marionettes Students learn about animal defense mechanisms and invent an animal ideally suited to live in the rainforst. They create a marionette puppet from paper tubes, paint, craft sticks, and string.

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Rainforest Creature Marionettes Students learn about animal defense mechanisms and invent an animal ideally suited to live in the rainforst. They create a marionette puppet from paper tubes, paint, craft sticks, and string.

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Learn and play chess.

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Chess Online For Kids - 100% Safe and Free | ChessKid.com

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Have your kids play and learn chess online with the best tools- tactics, puzzles, videos, lessons & more. The #1 kids' site. 100% Safe Environment.

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Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, but is used by people of all ages.

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Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

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Everything needed to learn computer programming the fun way! Ages 5+

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Over 5,000 Award-Winning Lessons

Tynker empowers over 100 million students and serves over 150,000 schools worldwide.

Mod Minecraft

Make your own skins and experience basic Minecraft modding with Tynker.

Learn Python

Learn to code browser-based games using Python, pen drawing and Turtle graphics.

Explore AI

In this exciting elective course, you'll explore artificial intelligence and machine learning - with JavaScript.

Empower the Next Generation with Tynker -
Unleash Creativity and Innovation in Kids Everywhere

Approved by Educators.
Loved by Kids

Story Based Lessons

Kids learn with block-based coding before transitioning to text-based languages like JavaScript and Python.

Built-in Tutorials

Tynker's interactive lessons break down coding fundamentals as they solve fun puzzles.

Interactive Assessments

Quick practice quizzes and assessment tests evaluate's a child's comprehension of subjects taught.

Explore Curriculum

Why Should Kids
Learn to Code with Tynker?

Because technology is so integrated into virtually every aspect of our lives, learning about it is more important than ever. Our coding platform makes it convenient and fun for kids and teens to gain knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives. You can count on our trusted methods to help them develop and grow their capabilities with computers.

Tynker isn't just for schools and coding camps, though. Parents who value STEM education and want their children to know how to code should know that our kids programming platform can be used at home, too. Tynker offers a range of coding for kids solutions with icon-coding for pre-readers, block-based coding, and advanced courses in Python, JavaScript, data science, art, and image processing. There are quarterly, yearly and lifetime plans which include access for up to 3 children, and our online classes for all ages are an excellent way for them to gain the supplemental STEM skills needed for their future.

Trusted by Leading Brands

Our methods for learning to code all are provided within a safe, moderated community that is built around encouraging students to gain confidence in their abilities and do so without fear of failure.

Frequently asked questions

Is coding good for kids?

We're living during a high-tech revolution, witnessing life-changing advancements in medicine, environmental conservation, and much more. At the core of all these amazing projects and discoveries is CODE. Code can be the thing that differentiates your child from peers and allows them to stand out as an asset for companies when they are looking for employment. The children who learn to code today will become the creators of the technology tomorrow. Learning how to code can help children make a major contribution to the world that they live in and make a lasting impact.

As kids and teens learn to code, they also build essential skills like critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving. They learn to logically sequence events, create playable games, tell good stories, and model real situations. They also learn computational thinking by developing algorithmic and design thinking abilities. Coding for kids has become an essential element of a child's education and an excellent way to express their creativity and imagination.

How do I start my child coding?

Coding, otherwise known as programming, is a creative activity for all children. Your child might not care about writing data processing algorithms, but they might enjoy creating games, programming music, designing websites, or just playing with code. Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults.

When your kids are starting, pick a program like MIT's Scratch or Tynker Junior app. The visual style of these programs makes it easy for young children to learn to code. Scratch and Tynker have a graphical interface that works. Drag-and-drop code blocks snap together. Pieces of code that don\'t make computational sense won't fit together, making syntax errors impossible.

Older children can learn to code with Python by building games, art, music, and more. Some programs like Tynker offer a placement test to set your child on the right track for their age and experience level.

What age is best to introduce coding to kids?

Every child learns at their own pace. They can learn different subjects at varying rates and ways. Experts believe that children should learn coding at an early age. According to MIT, the best age for kids to start learning coding languages such as Scratch Jr or Tynker Jr is from 5 to 7. Many programs allow your children to progress at their own pace or hire an instructor to help them move along.

With Tynker, a placement test will place your child on the correct path based on age and skill level, and Tynker supports children up to age 18 with real-world text languages like Python and JavaScript. Children progress to more difficult coding courses with the support of interactive tutorials and video instructions at their own pace.

Which is the best coding for kids program?

With so many great services available, learning to code has never been easier! For example, Scratch and Tynker provide innovative visual coding languages that make coding fun. Coding is a great way to broaden your child's worldview and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Here are a few coding for kids options to review:

Game-based learning -Game-based platforms such as Tynker and the challenges on Code.org motivate kids to use code to complete game levels.

Independent learning with Scratch -Scratch from MIT is a great way of getting started with code. Although they don't have courses, there's a vibrant community to learn from.

Online courses-Enroll in a Python or JavaScript course on Codecademy or Tynker or learn to code with Processing on Khan Academy. Tynker offers advanced courses like Processing 1, using p5.js to introduce the foundational concepts of art and computer science.

Build an app-Learn to build your own iOS app using Swift. Install the Swift Playgrounds app by Apple.

Use a book-Learn by following along with books like Mission Python, Super Scratch Programming Adventure, or Coding with Minecraft. Tynker has a series of super-informative coding activity books, including Code These Games, Code These Minecraft Mods, and Code This Art.

Why is coding needed?

Coding is the method of giving a computer instructions to perform a specific task. You may also hear coding referred to as software programming or computer programming. These instructions are communicated using a language that computers can understand, like visual blocks, JavaScript and Python.

Coding for kids lays the groundwork for our world's technology, from microprocessors in everyday items like refrigerators and water heaters to sophisticated programs that run our cars and buildings. Learning to code is a great opportunity for children of all ages to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while building the necessary focus and organization to see projects through to completion.

