# data[].attributes.body
LLESD has free access through June. Use username llesd02 and password llesd02

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Access Kids Discover’s award-winning library of Science, Social Studies, and High-Interest Nonfiction on any device, for one low price. Perfect for Grades 3-8. Educator, School, and District Options. Single Sign-on with Google and Clever. Interactive Content. Assessments and Lesson-Planing Tools.

# data[].attributes.body
The former First Lady invites kids to read along with her each week.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free E-Book About Coronavirus from Candlewick

# data[].attributes.subject
Free E-Book About Coronavirus from Candlewick

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Candlewick Press, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, publishes outstanding children�s books for readers of all ages. Since we first opened our doors in 1991, we�ve received more than 300 accolades and honors, and have been named the fastest growing children�s publisher in the U.S. by Publishers Weekly.

# data[].attributes.headline
Printable Beginning Reader (Some Phonetically Regular) Books

# data[].attributes.subject
Printable Beginning Reader (Some Phonetically Regular) Books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The BeginningReads program supports teachers, parents, and tutors in bringing children into reading. Before children learn about written language, they have developed a substantial oral language word bank. The goal of BeginningReads is to connect student's oral language knowledge with written language. The texts do this by placing a premium on words that are both highly concrete and phonetically regular-words such dog, cat, pet, and big. Each level has 12 4-page books that share a set of concepts, which allows young readers to see the same words in many different texts. Each book is provided as a double-sided PDF ready for printing.

BeginningReads is also available as iBook on iTunes!

Download BeginningReads free printable texts:

Download BeginningReads texts as free printable pdf files. Toolkit for Tutoring Resources and Teach Your Child lessons are grouped with each Level.

Don't miss out on the additional resources that support BeginningReads:

Toolkit for Tutors, a tutoring guide for BeginningReads texts:

word cards for vocabulary instruction,

text-only texts of BeginningReads to facilitate close reading and further vocabulary instruction,

Reader's Theater to extend the learning by providing another opportunity to utilize skills and vocabulary words learned in the BeginningReads program.

Tutoring guide for BeginningReads, FYI for Kids, SummerReads, and Talking Points for Kids.

Uses resources found in ToolKit for Tutors and Teach Your Child Lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TextProject's BeginningReads program supports teachers, parents, and tutors in bringing children into reading. The goal of BeginningReads is to connect student's oral language knowledge with ...

# data[].attributes.body
She's reading a new book each week. See past reads at the bottom of the page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Goodnight With Dolly" features Dolly Parton reading a series of Imagination Library books all carefully chosen for their appropriate content at this moment in time. Dolly welcomes the viewers and introduces the title, author and illustrator. Snuggled in bed with her Imagination Library book, Dolly shares stories that are just right for this moment in time. The readings are a mixture of Dolly and the interior pages of the books. The books include "There's a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake" by Loren Long, "Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney, "I Am a Rainbow" by Dolly Parton, "Pass It On" by Sophy Henn, "Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon" by Patty Lovell, "Violet the Pilot" by Steve Breen, "Max & The Tag-Along Moon" by Floyd Cooper, "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña, "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton, and of course, "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper.

The series is a personal gift from Dolly to all families. Free of charge but not free from obligation as the message will be to pass on the love and keep hope alive because we are all Together, You and I.

"This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right. I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love. It is an honor for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators. They make us smile, they make us laugh and they make us think." - Dolly Parton

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Goodnight With Dolly" features Dolly Parton reading a series of Imagination Library books all carefully chosen for their appropriate content at this moment in time. Dolly welcomes the viewers and introduces the title, author and illustrator. Snuggled in bed with her Imagination Library book, Dolly shares stories that are just right for this moment in time.

# data[].attributes.body
This links to the folder with the lessons Jill has recorded. You're welcome to use them.

# data[].attributes.headline
Links to Book Collections in Epic -- To Help Get Students the Right Books

# data[].attributes.subject
Links to Book Collections in Epic -- To Help Get Students the Right Books

# data[].attributes.body
Please let Jill know if there is a collection, topic, or level you want added.

# data[].attributes.body
Overview of and links to online books for students in LLESD

# data[].attributes.headline
TCRWP Virtual Learning Institute March-April 2020 Notes and Packets

# data[].attributes.subject
TCRWP Virtual Learning Institute March-April 2020 Notes and Packets

# data[].attributes.body
You are shared on this folder of notes and handouts from the institute Jill attended over spring break.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to Take Screenshots and Include Them in Lessons

# data[].attributes.subject
How to Take Screenshots and Include Them in Lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
Series of Videos about Journaling with Superhero Theme - Graphic Novelist Host

# data[].attributes.subject
Series of Videos about Journaling with Superhero Theme - Graphic Novelist Host

# data[].attributes.body
These are for kids keeping journals during the pandemic. The host is a graphic novelist.

# data[].attributes.headline
Incorporating SEL into Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Incorporating SEL into Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.body
See 3 lessons with a CA teacher!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Teachers College Reading And Writing Project

# data[].attributes.headline
WideOpen School Resources for Teachers Using Tech

# data[].attributes.subject
WideOpen School Resources for Teachers Using Tech

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Wide Open School's mission lives on at Common Sense

With schools back in person, we have closed this dedicated distance-learning site designed to guide families and educators through the sudden shift to remote learning.
Discover More Great Resources for Families & Educators
Common Sense is dedicated to providing teachers and families with free resources to help kids learn, grow, and thrive with media and technology. Join our community for more tips and resources to support kids' learning and healthy development.

More Resources You'll Love

Get more free content like what you found on Wide Open School.
For Families For Educators
Thank You to Our Supporters & Partners

We are grateful to our supporters and partners for helping to bring these resources to kids, families, and educators everywhere during a global crisis. It is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to education and digital access for all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wide Open School's mission lives on at Common Sense With schools back in person, we have closed this dedicated distance-learning site designed to guide families and educators through the sudden shift to remote learning. Discover More Great Resources for Families & Educators

# data[].attributes.headline
WideOpen School Resources for Keeping Kids Active

# data[].attributes.subject
WideOpen School Resources for Keeping Kids Active

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Schools are closed. Minds are wide open.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Episode 01

# data[].attributes.headline
Daniel Tiger Stories (Mr. Rogers Neighborhood)

# data[].attributes.subject
Daniel Tiger Stories (Mr. Rogers Neighborhood)

# data[].attributes.headline
WideOpen School Resources for Emotional Well-Being

# data[].attributes.subject
WideOpen School Resources for Emotional Well-Being

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find resources for balance and well-being. Build inner strength, navigate difficult feelings, and get support with this collection of videos, games, books, and more.

Breathing Break

Without trying to change it, pay attention to your breathing as you sit still. Do it for 10 breaths the first time, and then try 15!