Coding usually begins with drag-and-drop visual programming in which children connect blocks together to make programs. Visual programming teaches the fundamental concepts without typing or syntax by placing the focus on the logic behind the code. Once they've learned the basics, children can transition to real-world programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C.

From online coding courses and games to offline learning, from in-person coding instruction to live online tutoring, there are endless coding resources available. The best coding platforms and programs like Scratch, Code.org and Tynker give children of all ages and experience levels the ability to code while making the process fun and engaging.

Why should we use Tynker coding for kids?

Tynker is the world's number one coding platform for children ages 5 to 18 for a reason-it works! Tynker powers the creativity of over 100 million students and serves thousands of schools and educators worldwide.

Tynker's award-winning, gamified courses and coding for kids activities encourage kids to complete projects as they have fun, allowing them to progress from novices to experts using languages like Python. Tynker's interactive lessons have built-in tutorials for all ages and skill levels. Our highly-rated mobile app (4.7 stars) lets students take Tynker on the go. Learning how to code with Tynker unlocks and empowers children's creativity, teaching them life-long skills they can use today and into the future.

How do I teach my 7 year old code?

Learning to code is for everyone; you don't have to be good at math or a "techie" to learn how to code. Kids as young as five can learn to code and pick it up faster than most adults. Tynker Junior is a fun, interactive way to spark your kid's interest in coding. Kids (ages 5-7) learn coding basics by connecting picture blocks to move their characters. Tynker's immersive game-like coding courses and interactive lessons with built-in tutorials are perfect for beginners 5+ through experts 18+.

What options are there for coding for teens?

Code.org has a year-long course in Computer Science Principles that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world.

Tynker has coding for kids courses that align with subject standards like CCSS-ELA, CCSS-Math, NGSS and CS standards such as CSTA, ISTE, CA CS, UK National Curriculum, and several state-level standards like TEKS.

Tynker is recognized by College Board as an endorsed curriculum provider for AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.

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Coding For Kids, Kids Online Coding Classes & Games | Tynker

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Tynker makes it fun and easy to learn computer programming. Get started today with Tynker's easy-to-learn, visual programming course designed for young learners in 4th through 8th grades.

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GoNoodle® engages 14 million kids every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home, and everywhere kids are!

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Check out the Fluency & Fitness+ plans for your K-2 classrooms. We even accept purchase orders and give discounts for schools.

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Math Fact Practice - Many students already have a login.

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XtraMath - 10 minutes a day for math fact fluency

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XtraMath is a free program that helps students master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

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With a library card, patrons can download and access eBooks and audiobooks using a computer, eBook reader, or compatible mobile device.

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An OverDrive account syncs your progress through titles, your saved libraries, and your bookmarks across multiple devices.

Use your OverDrive account to sign into the OverDrive app and overdrive.com. Make sure you always sign in using the same method, especially if you plan to download eBooks to the OverDrive app ( learn more here).

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An OverDrive account syncs your progress through titles, your saved libraries, and your bookmarks across multiple devices. Use your OverDrive account to sign into the OverDrive app and overdrive.com. Make sure you always sign in using the same method, especially if you plan to download eBooks to the OverDrive app ( learn more here).

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Free Open eBook access for Clarenceville students.

Email Mrs. Piontek at lisa.piontek@clarencevilleschools.org with your child's name, school and grade level collection preference (early grades, middle grades and high school). She will send you a barcode number and pin to access the collection of thousands of free ebooks to download and read immediately.

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Each day, they pose an intriguing question—the Wonder of the Day®—and explore it in a variety of ways.

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Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease | Wonderopolis

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Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease

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Scroll down a bit to find links to Tumblebooks (free access) and Bookflix (for Farmington library cardholders).

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Free for Michigan residents: eBooks K-8, Learning Express Library, World Book Kids, NoveList Plus and so many more useful databases and learning links. Check out the Kids section too.

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Instantly access 35,000 of the best books, learning video, quizzes and more.

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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ST Math is a web-based visual instructional program that leads to deep conceptual understanding of math. Clarenceville Students in Grades 2-5 have an existing account.

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There is a science to learning. Just as learning to read has shifted to a phonics-first approach and learning science has shifted to hands-on experiments, there is opportunity to drive learning mathematics with science. Applying neuroscience research about how our brains learn, combined with innovations in technology and pedagogy, is highly effective.

Our PreK-8 program, ST Math, can make a positive impact for students as we work to accelerate learning.

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Accelerate learning using ST Math, a neuroscience-driven approach to learning math, and explore resources available to keep your students on track!

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Google Hangouts Meet Guide for Teachers, Students and Parents

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School & District -Subscriptions | Seesaw

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FAMILIES

The only tool you need to engage with, support, and communicate about your child's learning

Explore

Your child uses exciting and intriguing activities to dive into learning

Share

Students explain their thinking with video and audio recording, drawing, and more

Celebrate

Family and peers can see and comment on student work posted to the journal

On Seesaw, you can support your child's learning at home in powerful ways.

Comment on your child's Seesaw posts
(Note: Family can only see their child's work.)

Stop asking "What did you learn today?" and start asking about learning posted in Seesaw.

Keep your child's learning year-over-year.

Participate in family learning activities, as assigned to your child.

Click the Messages icon on the top left to get started. Here you'll see:

Schoolwide and class announcements

1:1 conversations with your child's teachers

Group chats started by your child's teacher

Automatic translations in 100+ language (determined by your device's settings)

Note: Your child's school determines what communication tools are available per their policy.

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Stay connected with your child's learning through Seesaw. Get real-time look into your child's progress and communicate with the teacher. Available on iOS, Android, and all computers.

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Example of daily schedule while at school is closed

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Example of daily schedule while at school is closed

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DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

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Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

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No account needed

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A fun activities and games site covering subjects such as sports, animals, history, science, geography, jokes, math, and biographies. Pages are written to be easy to read and understand.

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No account needed

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Need to create a personal account

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Freckle by Renaissance - Differentiation Platform for K-12

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Accelerate literacy equitably with differentiated resources.