Load more

Breathing Break

Without trying to change it, pay attention to your breathing as you sit still. Do it for 10 breaths the first time, and then try 15!

Rose, Bud, Thorn

Describe your day to a family member with one thing that fits each category: Include something positive (rose), something hopeful (bud), and something challenging (thorn). Take turns sharing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find resources for balance and well-being. Build inner strength, navigate difficult feelings, and get support with this collection of videos, games, books, and more. Breathing Break Without trying to change it, pay attention to your breathing as you sit still. Do it for 10 breaths the first time, and then try 15!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Schools are closed. Minds are wide open.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TIME for Kids nurtures today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders with authentic news and the critical-thinking skills that shape active global citizens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Bathroom

Frog stood outside the bathroom door. He could hear Toad splashing inside.

"Toad! Toad!" shouted Frog, "Open up!"

"Blah," said a voice from the tub.

"Toad," shouted Frog. "You've been in there for an HOUR!"

"Go away. I feel anxious," said Toad, hiding under the bubbles.

"But Toad," said Frog, "we only have one bathroom!"

Toad did not answer.

"Toad!" yelled Frog as he banged on the bathroom door. "You must get out of the bathtub! I need to use the toilet!"

Toad ignored Frog's knocking.

He hugged his rubber duck tight.

"No virus in the bathtub," whispered Toad to his duck. "We're safe in here."

Netflix

Toad and Frog sat on the couch.

"Hmmm," said Frog. "What do you want to watch tonight?"

"Nothing looks good," said Toad.

Frog and Toad scrolled through Netflix for 20 minutes.

"Frog, I cannot pick," said Toad, "Let's watch Love is Blind again."

"There must be something else," said Frog.

They scrolled through Netflix for another 20 minutes.

" Love is Blind it is," said Frog.

"I like the part where the lady gives her dog wine," said Toad.

"Me too," said Frog.

Personal Space

Frog bounced into Toad's room.

"Hello Toad," said Frog. "What are you doing?"

"Frog," said Toad. "I need some alone time."

"You've been alone all day," said Frog. "It is time to socialize."

Frog lay down on Toad's bed.

Toad looked unhappy.

"Frog," said Toad. "Please get off of my bed."

"I feel fine," said Frog, as he climbed under Toad's blankets.

Toad looked even more unhappy.

"Frog, boundaries are important in a relationship," Toad gulped. " Especially now."

Frog snuggled into Toad's pillows.

"I'm so bored," said Frog. "Tell me a story."

Toad began to bang his head against the wall.

"Why are you banging your head against the wall?" asked Frog.

"Because," said Toad, "you do not listen to me. And you are very needy."

"Well," said Frog, "I NEED you to stop!"

Frog laughed very hard at his little joke.

Toad stared at Frog. The silence was uncomfortable.

"Frog," said Toad. "Get out of my room."

Grocery Shopping

Toad and Frog went down to the grocery store.

"Toad," said Frog, "there is no more toilet paper."

Toad lowered his head in frustration.

"I told you to get extra two weeks ago," said Toad.

"I know," said Frog, "I am sorry."

"What are we going to do!" exclaimed Toad.

Frog held up a package of coffee filters.

Toad stared at Frog in disgust.

"They are soft," said Frog, "and biodegradable!"

Toad thought about his options.

"Put them in the cart," said Toad.

News

Toad was sitting on the front porch.

Frog came outside and sighed, "What is wrong, Toad?"

"This is my sad time of day," said Toad. "It is the time I read the news."

"Oh," said Frog.

"Yes," said Toad, "it always makes me very unhappy."

"Why is that?" asked Frog.

"Because the news is very bad," said Toad.

"It is," agreed Frog. "That is why I do not read the news."

"What!" cried Toad, incensed. "You must read the news! It is very irresponsible not to!"

"The news makes me scared," said Frog.

"The world is in trouble!" yelled Toad.

"I am practicing self-care!" yelled Frog.

Frog and Toad stood on the porch, feeling angry together.

"I'm going to self-quarantine alone," said Frog.

"Good," said Toad.

Frog and Toad stood on the porch, feeling sorry for themselves.

"I'm going," said Frog.

"Well, go," said Toad.

Frog and Toad stood in silence.

"I am sorry we fought," said Frog.

"Me too," said Toad, "I don't want to be alone."

"Me neither," said Frog.

They smiled at each other.

"Toad," said Frog, "if I make mac 'n cheese with extra cheddar and cut-up hotdogs, can we be friends again?"

"Yes," said Toad.

They went inside to wash their hands together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Frog and Toad Are Self-Quarantined Friends

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Bathroom Frog stood outside the bathroom door. He could hear Toad splashing inside. "Toad! Toad!" shouted Frog, "Open up!" "Blah," said a voice from the tub. "Toad," shouted Frog. "You've been in there for an HOUR!" "Go away. I feel anxious," said Toad, hiding under the bubbles.

# data[].attributes.body
You can make personalized versions of leveled books on this site. Free through May 31. You could share them virtually or have families print them out.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BookBuilder Online :: Build a customized children's book :: Brought to you by Pioneer Valley Books

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of different Historical Fiction periods included!

# data[].attributes.body
Use code 5RVLD4 for full access to all books. Each book includes suggestions for discussion about the story.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
READ, READ AGAIN

Because reading is the most important learning activity parents can do with their children.

Because listening and responding to children develops intellectual confidence and family bonding.

Because sharing ideas is how people learn.

ReadAskChat is a natural way for young children to build vocabulary and creative thinking that pave the way for lifelong learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Because reading is the most important learning activity parents can do with their children. Because listening and responding to children develops intellectual confidence and family bonding. Because sharing ideas is how people learn. ReadAskChat is a natural way for young children to build vocabulary and creative thinking that pave the way for lifelong learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Translated Anonymous Texting (or Browser) Communication

# data[].attributes.subject
Translated Anonymous Texting (or Browser) Communication

# data[].attributes.body
Leah found the TalkingPoints app.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
TalkingPoints - Improving student outcomes through meaningful school-family partnerships.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
TalkingPoints - Improving student outcomes through meaningful school-family partnerships.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Britannica's new platform provides content designed and written specifically for early learners.
Creating a more engaging and fun learning experience for students, the activities in Britannica Fundamentals align with the content areas children learn in the classroom. From language and literacy to geography and mathematics, Britannica Fundamentals supports classroom curriculum while also building digital literacy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From Britannica, an online encyclopedia resource for kids in grades K-12 with safe, fact-checked, age-appropriate content for homework help and learning...

# data[].attributes.body
Designing inspiring dynamic presentations collaboratively or solo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are some fantastic online presentation tools for students that allow users to mix media and create engaging, fun and interactive slideshows.

No one wants to sit through a boring PowerPoint presentation, let alone a class full of students with a low attention span.

Using website presentation tools, students can collaborate in group projects or work solo, designing inspiring dynamic presentations that tell a story about their chosen topic. These tools are easy to use, and most have special education sections, so teachers can set up their class as quickly as possible.

Here is a list of 20 online presentation tools for students including tools for creating slideshows, digital storytelling and poster type mixed media presentations.

1. Glogster

Glogster is an online multimedia poster maker and collage tool that lets students be creative while compiling their presentations with images, video and audio. With a multitude of fantastic colorful, inspiring templates, students around the globe find Glogster a fun tool for learning and expressing their ideas.

2. Prezi

Prezi is one of the most popular online presentation tools for students that makes slideshows more exciting and engaging. Instead of the standard boxed in slides, Prezi uses one giant canvas, that holds multiple slides, allowing users to zoom in and out to progress through their presentation. There is huge scope for creativity and mixing media to design interesting visuals and Prezi can also be accessed on mobile devices.

3. Powtoon

Powtoon is an online presentation tool where students can create cool animated comic style presentations. Powtoon comes with a library of graphic templates, that are easily dragged and dropped to the slide, along with text to make your visual story come to life. For voiceovers users can access the Powtoon marketplace or create their own presentations that can be exported to YouTube, Vimeo and even PowerPoint.

4. Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is a slideshow presentation tool that uses beautiful layouts and fonts to make sure every slide is of a professional standard. Some of the features include integration with Google Classroom, access to over 40 million Creative Commons licensed images and access to presentation templates. Haiku Deck is cross platform, so it will work on your Laptop, Desktop, iPad, iPhone and Android devices.

5. Emaze

Emaze is a website presentation tool for creating visually engaging rich media presentations. Students can use their 'Automaze' and 'Smart' templates to create amazing looking slides and embed video, audio and text. The presentations zoom in and out the screen and can have a 3d depth to the imagery depending on the template used.

6. Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark is an amazing presentation tool, that captures visuals and turns them into social graphics, web stories and animated videos. Used by students and teachers, Adobe Spark is an effective well designed application that can be used through a desktop or IOS device.

7. Kizoa

Kizoa is collage and movie maker slideshow tool. User can edit their videos and images to create visually appealing slides using templates, filters and animated effects.

8. Thinglink

Thinglink is a tool that creates presentations based on interactive images that are embedded with rich media links. Users can embed audio and video links that pop out from pictures to visually tell a story. One great feature is the ability to create interactive 360° image tours that can be viewed on mobile virtual reality headsets.

9. Nawmal

Formerly known as Xtranormal, Nawmal Edu is a simple to use animated movie maker. Students simply choose a set, characters and type the dialogue they want their characters to say. It's great for role-playing exercises, presentations on topics and group collaboration projects.

10. VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a tool for creating student presentations and engaging in discussions about projects. Users upload their media to slides and can use the tools to leave audio comments or drawings, to collaborate or discuss topics.

11. Creaza

Creaza is a suite of digital tools that enables students to create mindmaps, comic strips and movies that are dynamic presentations. The digital learning platform is used by students and teachers around the world and is available in nine languages.

12. Tiki-Toki

Tiki-Toki is an easy to use timeline tool for creating interactive timelines embedded with images, text, videos, rss feeds and hyperlinks. Displaying history in a graphical timeline, encourages users to learn, engage and collaborate on projects.

13. Visme

Visme is a presentation and infographic tool that allows users to create dynamic engaging content. There are numerous templates to suit any style and a wide range of graphics to add to presentations, including social media.

14. Pixton

Pixton is a click and drag comic software tool for communicating graphically through comics. Students write their own scripts and use the tools to create a comic strip. This encourage development of reading and writing skills, and is a fun way to present a topic.

15. Photo Peach

Photo Peach is an online presentation tool for students for creating slideshows using photos. Students can add background music and text to enrich their slides and easily drag and drop their images in place.

16. Voki

Voki is a presentation tool for students for classwork, projects or homework. Fun and engaging presentations are created by adding the premade Voki characters, audio and images. Voki Classroom has a range of additional features, letting teachers manage their students.

17. Canva

Canva's Presentation Maker is a tool for creating presentations or editing photos online. There is a useful design school section with tutorials, teaching materials and design courses to help users learn more about graphic design.

Vectr is a free graphics editor that students can use to make imagery for presentations, websites and other projects. The desktop and web app has a low learning curve, so students can jump right in and get help from tutorials if needed.

19. Vecteezy Editor

The Vecteezy Editor is a handy too that lets users edit vector images directly in their web browser. You can find free and paid images from the Vecteezy library and upload them to the editor, and then edit the vectors before you download. This means you don't have to load up Illustrator or start messing around with other prorgrams, if you just need something quick and simple.

20. Raw Shorts

Raw Shorts is an animated video maker that makes it easy and fun to create 1-2 minute explainer videos on just about any topic. A few things that make them noteworthy: Clean and intuitive user interface, a wide variety of templates, cool text-to-speech functionality, and they just launched their HTML5 beta for all those mobile users who can't access flash.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20 Best Online Presentation Tools for Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are some fantastic online presentation tools for students that allow users to mix media and create engaging, fun and interactive slideshows. No one wants to sit through a boring PowerPoint presentation, let alone a class full of students with a low attention span.

# data[].attributes.body
This is specifically about distance learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Heinemann. A division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

# data[].attributes.body
What can you control? What can't you control?https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1v4v1O1Ss1hqVSFljDokItoVkFRY_FdiNltOhKB7uWOg/mobilepresent?fbclid=IwAR0ywzr_Xx5mE2LG3-mpUAuIfFdEk6ITIoodImpeTXAoEK0CzIB-eiAoRF4&slide=id.p

# data[].attributes.body
Creativity Corner is full of imaginative play ideas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At the start of the New Year, we were poised to finish up our 2019-2020 season with the shows and classes your family love and enjoy. Almost overnight, everything changed and all of our plans came to a screeching halt.

Our response to this crisis is the Creativity Corner, an online playborhood, connecting kids with their imaginations. Because now, more than ever before, we must look to the arts to create community, to dispel fear, build confidence, stimulate imagination and inspire joy and optimism.

We all are facing extraordinary challenges as we fight COVID-19. We urgently need your help to continue serving the community right now and to rebound as a source of delight for your children once it's safe again.

Bay Area Children's Theatre is committed to staying in your corner. We hope you'll stay in ours.