K-12 coverage of standards and skills

Over 1,000 nonfiction and fiction passages that adapt to each student's level

Teachers can assign a specific standard for some or all students to practice

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Freckle by Renaissance | Reach Every Student at Their Level

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Freckle helps K-12 teachers differentiate instruction and reach every student at their own level across Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science.

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Login: Cville
Password: Trojans2020

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Learn more and understand better with BrainPOP's animated movies, games, playful assessments, and activities covering Science, Math, History, English, and more!

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Click on links within the document.

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No account needed

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Hi there! 👋🏽

This page has moved. You can find all six of our printable non-screen activity sheets here.

Pobble provides award-winning digital tools for teaching writing. Teachers, sign up now to receive exciting lessons full of writing activities to engage your children each day!

Sign up for Pobble here!

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Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home

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What can teachers and parents do when there's no school? Online learning from home is great and offers children opportunities to develop...

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No account needed

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Raise a reader by getting the best book recommendations, reading tips, and discounts delivered straight to your inbox.

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Need to create a personal account

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Why Khan Academy works

Personalized learning

Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.

Trusted content

Created by experts, Khan Academy's library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It's all free for learners and teachers.

Tools to empower teachers

With Khan Academy, teachers can identify gaps in their students' understanding, tailor instruction, and meet the needs of every student.

DISTRICTS

Khan Academy boosts
student learning

In a recent study, students were over twice as likely to meet grade-level standards with Khan Academy. Districts across the country are partnering with us to ensure all their students succeed.

TEACHERS

"I'm finally able to truly differentiate my classroom. This has been priceless for my students' engagement."

DUSTIN FAUTH / 4th grade teacher / Falmouth, MA

We empower teachers to support their entire classroom. 90% of US teachers who have used Khan Academy have found us effective.

LEARNERS AND STUDENTS

You can learn anything.

Build a deep, rock-solid understanding in math, grammar, science, history, SAT®, AP®, and more.

"I come from a poor family. At home it's one room, just a room we live in. When I was a child, I used to fear mathematics. But now, I am in love with mathematics because of Khan Academy."

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Every child deserves the chance to learn.

Across the globe, 617 million children are missing basic math and reading skills. We're a nonprofit delivering the education they need, and we need your help. You can change the course of a child's life.

Key supporters

Supporters of our COVID-19 response

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Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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Need to use Chrome web-browser

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No account needed

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1001 Actvities for Elementary School Age Kids

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Elementary school kids are creative, capable, and so much fun! Sometimes they just need a good idea for how to spend their time...we have tons of fun ideas!

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No account needed

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ABCya! • ABCya! • Learning Games and Apps for Kids

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Educational games for grades PreK through 6 that will keep kids engaged and having fun. Topics include math, reading, typing, just-for-fun logic games… and more!

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Students have login info

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New to
Xello

Introducing Xello for Higher Education:

Enabling colleges to create authentic connections with prospective students.

14x

more engaging than the average education software program

20%

of student logins happen outside of school hours

1M +

hours spent using Xello each academic year

Engage Your Students, Empower Your Educators

Accessible, Secure, and Trustworthy

Built to meet the needs of today's schools and students, Xello is FERPA compliant, EdFi-certified, meets WCAG 2.0 (Level AA) standards, and is part of the Student Privacy Pledge.

Trusted by Districts and State Departments From Coast to Coast

Book a Demo with Our Experts

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College & Career Readiness Software that Inspires Students | Xello

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Xello is engaging college and career readiness software that unlocks every student's potential by opening their eyes to future possibilities and equipping them with the self-knowledge, skills and confidence to build actionable plans for future success.

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Need to create a personal account

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Free, fun educational app for young kids | Khan Academy Kids

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Inspire a lifetime of learning with our educational app for kids ages 2-8. Kids can learn reading, writing, math, counting, ABCs, addition, subtraction, social-emotional skills, & more. 100% free on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Amazon

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No account needed

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No account needed

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Science Friday offers free STEM activities, lessons, and resources for parents and educators.

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Need to create a personal account

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Stress-free science lessons for K-5 distance learning

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Smithsonian Science Education Center - Grades K-6

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Smithsonian Science Education Center - Grades K-6

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No account needed

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We offer free Smithsonian STEM games and simulations online or for download! Our games are designed with clear learning objectives, vetted by our team of curriculum experts, and are used by students around the world!

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We offer free Smithsonian STEM games and simulations online or for download! Our games are designed with clear learning objectives, vetted by our team of curriculum experts, and are used by students around the world!

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No account needed

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Enjoy fun science games for kids while learning more about science and technology. There's a range of free online activities to try with something for everyone whether you're interested in animals, plants, chemistry, biology, physics, space, magnets, electricity, forces, light, sounds, gases or other science related topics. Put yourself to the test by trying to complete as many of the interactive challenges as you can, the games start off easy but will be fully testing your technology skills and understanding of the science behind the game in no time.

Have fun learning online with these cool science games. It's free and easy to use so just scroll down the page, find a game you like the look of and give it a go!

Learning about living things is a very important part of science. Humans like yourself are part of this group and the more you can learn about how your body works the better. There are also lots of games & activities to do with other living things such as animals & plants.

This selection of games & activities include some of the physical processes that control our everyday lives. Find out how electricity works, how our eyes use light to see, how forces such as friction work and the physics behind how the earth sun & moon behave.

The matter that makes up our earth can do weird and wonderful things, find out more with these fun games & activities. Experiment with solids, liquids and gases as you learn more about material properties, melting points, rocks, soils, ice, water & steam.

Solids, Liquids & Gases

Have fun learning about solids, liquids and gases by experimenting with different forms, using different conditions to change them from one form to another.

Detective Science Games for Kids

Use your science skills while playing the role of a detective in a range of fun games and activities that will challenge your knowledge of electricity, friction, magnets, microorganisms, life cycles and other interesting science topics.

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Fun Science Games for Kids - Free Interactive Activities Online

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Enjoy fun science games for kids while learning more about science and technology. There's a range of free online activities to try with something for everyone whether you're interested in animals, plants, chemistry, biology, physics, space, magnets, electricity, forces, light, sounds, gases or other science related topics.

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No account needed

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April 2024 Editor's Pick

Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals (adenine, thiamine, guanine, and cytosine) that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making ...

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Ignite STEM learning in K-12 - TeachEngineering

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Free, K-12, NGSS standards-aligned STEM lessons and hands-on activities for teaching elementary, middle and high school science, engineering design and math. Search by concepts or specific Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to Ignite STEM learning in K-12.

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California Academy of Sciences - Grades K-12

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California Academy of Sciences - Grades K-12

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Supports life and environmental sciences - no account needed

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It seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. To view this site, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options and try again.

Jump to main content

Ever wonder what nearly 40,000 animals are up to at night?

See what's revealed-every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

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Learn science delightfully with our suite of smartphone apps, immersive interactives, and engaging videos.

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Grades 3-4 Students have login. All others can create a free account.

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No account needed

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World Geography Games Online - Let's play and learn Geography!

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Brain-engaging geography map games: learn countries of the world, capitals, flags, US States, continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, islands and much more.

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No account needed

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Register as a student
Enter Classcode: Waite49958
No assignments will be entered just explore the website.

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Mission US: For Crown or Colony - Grade 5

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Mission US: For Crown or Colony - Grade 5

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Supports Social Studies

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Mission US: For Crown or Colony? | PBS LearningMedia

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Mission US is a multimedia project featuring free interactive adventure games set in different eras of U.S. history. The first game, "For Crown or Colony?," puts the player in the shoes of Nat Wheeler, a 14-year-old printer's apprentice in 1770 Boston.

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Supports social studies

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HISTORY | Watch Full Episodes of Your Favorite Shows

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Watch full episodes of your favorite HISTORY series, and dive into thousands of historical articles and videos. To know History is to know life.

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Practice addition, multiplication, fractions and algebraic reasoning with our popular math games. Discover fun learning games kids love to play.

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Here's how nearly one million teachers use Prodigy in the classroom at no cost!

Help students master math standards with a fun and engaging gameplay experience

Adjust and align Prodigy's in-game math content with your lesson plans

Track student development to decide where to best spend your time

No trial period, no hidden costs for educators. Our optional parent memberships ensure Prodigy stays free for all teachers.

Prodigy for Teachers

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Here's how nearly one million teachers use Prodigy in the classroom at no cost! Help students master math standards with a fun and engaging gameplay experience Adjust and align Prodigy's in-game math content with your lesson plans Track student development to decide where to best spend your time No trial period, no hidden costs for educators.

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Cignition’s FogStone Isle lets kids explore, create and engage with math through real-world scenarios. Unlike most game-based learning programs, FogStone […]

Polyup is a free and open computational thinking playground where students can experiment with numbers and functions. Students will “mod”, […]

Refraction focuses on teaching fractions and discovering optimal learning pathways for math education. Refraction lets you bend, split, and redirect […]

This lets you play with math while exploring a 3-D virtual world, filled with number creatures and mathematical machines. It […]

Dragon Box teaches you algebra through visuals. You solve for x and have fun doing it. It really encourages algebraic […]

SET is a board game where any table becomes the board. It is a highly addictive, original game of visual […]

In this app you have to release the creature from jail by turning the gears. It helps you develop number […]

Mancala is a family of board games played around the world, sometimes called “sowing” games, or “count-and-capture” games, which describes […]

Muggins math board games and manipulatives are not only educational but make learning FUN! Built the old fashioned way with […]

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Mancala is a family of board games played around the world, sometimes called "sowing" games, or "count-and-capture" games, which describes [...]

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BookBuilder Online :: Build a customized children's book :: Brought to you by Pioneer Valley Books

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Free Children's Books - Stories, ebooks, textbooks, and much more

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Children books for free download or read online, stories and textbooks and more, for entertainment, education, ESL, literacy, and author promotion.

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Teach your Monster to Read - Grades JK-K

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Teach your Monster to Read - Grades JK-K

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Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games

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ABCmouse.com's reading curriculum spans the entire range of early reading, from learning the names of each letter and the sounds they represent to being able to read books, starting with a few words on a page and gradually advancing to paragraphs. The curriculum for first grade also includes writing and language skills, such as sentence structure and punctuation, parts of speech, and practice with writing genres.

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ABCmouse.com's reading curriculum spans the entire range of early reading, from learning the names of each letter and the sounds they represent to being able to read books, starting with a few words on a page and gradually advancing to paragraphs.

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Unite for Literacy provides free digital access to picture books, narrated in many languages. Literacy is at the core of a healthy community, so we unite with partners to enable all families to read with their young children.

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The activities below are available for free download, and are to be used in educational and/or private settings. They may not be used elsewhere or for other purposes (such as for profit) unless explicit permission is granted.
Below will find: Blank Comic Book Pages, Special Activities, "Finish This Story!" Story Starters, "How to Draw..." Instructions, "Finish This Comic!" Comics, and Drawing/Writing Prompts.
More activities are being added to this page regularly, so make sure to check back for more. And if you like the activities below, don't miss my activity books, GIVE THIS BOOK A TITLE and GIVE THIS BOOK A COVER, available wherever books are sold!
Click on the numbers below to find a variety of different blank comic book pages. Each number corresponds to a different arrangement of panels on the page. Print out a few of each, or a bunch of one kind, and make your own comic!

Special Activities

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the Introduction to Hand-Lettering sheets!

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Haiku Diary activity!

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

"Finish This Story!" Story Starters

Click HERE to download the above "Finish This Story!" activities!

Click HERE to download the above "Finish This Story!" activities!

"How to Draw..." Instructions

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

Click HERE to download the above "How to Draw..." activities!