Please donate today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At the start of the New Year, we were poised to finish up our 2019-2020 season with the shows and classes your family love and enjoy. Almost overnight, everything changed and all of our plans came to a screeching halt. Our response to this crisis is the Creativity Corner , an online playborhood, connecting kids with their imaginations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tier 2 & 3 Reading Grade 1 at FECC - March 23-March 27 by Halley Manyin | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, nonprofits, businesses and more

# data[].attributes.body
From TCRWP

# data[].attributes.headline
Reading strategy screen casts (Jennifer Serrravalo’s lessons, Stacy’s screencasts)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reading strategy screen casts (Jennifer Serrravalo’s lessons, Stacy’s screencasts)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Introduction to Live Online Teaching. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're providing free training to teachers on how to get started teaching online to K-12 students. In this live webinar, you'll hear from experienced K-12 teachers who have transitioned from in-person to online teaching. We'll go over how to set up your home classroom, get started on Zoom and share tips & tricks for classroom management, lesson planning and more.

# data[].attributes.body
This post suggests and links to many more apps...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Site:We just launched Buncee's new remote learning site on www.remotelearning.buncee.com! Whether you are a teacher, administrator or parent, you can use this site as a centralized hub for helpful resources for getting started with distance learning, and view lessons and activity ideas to help you make the transition with your students.

COVID-19 impacts each and every one of us. To support our community of educators whose schools are experiencing closures due to the outbreak, we're providing Learn more here. free access to Buncee for the duration of their school's closure.

Whether due to illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances, students and teachers are sometimes unable to attend class for an extended period of time. In these cases, remote/online learning is a great option to keep learning engaging and to make communication between students, teachers, and parents seamless. Buncee makes remote student learning and communication easy. We spoke with educator and author Rachelle Dene Poth, and here's what she had to say regarding Buncee and remote learning:

Using a platform like Buncee enables students to work from wherever they are and whenever it is convenient to them, where they are most comfortable, plus they have access to connecting with learners from around the world.

At Buncee, we know that when we work together, we can create an interactive environment where student success can flourish no matter a student's age, abilities, or location. Our friends in Education Technology, such as Microsoft Teams, , and are just as passionate about supporting remote learning. Here're some of the ways you can use Buncee together with these other educational tools to support your students, wherever they may be.

Create virtual lessons and assignments

Have students virtually respond and reflect on course activities

Easily share class lessons and learning resources

Keep the discussion going in a safe environment

Share updates, agendas, and check-in with your families

For more detailed information on how you can achieve your learning goals in a remote learning environment, we've created these resource kits, so you can explore:

Together, we're working to make learning accessible, easy, and fun for students everywhere. As Rachelle said,

...we are no longer confined to learning that only happens in the classroom. Creating a digital space where students can learn from one another, building many skills in the process, is what we need to do today to best prepare students for the future.

We're here to help you support your students in whatever way we can, so feel free to get in touch with us via our live support chat, or email us at info@buncee.com. You can also sign up for a free, live webinar here. Of course, you can also reach out to us on , and join our Facebook Educators group.

EVERYONE! @Buncee is incredible. In less than 10 minutes they have set me up to get Buncee to my students while we embark on this distance learning adventure tomorrow! WOW. Thank you. @CitiCoach you already know how AMAZING these peeps are!

Be first to comment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting Remote Student Learning - Buncee Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Buncee makes remote learning easy, keeps learning fun and supports seamless online communication between students, teachers and parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Will Survive, Coronavirus version for teachers going online

# data[].attributes.headline
Tips for What NOT to Do When Filming Lessons

# data[].attributes.subject
Tips for What NOT to Do When Filming Lessons

# data[].attributes.headline
TCRWP Videos - Some for Parents and Some for Teachers 

# data[].attributes.subject
TCRWP Videos - Some for Parents and Some for Teachers 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
tcrwp "lucy calkins" calkins "reading and writing" "reading and writing project" ccss uos "reading workshop" "writing workshop" "units of study" minilesson "...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project is a research think tank and staff development organization housed at Teachers College, Columbia University. Led by Lucy Calkins, the Robinson Professor in Children's Literature at Teachers College, the TCRWP has been a leading force in literacy for over 30 years.

# data[].attributes.headline
Teagan's Kindness Padlet for LE Leadership

# data[].attributes.subject
Teagan's Kindness Padlet for LE Leadership

# data[].attributes.body
She's enabled the comment feature so kids can share their acts of kindness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
In a world where you can be anything, be KIND.  I dare you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your daily kindness challenge.  Choose one dare per day and post to let me know what you did.  
With all the negativity and loneliness in the world right now, we could all use a little more kindness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We all know that reading is one of the top ways to improve your language skills.

Readers have better reading ability, know more vocabulary, write better, spell better, and have better control of complex grammatical constructions.
- Stephen D. Krashen
Related: The Ultimate Collection of Spanish Children's Books.
And there's good news for Spanish learners: more and more books in Spanish are available these days!

Though I've already got lots of physical book lists for you, this post will concentrate on online books to read and enjoy for free.

ONLINE SPANISH BOOKS

For parents of bilingual kids, or homeschool families, online books can be a great way to supplement your Spanish collection.

For teachers, you can print some of these books as you set up a classroom library, or project them onto the board and use them in a whole-class setting.

And now, let's get started! If you have more suggestions, please let me know in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Related: Spanish Audio Books
ONLINE SPANISH BOOKS with no log-in required

Let's start with simple sites that have open access and do not ask for any log-in information or subscription. You can just click and go directly to the books!

1. MAGUARÉ
Recommended for intermediate Spanish learners and up.

Sponsored by the Colombian Ministerio de Cultura, Maguaré is a one-in-a-million find for Spanish materials. You can access over 100 picture books, poems, and tongue twisters online, and even print them.
See the Maguaré page here.

A few books on the Marguaré site even have the option to print in black and white for kids to color. (A few are set to music or include audio as well).
Definitely bookmark this site if you are looking for high-quality printable Spanish books.
2. UNITE FOR LITERACY
Recommended for novice Spanish speakers.

Unite for Literacy is an amazing asset for beginners. All the books are written in very basic Spanish, with non-fiction themes like colors, toys, art, animals, and more. The site includes many other languages, in addition to Spanish!

See the Unite for Literacy site here.

3. Book Box
Recommended for novice Spanish learners and up.
4. CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOREVER
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers.

Children's Books Forever has a small collection of online books, in a variety of languages.

They are available for free and are printable.

See the Childrens Books site here.

5. Storybooks Canada

Storybooks Canada is an amazing project that highlights stories created from different regions of Africa, and provides books with audio in dozens of languages- one of which is Spanish!

See the Storybook channel here.

6. The Fable Cottage
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers.

These are not technically online books, but rather story scripts of classic fairy tales and fables in Spanish, from the parent site The Spanish Experiment.

Some of these include audio and some do not, but the writing is well-done and kids will enjoy the fresh takes on these stories.

See the Fable Cottage here.

7. INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DIGITAL LIBRARY
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers.

The International Children's Library currently has 100+ books in Spanish for kids. They have lots of search options, for looking by age and topic, once you get the hang of it.