"Finish This Comic!" Comics

Below you will find a collection of comics that are incomplete. Look closely at the pictures, then figure out what you need to add to complete the comic!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Drawing/Writing Prompts

Below you will find some drawing prompt activity sheets. Completed drawings can also be used as creative writing prompts.

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above Spanish version activity sheets!

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The activities below are available for free download, and are to be used in educational and/or private settings. They may not be used elsewhere or for other purposes (such as for profit) unless explicit permission is granted. Below will find: Blank Comic Book Pages, Special Activities, "Finish This Story!"

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Are you looking to enhance your classroom curriculum this year with innovative journal writing topics? It is easier than you think. Simply take some time to explore the exciting things to write about in a journal ideas outlined below. You'll be glad you did! 🙂

For many students in the classroom, journaling is their favorite time of the day. While students across all grade levels enjoy having a few moments of peace and quiet to collect their thoughts and express their creativity, they often do not know where or how to get started.

This is why it is important for teachers to have plenty of journal ideas available to help get those creative juices flowing. All too easily, a student is going to claim that they have "nothing" to write about and there is "nothing" new to say. However, teachers know that there are endless things to write about in a journal.

Teachers in every subject area will find that writing in a journal is an effective complement to their current curriculum. Daily writing is a practice that benefits students both personally and academically, and it gives students an outlet before they begin the lesson of the day. Sometimes, all it takes is just a gentle nudge and an excellent journal topic idea to get them to love the art of journaling.

51 Things to Write About in a Journal

The following writing ideas range from creative story starters to responses to current events and news articles. Through journaling, students can explore different styles of writing while also developing their own arguments and ideas.

I am the one who...

My first memory is...

My wildest dream vacation is...

If I were in the circus I would be...

I believe...

Describe a person you admire.

I can...

Sunshine makes me feel...

The most amazing thing I've ever seen is...

I'm thankful for...

What do you want the most out of life?

What are the characteristics of a hero?

What do you think of people who use profanity in public?

If I were famous, I would...

I wish I were there when...

If I were a fish in the ocean...

My favorite places.

My least favorite places.

How a puppy feels.

My ideal day is...

Is it better to give or to receive?

If I had three wishes I would...

My most embarrassing moment is (or would be)...

Where would I go in a time machine?

Describe a rainstorm from above the storm clouds.

Write from the perspective of a mouse going down a hole.

Describe a rainbow to a blind person and do it so that the blind person can say without a doubt that they have SEEN a rainbow!!!

What was your favorite meal?

What does snow feel like?

What does squishing sand through your toes feel like?

Write a letter to yourself 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 years from now.

Write a letter to yourself as a child of ___ years old.

Write a thank you letter to your favorite teacher.

If I could be anything in this world, I'd be...

If I could be anywhere in the entire UNIVERSE, I'd be...

Write about the taste of peanut butter, how it smells, and how it looks.

How would you feel as a passenger in a spaceship on the way to the Moon?

How can you make friends?

How do you keep your teachers happy?

Describe Sundays at your house.

Observe at least 5 things you see happen on your way home from school/work and write about them.

Describe a place from your past.

Describe your concept of luxury.

Describe a family member.

Describe sloppy.

Describe your ride home.

Nothing can be worse than...

Write about your strengths and weaknesses.

Describe the most comfortable spot you can find.

The problem is___. And this is what I plan to do about it...

The joy of today is...

More Writing Topics for Kids

Writers of all ages often need some help in the form of journaling prompts and ideas to help get them started. Young journal writers in particular often enjoy writing about fun, exciting, new prompts.

If you were in need of some fresh topics and ideas for your young writers, we hope you found some good ideas in this prompt list!

Whether your kids have written one journal entry or 100 journal entries, a journal practice can have a positive impact on their lives. Moreover, journaling has many positive benefits and is an excellent means of self-expression and self-discovery. So, get and keep your kids journaling on a regular basis this school year.

Until next time, may your students journal on...
If you enjoyed these 51 Exciting Things to Write About in a Journal,
please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.
I appreciate it!

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Exciting Things to Write About in a Journal

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Are you looking to enhance your classroom curriculum this year with innovative journal writing topics? It is easier than you think. Simply take some time to explore the exciting things to write about in a journal ideas outlined below. You'll be glad you did!

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A curriculum-connected, supplemental learning tool for elementary school educators

How PebbleGo Works

With just one simple username and password for your entire school, signing in for even your youngest students is a snap.

Your students are all set for simple, safe, and fun research that will develop a lifelong thirst for knowledge.

What Five Years of PebbleGo can mean for your students.

Georgia Brown Dual Immersion School's five-year journey with PebbleGodemonstrates that when a school is empowered with resources that support and share its beliefs, students are successful.

Get PebbleGo updates in your inbox!

We'll send you one email every month full of helpful articles, free lessons, and updates.

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Discover the go-to curriculum-connected research tool specifically for elementary school educators and students

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Daytime Emmy-nominated, Storyline Online, features celebrated actors reading children's books to inspire a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

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Teachers can use Mindful Powers as a supplemental activity in their classroom. You can also use it in a small-group station and set the Focus Timer to give students a visual aid while they work. The overall feeling of having a creature to care for may draw in your more nurturing students, so consider having it be part of a rotating daily classroom "job" to care for the Flibbertigibbet. Meet with students one-on-one to build a relationship as they talk to you about their experiences. Teach a lesson on mindfulness and then use the Mindful Play section as an extension of whole-group learning. Use it as an incentive tool as all your students listen to the stories together, or as a transition activity after students return from recess. Finally, consider suggesting this as an app for parents to use at home.

Teachers can purchase the full version of Mindful Powers to listen to more stories, change settings, read articles on how to start mindfulness, and access the privacy policy and a FAQ. While the developers note that $4.99 is reflective of the content past the free trial, it appears that only about an hour of stories is included in the paid version.

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Mindful Powers Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education

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Teachers can use Mindful Powers as a supplemental activity in their classroom. You can also use it in a small-group station and set the Focus Timer to give students a visual aid while they work.