See the BookBox Spanish Channel here.

8. FABLES IN SIMPLE SPANISH
Recommended for novice Spanish learners.

If you are looking for online Spanish stories in told on a novice level, I have a few options on my site as well. You can check out my Fables in Spanish page, where I've retold famous fables in beginner language.

9. Story Weaver
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers and up.
10. Scholastic Español channel
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers and up.

Scholastic has made 30 children's books in Spanish available on their YouTube channel. Though these are more movie-style than straight online books, this is where you can find some more famous titles.

See the Scholastic Spanish YouTube channel.

11. Libros de lectura para niños
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers and up.

This site includes 50 PDFs of famous stories, mostly translated to Spanish. You can view or download the PDFs for free, which include mainly fairy tales or abridged versions from authors like Charles Dickens.

See the Libros de Lectura site.

12. GRIMM STORIES
Recommended for intermediate Spanish speakers and up.

Technically, this site is full of online stories, not books. Grimm Stories offers dozens of fairy tales in Spanish, from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson. All are available as a PDF for easy printing!

See the Grimm Stories site.

13. La Comisión Nacional de Libros de Texto Gratuitos
Recommended for intermediate-advanced Spanish speakers.

The Mexican government provides dozens of free textbooks online in PDF format, including books and workbooks.

See the CONALITEG channel.

Related: Free Spanish Curriculum.

ONLINE SPANISH BOOKS That require a Log-In

These sites do require signing up or creating a log-in, but have some very high-quality content. If you are looking for an easy format to always have online Spanish books available, definitely look into these.

1. READ CONMIGO
Recommended for novice Spanish speakers and up.

Although you have to sign up with an email, Read Conmigo offers free online books in Spanish, targeted for ages PreK - 5th grade, with over 45 bilingual titles so far.

You can download onto your phone, a computer, or a Kindle. There App available, if you'd like a kid-friendly version on-the-go!

See the Read Conmigo site.

2. Reading A-Z
Recommended for novice Spanish speakers and up.

Reading A-Z is a huge resource of leveled readers, with an extensive collection in Spanish as well. (And when I say huge- we're talking hundreds of books!)

See the Reading A-Z page here.

Their site is extremely user-friendly and the books are organized by level, skill, topic, and type.
If you are looking for books to print, Reading A-Z does require a subscription. However, if you are just looking for online Spanish books, this may be the perfect fit for you.

Spanish Audiobooks for Kids

Spanish Chapter Audiobooks

Like it? Pin it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online Spanish Books: Where To Find Free Collections

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Inside: How to find online Spanish books for free. We all know that reading is one of the top ways to improve your language skills. Readers have better reading ability, know more vocabulary, write better, spell better, and have better control of complex grammatical constructions. - Stephen D.

# data[].attributes.body
Kate Messner is keeping us up-to-date on publisher statements here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many teachers & librarians are reaching out to authors and illustrators to ask about permissions for sharing online read-alouds, either live or recorded, for students who are currently learning at home. While we may be able to say "Sure, that's fine with me," we actually can't give you legal permission. That has to come from publishers, and many have begun to issue statements and guidelines to help out. Please note that some are sharing policies publicly, while others are asking teachers & librarians to request those guidelines via email. You can either email the publisher or the author of the book you'd like to read, as many of us have those guidelines and have been told it's fine to share them with you via email. Here's what I have so far. Publishers, authors, & illustrators - please email me if you have more official updates, and I'll add as soon as I can.

From Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House has extended its open license for online story time and classroom read alouds and live events, through December 31, 2020. Details are here. This covers my History Smashers series.

From Chronicle Books:

Chronicle Books will be updating their guidelines soon to extend story time permissions through March 31, 2021. I'll post specific guidelines soon, but you can plan on being able to use these books through early Spring.

Chronicle's policy covers nearly all of my picture books, so read away!

From Scholastic:

Scholastic has also extended its guidelines for online read-alouds through December 31, 2020. Details are here.

This policy covers my Marty McGuire series, my Ranger in Time historical adventure chapter book series, and my Silver Jaguar Society mysteries.

From Bloomsbury Kids:

Bloomsbury Kids has extended permissions through December 31, 2020, allowing both live-streaming (not recorded) and password-protected, private read-alouds of entire works, as well as publicly shared read-alouds of excerpts (no more than 20%), all through the end of the school year. Bloomsbury is asking that you contact the publisher or the author of the work for more information on those guidelines. Note: Bloomsbury is working on an updated policy to allow read-alouds through the fall - stay tuned!

This policy applies to most of my stand-alone novels, including these frequent classroom read-alouds!

There's a wonderful and extensive teaching & discussion guide for CHIRP that you can download here. Thanks to educator/writer Melissa Guerrette for creating it!

From Candlewick:

The Candlewick guidelines above refer to my Fergus and Zeke easy readers.

From Lerner Books:

Lerner Books has extended online read-aloud permissions through March 31, 2021. Details are here. This covers my book TRACKING PYTHONS: THE QUEST TO CATCH AN INVASIVE PREDATOR AND SAVE AN ECOSYSTEM.

More fair use guidelines from publishers:
Sourcebooks has shared these guidelines. Here are guidelines from Charlesbridge, which is requesting that people email for permissions.
Little Brown Books for Young Readers has published this book sharing permission statement for educators.

Here is the current Penguin Random House Open License for Online Storytime, Classroom Read-Alouds, and Live Events.

Boyds Mills & Kane released this list of guidelines for Online Reading During the Coronavirus.

Lee & Low has shared these temporary guidelines for online read-alouds.

Simon & Schuster has extended its Online Book Reading Guidelines through December 31, 2020.

Here are MacMillan's Content Use Guidelines for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents.

And here is a temporary permissions statement from Abrams Children's Books.

HarperCollins has shared these guidelines for authors, illustrators, and educators regarding online read-alouds.

The Quarto Group's guidelines for online read-alouds are here.

From Barefoot Books: Thank you for your permission request. We are happy to extend gratis permission for the [name of organization] to do virtual story times with any of our books, so long as you credit the author, illustrator and Barefoot Books as the publisher. We also ask that you provide a link to our website, www.barefootbooks.com, in any posts or captions along with the story time. This permission extends through December 31, 2020.

That's the information I have for right now, but I'll keep updating this page as I learn more. If any other publishers or authors have additional permissions statements or updates, please reach out via the contact form on my website to share, and I'll be happy to add.

Teachers & librarians - Thank you so much for all of the work you're doing to make learning and reading accessible for all during this time. You're such heroes for our kids and families right now. We see you. And we appreciate you so much.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Publisher Guidelines on Fair Use for Online Storytimes & Read-Alouds during COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many teachers & librarians are reaching out to authors and illustrators to ask about permissions for sharing online read-alouds, either live or recorded, for students who are currently learning at home. While we may be able to say "Sure, that's fine with me," we actually can't give you legal permission.

# data[].attributes.body
This is always free.

# data[].attributes.body
This is full of examples from teachers doing this now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How would you feel if someone said you need to change your whole approach to teaching immediately? Imagine if, instead of interacting face to face with students in your classroom, you had to create and deliver a virtual program.

Perhaps you'd feel nervous? Overwhelmed? Excited? Unqualified? Inspired? Or perhaps plain lost.

Online learning is fast becoming a reality for hundreds of millions of students worldwide. Teachers, students, families, administrators, departments, and whole communities are being forced to respond and adapt quickly.

Referring to COVID-19 (coronavirus), UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay recently announced,

...the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education.

Perhaps your school is already closed or planning to close. Maybe there are no signs of school closures but no one has a crystal ball to predict the future. It's never too soon to calmly plan and prepare.

Think there's no chance your school will close?

In mid-February, China was the only country mandating school closures.

Two weeks later, 22 countries were closing schools.

By March 18, 119 countries have implemented school closures.

Things are changing rapidly and exponentially.

Want a live update on school closures across the globe? Check out UNESCO's tally.

What's In This Post?

Our guide will give you insights into how educators around the world are approaching school closures.

Thousands of teachers worldwide are currently sharing snippets of their experiences via social media or their blogs. We've compiled, curated, and built on some common themes and ideas to create this extensive guide.
Click on the links in the menu below to help you navigate the post.
This post also includes a range of useful graphics to help you that you're free to use and share. Here's a sneak peek of some:

Let's dive right in to the resources!

Daily Structure Options

The first question educators might be asking themselves is what does a "school day" look like when it's no longer happening in a school?

Let's talk about timetables, hours, and the overall structure you might implement.

In most cases, your school day will have to be based on technology although some departments, such as New York, are open to the option of mailing out work the old fashioned way. This is a good fallback if technology can't be used but you may not want to get into the habit of only handing out packets (worksheets) if you can avoid it.

📌Note: It's important to find out about students' technology/internet access at home and we have a Google Form survey you can adapt to survey your parents towards the end of the post.

The old fashioned approach can also work well to complement online learning and is important for younger students. Check out the fabulous "Learning Boxes" staff in Vietnam put together for their young learners.

We'll discuss many useful technology tools further on.

The issue of daily structure and timetables is a major consideration and some schools are constantly tweaking their approaches.

Do you stick to your regular school timetable? You could, but many schools are finding a modified approach is more realistic.

Lessons can take longer for students to complete at home for many reasons including:

Technology difficulties

No teacher guidance to keep students on track, engaged, and informed

A busy household (multiple family members and responsibilities)

Varying degrees of parent/caregiver involvement (there can be barriers like language, competence with technology and the curriculum, parenting younger children, or trying to keep up with work responsibilities)

Illness (let's not forget the reason for the school closures)

Some teachers are finding what they could get done in one period of class requires two periods when it's online.

Consider a "Percentage" Approach

Most teachers who have some experience with online schooling realize that the pace is slower and expectations need to be reduced.

Some teachers provide and expect a certain percentage of the normal student workload. For example, an elementary student might have a 50% workload, although a senior high school student may be given a 90% workload.

Suggesting a percentage might give teachers and families a ballpark if they're wondering what to expect.

Synchronous or Asynchronous Learning?

A question that may come up a lot as you plan and tweak your approach to online learning is whether your program will be synchronous or asynchronous. That is, whether it will be conducted in real-time or whether students will complete tasks according to their own schedules.

Here's a quick comparison:

You might find a mix of both is a useful strategy. Your own unique situation, including your students' age, might have a big impact on this decision too.

For some families, asynchronous learning can be more convenient: if parents are working, they may have more time to support/supervise student learning outside of business hours.

Other schools are finding synchronous learning is a powerful way to keep the class connected.

If your teaching and learning program involves video then you'll once again face the question of synchronous (e.g. live conferencing) or asynchronous (pre-recorded videos or screencasts).

We'll dive in to the video options further on, however, let's take a quick look at how some teachers are weaving conferences and recorded videos into their weekly schedules:

Examples of how Video Conferences are Being Used:

A 10 minute video conference to begin the day.

A whole class video conference at regular times during the week (e.g. 30 minutes every Monday and Friday afternoon).

A whole class video conference to introduce important lessons or projects.

A video conference to check in with each individual student each week.

On-demand video conferencing - students can sign up during a teacher's "office hours" if they want to book a session.

Small group video conferences for students with similar needs.

Optional "live recess" to allow students to connect and hang out.

Examples of how Screencasts or Recorded Videos are Being Used:

A video introduction or screencast for key lessons (might not be possible for all lessons).

A short welcome video each morning and/or reflection video each afternoon.

A screencast to offer feedback on student work and progress.

Student created screencasts to demonstrate learning.

Let's look at some specific options for daily timetables.

More Flexible Option: Distribute a Daily "To Do List"

When schools decide on expectations, they often need to consider whether they should give lesson guidelines that can be completed at any time, or stick to a traditional structure.

For example, if you were offering a flexible program, you could build on a checklist like this:
Today you need to complete:
It's optional whether you give an actual time requirement (e.g. 30 minutes) or just a task, however, a time suggestion can be helpful so students don't spend either all day working, or not enough time on task.

More Structured Option: Distribute a Timetable

Alternatively, students might be issued with a structured timetable that all students will complete at the same time, e.g.

Factoring in time for catching up seems to be proving extremely useful for many schools. You might schedule learning activities in the morning and leave the afternoons free for catching up and offline pursuits. Alternatively, you could schedule one day a week for completing unfinished work or even have a weekly "screen-free" day.

Rather than a daily approach, some schools are taking the whole week into account and giving projects or assignments that need to be completed or worked on over 5 days. Based on progress, a new plan might then be made for the following week.

Example: Kindergarten

Ashley in the middle east is not doing any live teaching via video conference due to cultural and religious reasons.

Ashley's team sends a weekly plan to the parents of their kindergarten students along with a suggested timetable. There are no expectations that the timetable is followed exactly due to parents working and a variety of family situations.

The planners are given out two weeks in advance to help families plan ahead. The links to learning tasks go to YouTube videos and Ashley's Office 365 cloud account of activities or readings. Ashley's kindergarten class also uses Flipgrid.

Example: 5th Grade

Laura Faulk at ASIJ (American School in Japan) is a 5th grade teacher who has recently started teaching online.

Her team created a daily planner using Google Docs. They share it each morning on a website that was created for their new distance learning program.

They are currently surveying families to find out whether they'd like to have the planner in advance.