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Communication Skills
Includes strategies, social articles, and graphic organizers to improve conversational skills, language strategies in the classroom, games, and teacher resources.

Social Behavior
Includes explicit break-downs of the hidden rules that underlie social interactions, strategies and social articles to address social behavior, visual tools to identify feelings and emotions in self and others, songs and games, teacher resources, and more.

Social Skills Toolbox
Includes specific lessons, graphic organizers, and workbooks to address the communication and behavioral skills that impact socialization.

Emotions Color Wheel
Offers a powerful visual tool to help one group feelings, and accurately label and define emotions.

Social Emotional Skills
Provides classroom activities, card sets, and worksheets to enhance perspective-taking skills and expand emotional vocabulary.

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picture exchange communication system cards

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Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs

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Communication Skills Includes strategies, social articles, and graphic organizers to improve conversational skills, language strategies in the classroom, games, and teacher resources. Social Behavior Includes explicit break-downs of the hidden rules that underlie social interactions, strategies and social articles to address social behavior, visual tools to identify feelings and emotions in self and others, songs and games, teacher resources, and more.

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Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skills for Early Learning is an app for preschool and kindergarten that focuses on improving kids' cognitive ability. Kids journey through four games that tap into such executive function tasks as working memory, logical reasoning, flexible thinking, attention, and inhibitory control. Games ask kids to repeat sequences, continue patterns, and sort by changing rules as tasks get more challenging. For example, kids begin with sorting by either color or shape, and then sorting rules change mid-game; kids must inhibit their initial impulse to sort according to the old rules. When kids successfully complete all four tasks, they earn a fish to add to their aquarium. The parents' section includes a progress tracker that scores overall performance, gives sub scores in the four skills (memory, reasoning, inhibition, flexibility), compares performance to that of other kids of the same age, and details progress of the preceding four weeks.

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Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skill Training Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education

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Thinking Time Pro - Cognitive Skills for Early Learning is an app for preschool and kindergarten that focuses on improving kids' cognitive ability. Kids journey through four games that tap into such executive function tasks as working memory, logical reasoning, flexible thinking, attention, and inhibitory control.

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Looking for free social skills activities and social skills worksheets? Well, then you'll love this collection of social skills resources for teachers and parents. You'll also find lots of tips for how to teach social skills!

There are lots of different social skills to work on with our children that it can really be overwhelming at times. However, there are lots of ways to reinforce social skills concepts through play and/or with printable resources, as you'll see below.

The resources below go beyond just using a social story though.

Yep, you'll find activities that let your child practice what they're learning and help them discover the hidden rules that make certain social situations tricky to navigate.

You'll also help them learn about their emotions, how to handle them, and how to self-regulate their bodies.

This post contains affiliate links. Basically, I make a small commission when you use these links, at no additional cost to you.

Tips & Resources for How to Teach Social Skills

Wondering how to teach your child social skills? You'll find these resources helpful!

Using Social Stories & Scripts for Teaching Social Skills

Wondering how to use social stories to teach social skills? Or where to even find some good quality social stories? These resources will help you. I highly recommend checking out the social stories library first as it's got tons of beautiful social stories that are ready to go!

Social Skills Activities

Emotions, friendships, listening skills, sharing...there's a lot of social skills to teach! So whether you are looking for social skills activities to do at home with your child or you are looking for activities for social skills groups, you'll find lots of fun ideas to try below.

Social Skills Worksheets & Printables

Social scenarios are full of hidden rules. These social skills worksheets and printables will help your kids determine what to expect during social situations, practice certain skills, and so much more!

Books for Teaching Social Skills

Some helpful books for teaching social skills to autistic kids.

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Social Skills Activities, Worksheets, & Resources

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Looking for free social skills activities and social skills worksheets? Well, then you'll love this collection of social skills resources for teachers and parents. You'll also find lots of tips for how to teach social skills! There are lots of different social skills to work on with our children that it can really be overwhelming at times.

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100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources

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Social and emotional learning, often known as SEL, is the process that helps kids learn critical skills, attitudes, and mindsets for social and emotional success. These skills cover five major areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making. I

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Learning good social skills is a vital part of your child's education. Help your children grow into confident young adults with our fun social skills activities for kids.

Why Social Skills Activities?

What does your child need to develop positive social skills? You might think that playing with their friends would be enough to learn all the social skills they need to. But, in fact, they also need guidance about appropriate behavior and good communication. Social skills activities provide parents and teachers with opportunities to observe the social skills of students and guide them to improved social behavior.

Social Skills Activities from JumpStart

Our free social skills activities will help your kids learn good etiquette because:

These are activities that help your child master important social skills such as making conversation, negotiating with peers and handling conflict.

Inspired by top-notch research, they use fun methods to teach your child to listen, communicate and cooperate.

Social skills activities come in a variety of forms but all of them have the same goal - to help your child become a better communicator and learn to work with others.

Check out these free printable activity sheets today! And when he's done with them, don't forget to check out our other free educational worksheets for kids, only on !

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Learning good social skills is a vital part of your child's education. Help your children grow into confident young adults with our fun social skills activities for kids. What does your child need to develop positive social skills? You might think that playing with their friends would be enough to learn all the social skills they need to.

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We love cat videos and carpool karaoke just as much as the next guy. But these YouTube videos can help kids with ADHD learn to decode non-verbal information and grasp the feelings underlying social relationships.

Four kids with ADHD lay on the grass with their heads in a circle looking up at YouTube videos on an overhead screen

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Two parents look at YouTube videos for kids with their child on a tablet.

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A girl with ADHD sits apart from a group of children playing a game. She could use YouTube videos for kids to help her learn social skills.

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A boy with ADHD browses YouTube videos for kids on a tablet.

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A warning road sign - a reminder to be careful about the YouTube videos you show children.

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An illustration of different feelings. YouTube videos for kids can help with social learning.

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A boy with ADHD with a thought bubble next to his head. He is thinking about YouTube videos for kids.

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A board game piece - YouTube videos for kids teach social skills, and so does playing board games.

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A group of students with ADHD work together on a classroom project about social learning.

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Two boys argue in front of a drawing pad. They could use YouTube videos for kids to improve their social skills.

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Two girls sit on a bench outdoors talking. They learned social skills through YouTube videos for kids.

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YouTube Videos for Kids: Tech That Teach Social Skills

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We love cat videos and carpool karaoke just as much as the next guy. But these YouTube videos can help kids with ADHD learn to decode non-verbal information and grasp the feelings underlying social relationships.

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Be Active Kids is an award winning, signature program of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. This innovative, interactive health program for children ages birth to five is available to adults working in child care centers, child care homes, and schools across North Carolina.

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If there's one thing that is for certain, it's that occupational therapists love to see carryover. We love to encourage functioning and independence with personal goals across environments. It's through occupational therapy home programs that we encourage families, parents, and teachers to get involved with a child's goals so they can accomplish skills at home, in the classroom, and community.

I wanted to put together some activities that OTs can add to home programs that build skills. Use these as part of OT recommendations in occupational therapy teletherapy sessions, or in home programming as a result of changes in our current public health situations. Whatever your situation is, here are some activity recommendations that promote movement, learning through play, and help to keep the kids off screens.

Occupational therapy home programs for movement

So...many of us are dealing with the uncertainties of coronavirus and the possibility to be sent home from wor. School based OTs who are contracted into a school district may even be out of work if and when school students are sent home to learn from home. They may see the need to send home activity plans with children who will be stuck indoors. Other therapists are working within the available technology systems that are in place and can work with children remotely or via teletherapy. In each of these cases, there is a need for therapist-recommended activities that require items that are probably in the homes of most parents.

Use these activities to encourage play and movement. Encourage playing together as families. These activities have therapeutic benefits, but they are also great for family time, too.

Home Occupational therapy suggestions

These monthly movement activities use a lot of items found around the home.

Here are fine motor and coordination activities using a simple deck of playing cards.

Here are movement, dexterity, and strengthening activities using craft pom poms (or cotton balls work really well, too.)

Here are activities with paper clips to encourage coordination, visual motor skills, perception, and dexterity.

Here are sensory diet activities for the backyard.

Here are 31 ways to learn through movement and play. These strategies are perfect for learning at home or homeschooling.

Playdough is a powerful tool that can be added to home therapy programs! Here is a giant list of activities using play dough.

To encourage gross motor movement, core strengthening, and heavy work for sensory needs, try these indoor recess activities. They work at home, too!

Looking for home programming and OT home activities? These resources are full of ideas:
Visual Motor Activities Executive Functioning Activities Handwriting Activities Calming Heavy Work Activities
"Push In" Therapy at Home- Combine OT interventions with learning at home using these movement-based, goal oriented activities that can be incorporated into learning, math, reading, etc.

OT at Home...Play Games!

A lot of times, families have board games in the home that they haven't played with in a while. Family time games like the ones in the posts below can build essential skills that might be addressed in therapy, too. Use time spent at home to play games and work on therapy goals at the same time. Here are some game suggestions:

These Games to Improve strategy and planning are fun to play and better for the brain!

Here are more games to improve executive functioning skills.

Games that improve pencil grasp build fine motor skills, but don't seem like "work". Do you have any of these fine motor games in your game closet?

Visual Tracking Games are fun ways to work on an essential visual processing skill...visual tracking! This skill is needed for visual attention, reading, writing, and so much more.

Raid the game closet and use some items you have around the house to Build Math Skills with Games.

In fact, there is a lot of learning that happens with board games. Here is how you can learn with games you already own.

These are games and toys that build skills in reluctant writers.

Build wrist stability for improved precision and strength in the hands with these games and toys to improve wrist stability.

Looking for more ways to keep the kids busy at home while working on developing skills? Run a search through the search bar above!

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Occupational Therapy Home Programs - The OT Toolbox

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If there's one thing that is for certain, it's that occupational therapists love to see carryover. We love to encourage functioning and independence with personal goals across environments. It's through occupational therapy home programs that we encourage families, parents, and teachers to get involved with a child's goals so they can accomplish skills at home, in the classroom, and community.

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Tips for Parents of Young Children who Communicate Without Words

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There's a strong link between understanding words and understanding what you read. Children with learning and thinking differences do better when they spend more time learning words. Here are some teaching methods to improve your child's vocabulary.

Provide a description of the new word. For example, maybe you're teaching your child the new word merchant, which is common in upper elementary social studies textbooks. You can talk with your child about the local merchants in your town. What kinds of stores are in your town? What do they sell?

Once you've described a new word, ask him to come up with his own way to describe it. For example, after explaining how fortunate you are to have such a nice family, your son might explain how fortunate he is to have the latest video game.

By acting out a word, your child better understands it. This may be particularly helpful if your child has lots of energy and loves to run around. The new word frolic can come alive through jumping around like a puppy, a goat or a lamb. Why not bring it outdoors as well?

Get some pencils and paper. Without using words, draw a quick sketch of the new word. You might decide to represent the new word reluctant by drawing a person standing at the edge of swimming pool with only one toe in the water. Your child, who is reluctant to eat vegetables, might draw of a big bowl of broccoli.

Teach him the meanings of common prefixes, suffixes and root words . For example, the prefix multi- means many and the suffix - less means not or without. Geo is a root word that means earth, as in geo logy. Recognizing these patterns helps with meaning.

Using a list of new words, ask your child to write a story. In order to do this well, your child will need to use all of the words correctly. Bringing words together from a list will take imagination. Encourage your child to be creative.

7. Tell me once, tell me twice...

Use the new word often. For the new word essential, you might talk about what is essential to pack for a camping trip or discuss what is essential for happiness. A checklist of essential chores might help remind your child to walk the dog, do his homework and clean his room before dinner.

About the Author

About the Author

Ginny Osewalt&nbsp

is a dually certified elementary and special education teacher with more than 15 years of experience in general education, inclusion, resource room, and self-contained settings.