The Google Doc planner has links to all the students' classroom and specialist work. The students are given a guide as to how long to spend on each activity.

The ASIJ team adapted their ideas from the work of Hong Kong International School (HKIS have a fantastic home learning website that is worth checking out too!).

You can follow Laura and her team on Twitter (@asij_g5).

Help Students Plan Their Day

Some teachers, especially those who are giving out ongoing assignments or projects, encourage their students to plan out their own days. You could give them ideas or a template.

Here is an example which you're welcome to copy and adapt,

People seemed to like the student planners a non-twitter teacher created for our #continuouslearning students, so here is blank version. Feel free to make a copy and make your own! https://t.co/3ZzKKpUA2F
- Rebekah Madrid (@ndbekah) March 5, 2020
Instructions for use:

1. Click here to open the Google Doc

2. Go to File > Make a copy

3. Type a name and choose where to save it

4. Click Ok

5. You'll then find an editable copy of the Google Doc in your Google Drive

How do you Plan an Online Lesson?

Once you have ideas on how your school day will be structured, you might start zooming in to the planning of actual lessons.

What do lessons look like when they're online rather than face to face?

Despite being physically distant from your students, you still want to be as present as possible virtually. Online teaching and learning isn't a "set and forget" situation.

Like all lessons, you may want to start with learning outcomes, and possibly success criteria (your school might already have a framework for this). The delivery of the lesson will be the part that might just look a bit different.

Remember, there's nothing wrong with keeping your lessons quite simple, and in many cases they'll be similar to what you'd do in the classroom, perhaps with more autonomy and technology.

For example, your normal lesson structure might involve a warm up, revision, an explanation, student activity that aligns to outcomes, then reflection. The same sort of structure is possible with virtual lessons.

5E Model for Creating Online Lessons

Have you heard of the 5Es framework? It's an instructional model that's been around for 20+ years. Using the model, teaching and learning progresses through five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Author and educator, Catlin Tucker has published a post called, Tips for Designing an Online Lesson Using the 5 Es Instructional Model.

In her post, Catlin provides a simple framework that shows how the 5Es can be used to create online lessons. Catlin has also recorded a video for each "E" that explains the model further.

While the 5Es approach is far from the only way you can go about designing online lessons, it may be a useful framework for those who don't know where to start.

💡 Catlin also shares a good tip about using Google Docs to share lessons with students. Google Docs are easy to copy and edit. That means teachers can create different versions of the same lesson with minimal work. Any suggested videos, readings, or activities can be differentiated to meet the individual needs of learners.

Useful Online Tools

For some teachers, the technology part of virtual learning will be the scariest obstacle. Before we dive in to useful options, take a deep breath and remember:

Less can be more: you don't need to be using a huge range of different tools.

Start with tools students and teachers are already familiar with: there are probably some technology tools, apps, or platforms you've used in class that can be useful.

Remember, despite technology being a crucial tool for most closed schools, teaching and learning isn't about the technology. Try to focus on the core business of schools: relationships and learning.

Virtual Home Base or Online Platform: 3 Step Approach

There are some awesome tools out there for learning and creativity but first consider what you'll be using as your home base. When your classroom and school assembly halls aren't in use, your virtual hubs are more important than ever.

What will communication look like and where will learning take place? Here are three common steps you might see:

1. Communication will probably begin with information from the school district or state education department.

2. Then a school website might provide an overview of your plan for the whole community. (Need a better school website? CampusPress can help with that!).

3. From there, you could have individual class blogs or other approaches like a learning management system (e.g. Moodle, Canvas, or Google Classroom), a Facebook group (for older learners), Slack, or Seesaw.

Read on for more information and examples of this three-step approach.

1) District/State Education Department

Let's zoom out for a moment. When a school is to be closed and learning is transitioning to online, the first step is often clear communication from the top level - your district or state education department (if your school falls under one of these authorities).

Here's an example from Northshore District School in Washington state. They published a blog post on their district website to inform everyone in the school community of school closures.

It's an honest and dynamic announcement as they're still figuring out arrangements. The beauty of blog posts is you can keep publishing as more information is made available.

Of course, a blog post or website update may be followed up with a direct notification to families to ensure the news is received (e.g. SMS or email).

2) School Website or School Blog

A school website (or temporary site) can be an important next piece in the puzzle. It can provide an overview of your plan for the whole community to ensure everyone is on the same page, knows what to do, and knows where to seek help.

Website Example: YIS Continuous Learning Plan

Yokohama International School (YIS) in Japan has been closed since early March. They're becoming leaders in the community of global educators scrambling to find out how to approach school closures.

YIS has created a website to communicate a clear approach to their changed schooling format,

Although campus is temporarily closed, "school" continues as we engage students with experiences that continue the planned learning program and help them to stay connected with teachers and classmates. These learning experiences offer authentic opportunities to focus on key concepts, knowledge, and skills. They emphasize interaction and creativity, and involve a balance of on-screen and off-screen tasks that help connect to previous learning and the current curriculum.

Vice principal, Rebekah Madrid, explains the choice of the term "continuous learning",

For the first day, people weren't sure what we meant by "continuous learning". But now it makes sense for us. We didn't want online (because not always online) and we didn't want distant (because that's not the vibe we wanted). So continuous worked for us.
- Rebekah Madrid (@ndbekah) March 3, 2020

3) Classroom Hub: Blog, LMS, or Other Online Community

The third step is an online hub where you can distribute student learning tasks, share resources, gather feedback, and keep everyone in the loop.

While you could just email out assignments to students, there may be better options (emails can be better for one on one communication; they can get lost and can be hard to refer back to.).

You might already be using a learning management system or other platform (e.g. Seesaw, Slack, Google Classroom) at school that you can continue to use after your school closes. If so, there is probably no need to reinvent the wheel! Go with what you and your students know.

But maybe you don't have a place set up already where you can post learning tasks and resources that students can use on a daily basis.

A blog is a free, basic, and flexible tool to choose.

Here are some reasons why you might consider a blog as your online classroom while your school is closed:

A blog is a space you can own (you don't have control over some online spaces like social media).

It's a place where all the bits and pieces you create and explore in the online and offline world can be housed.

Blogs aren't just text and images, you can include videos, slideshows, infographics, podcasts, posters, polls, charts and more. Here are just six tools that allow you to create interactive learning content for your blog (online worksheets, games, and so on).

Blog content can be organized in a systematic way and searched for as needed.

Comments and forums allow two-way interaction.

Blogs can be public or private (learn more about the pros, cons, and options in this article).

💡 We have a post that compiles some examples of class blogs from a range of age groups and locations. You'll notice that there is a lot of flexibility in the way blogs are used.

💡 Google Slides can be an awesome way to send out a daily plan and work (but even better if these Slides presentations are added to a blog, LMS, or site so they don't get lost).