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There's a strong link between understanding words and understanding what you read. Children with learning and thinking differences do better when they spend more time learning words. Here are some teaching methods to improve your child's vocabulary. Provide a description of the new word.

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This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are your learners having trouble with CVCE words? Try these free clip cards for extra reading practice!

If you have learners that have trouble distinguishing between CVC and CVCe words, this printable is for you.

What are CVC and CVCE words?

CVC words are consonant-short vowel-consonant.

Examples: cat, box, rod, wig

CVCe words are consonant-vowel-consonant-silent e.

Examples: rake, tube, like, poke

How to use the printable

Print and laminate the pages.

Cut apart the cards.

On the back of each card, draw a small dot on the back of the correct answer using permanent marker.

Give your learners clipping clothespins.

Have your learners read each word and clip the corresponding picture. They can turn the card over to check their answer.

( Tip: If you don't have clipping clothespins, use these as "pinch" cards. Learners can simply pinch the correct answer before they flip to check their answer.)

While you could skip it, I definitely recommend using a marker to dot the answer on the back.

That way the cards are self-checking.

In the above example, my preschooler read the word quickly without reading to the end. She read "pop."

She pinched the answer and turned the card over ... only to see that she had pinched the wrong picture.

I asked her to turn the card over and read the word again ... this time, noticing the final letter.

Now she had it!

I made the cards tricky on purpose. In the above example, learners who don't remember to make the vowel long will likely pinch the picture of "cut."

But when they flip the card to check their answer, they'll realize they need to try again.

Learners will also have to remember how to distinguish b/d ... or they'll likely pinch the picture of "rob." ( Check this post for free b/d posters that will help.)

I hope you can use these clip/pinch cards!

More free resources

© 2019, Anna G. All rights reserved.

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Free clip cards for CVC & CVCE words - The Measured Mom

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This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Are your learners having trouble with CVCE words? Try these free clip cards for extra reading practice! If you have learners that have trouble distinguishing between CVC and CVCe words, this printable is for you.

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Welcome to my last "gift guide" for this holiday season! You can check out my 25+ Gift Ideas to Expand Speech Skills post and Stocking Stuffer Ideas to Expand Speech Skills post for more ideas. When I was finished with my 25+ Gift Ideas post, I realized I had not included GAMES! I use a lot of games in my therapy, as do many pediatric speech pathologists. I often adapt traditional board games to fit the needs of my client's/student's needs, however there are some games that are fantastic for speech, language and social skills development just as they are and are great gifts for little ones! This post contains affiliate links to Amazon for your Convenience.

Two companies I love for educational games for 3-6 year olds are Thinkfun and Educational Insights . I also love games by Blue Orange Games , especially for social skills building and story telling (in older children).

I've created two lists here for you. The first list is compromised of simple preschool games that are NOT language heavy. I use these games in therapy for three purposes: 1) To introduce young children to the concepts of simple games, 2) To teach and build social-cognitive skills like turn taking and joint attention (particularly in children with social cognitive delays- autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder, among others) and 3) as a reinforcing activity while I teach other speech/language skills (i.e. working on producing speech sounds). These games do not require a ton of language just on their own, which makes them great for targeting other skills while having fun. My second list is made up of games that are more language-heavy and therefore are great for speech & language development right out of the box. These are all games I have used in the past or currently own myself. Here they are, in no particular order!

These games can be used to teach and reinforce turn taking, joint attention, eye contact and non-verbal communication while introducing young children to the concept of table games. Like I explained, these games require little language but can be used to teach some basic vocabulary as well.

1. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel

2. Don't Break the Ice

3. Lucky Ducks

This is a game I use a lot with little ones to help teach the basic turn taking skills needed to play games as Lucky Ducks is a fairly simple matching game and children are usually motivated by the moving ducks.

4. Honey Bee Tree

5. Hi Ho Cherry-o

Hi Ho Cherry-O is a pretty popular preschool game. The concept is very similar to the Sneaky Squirrel game in that the first to get all your cherries in your basket is the winner. Great for turn taking, counting, color ID, and even early addition and subtraction concepts.

6. Pop Up Pirate

7. Cootie

A classic preschool game, Cootie is great for turn taking, body part vocabulary and fine motor skills. In fact, for children with fine motor delay this game can be a little challenging so you may need to help these kids build their cooties.

8. Uno MOO Preschool Game

9. Zingo by Thinkfun

10. Hello Sunshine Game

Wonderful for teaching locative concepts, Hello Sunshine Game is a FUN active game where you take turns hiding Sunshine (a plush sun) in different places while learning about locative concepts. I LOVE games like these that get kids moving (not just sitting in one place) and help teach skills in a playful and meaningful way. Though targeted for 18 months and up, it can be see for any young child with speech and language delays as well. is a FUN active game where you take turns hiding Sunshine (a plush sun) in different places while learning about locative concepts. I LOVE games like these that get kids moving (not just sitting in one place) and help teach skills in a playful and meaningful way. Though targeted for 18 months and up, it can be see for any young child with speech and language delays as well.

11. Laundry Jumble Game by Educational Insights

12. The Cat in the Hat I can Do That Game

13. Dr. Seuss What's in the Cat's Hat? Game

14. What's In Ned's Head?

15. Where is it? Game

OK, here are two bonus games: I have NOT played these, but have come recommended to me for various reasons so i thought I'd share them with you. They are on my wish list!

Richard Scary's Busy Town

Hullabaloo

Now it's your turn, what are YOUR favorite games for 3-6 year olds?

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15+ Great Games for Speech, Language & Social Skills Development {ages 3-6} - Playing With Words 365

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Welcome to my last "gift guide" for this holiday season! You can check out my 25+ Gift Ideas to Expand Speech Skills post and Stocking Stuffer Ideas to Expand Speech Skills post for more ideas. When I was finished with my 25+ Gift Ideas post, I realized I had not included GAMES!

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