Class Blog And/Or Student Blogs?

You might be only interested in having a class blog to share learning resources and so on. Alternatively, you might want all students to use their own blog to complete learning tasks, publish online, reflect on their experience privately, or even connect with the world.

My Class is a free management tool from Edublogs that brings a class blog and all your student blogs/accounts together. It makes it easier for teachers to set up and monitor their classroom blogging program.

Learn more about My Class in this post.

Example: Art Blog

Here is an example of a fantastic blog with lessons for home art activities by Chris Gadbury.

One of the great things about the blogging community is you cannot only make your own blog but benefit from other educators' blogs as well!

Want To Start Blogging But Not Sure How?

Check out our Blogging 101 page. It includes a 15-minute tutorial video and all the help guides you'll need to get going!

Educators and students can set up as many blogs as they need using Edublogs for free (no ads or time limits). Compare all the features here.

The Student Blogging Challenge Begins March 15

Since 2008, the Student Blogging Challenge has run twice a year. It's a way for students around the world to learn about blogging while connecting with a global audience.

The challenge is like an online course that you can assign to students (minimal work for teachers!). It runs for 9 weeks and is free, flexible, and fun.

If you have students aged between about 8 and 16 and you're interested in finding out more about the challenge, check out this post.

Latecomers welcome! Registrations close April 5.

Videos And Online Learning

You can come up with fantastic tasks for students to work on at home but your program will run so much better if students can still feel your presence as a teacher. Videos are such an important part of online learning and a great way to maintain relationships.

Your familiar face will grab students' attention while building engagement and understanding.

Nervous about being on camera? Don't worry! Just start small. It will be worth it. Many teachers are nervous to start and want to re-do their video over and over (some students are like this too!). It won't take long for you to realize your videos don't have to be perfect and students will appreciate your efforts.

Let's take a look at some options.

Synchronous or Asynchronous Videos

There are two main options for sharing videos with your learners:

Synchronously: That means real-time streaming. It could be a live stream (like on YouTube) or an interactive video conference (like on Zoom).

Some synchronous videos can be recorded so they can be viewed again at a later date. This is useful if students can't attend the live stream, they have technology issues, or need to revise the content.

Asynchronously: That means you record videos that can be viewed (and reviewed) when it suits the student. Your videos could be a simple "piece to camera" or a screencast.

Screencasting is where you narrate a video recording of your computer screen. Sometimes it's just audio and sometimes you can see your face in the video as well.

The benefit of asynchronous videos is there are no time pressures, however, the connections that can be formed in synchronous video conferences can't be underestimated.

Popular Tools for Synchronous (Live) Video Conferences

There are many tools out there that allow you to connect with students via video. This can really help to unite the class.

Three of the most popular video-conferencing options for teachers and schools include:

Zoom - Robust software designed exclusively for video conferencing.

Google Hangouts Meet- The evolved version of classic Hangouts that's part of G Suite.

Microsoft Teams - Communication and collaboration platform that's part of Office 365.

They are all simply ways to have a video conference with screen sharing capabilities.

The teacher can start the conference and share the access link with the students.

Students can access the conference at the specified time using any device (e.g. laptop or tablet).

Some users like to use external microphones, headphones, or webcams, however, the camera and microphone attached to your device are probably fine for getting started.

Here is a quick comparison of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Hangouts Meet:

Notes on Live Video Tools:

Mix it up: Principal at International School of Dongguan, Todd Brink, suggested that, "One-on-one, small group, or whole group sessions are a must. Just like the classroom!" Video conferencing software allows these sorts of options.

One teacher mentioned that they find Google Hangouts Meet offers students too much freedom, for example, students could mute or remove other participants from the room. Apparently, the workaround is to invite your students to join using the invitation link instead of directly adding them to the meeting.

If you're using Zoom, Jenna Reeh from Papillion La Vista Community Schools created these fabulous task cards to help teachers use how to learn Zoom in small self-guided bites.

Some teachers are also experimenting with live streaming on YouTube. For teenagers, it's a platform they're already really familiar with and they can comment in real-time.

Example Video Conferences From Teachers

Teachers at American International School of Guangzhou are doing a fantastic job of setting up engaging video conferences using Zoom.

Here are two examples that were recently shared on Twitter,

Using #zoom_us to create a collaborative story this morning ... once we had our order, can we work together to build a story one word a time? A myth about an earthquake that goes with our #unitofinquiry #howtheworldworks ? Even better! #AISGZ #onlinelearning #virtuallearning pic.twitter.com/W4EvYnGK2B
- Katie Robbins (@krobbins84) March 5, 2020

Another #zoom meeting with second graders. I think they only come to see a mess I make doing my science experiments. Today there were beans spilled all over my coffee table and the smell of vinegar is overpowering. Science #onlinelearning is still fun. #aisgz #pypchat #sciencefun pic.twitter.com/XSjc19ltCQ
- Inga Bela (@inga_bela) March 5, 2020

Jennifer Wathall is a teacher from Hong Kong who began teaching online earlier than most of the world. She shares her tips for teaching online, most of which apply to synchronous video conferences.

Popular Tools for Recording Asynchronous Videos and Screencasts

There are a number of tools available to record screencasts. Like many online tools there are free plans and paid plans.

Let's compare four of the most popular screencasting tools teachers are using for recording lessons.

This chart compares the features of the free plans (paid plans have more features).

Note: As of March 12, Loom Pro is now free for teachers and students forever. The chart below has been updated.

Notes On Screencasting Tools

I've written a blog post specifically about Loom if you want to learn more. There are no age restrictions so students can use Loom if you want them to make screencasts.

You'll remember that Zoom is a popular tool for video conferencing. To record a screencast using Zoom, you start a meeting with yourself as the only participant and record the conference. You can't record if you're using the Zoom iOS app.

Record a Piece to Camera

Your videos don't have to be part of a video conference call or a screencast. You can record a simple piece to camera using your phone or webcam.

That is, a video of your happy self teaching and talking!

In a previous post on The Edublogger, we outlined ten tips for recording a piece to camera. Read the full post (you'll find a PDF copy to download) or check out the summary below.

Video Editing

Made a video and want to edit it? Maybe it needs trimming, captions, or other effects?

For quick video editing on my phone, I love two free apps from GoPro called QuikStories and Splice. QuikStories puts everything together for you with music, transitions, and other cool effects. Splice is handy if you want to make more manual edits and don't necessarily want too many effects.

Try not to get carried away though, it can be a lot of fun creating videos but a raw edit is fine!

Example Videos from Teachers

This year 1 teacher from Tokyo International School demonstrates a wonderful reading lesson,

@Ms_SarahVaughan nurturing 'reading as thinking' remotely. #distancelearning keeping @tcrwp as alive as possible during this #peskycoronavirus @holleytcrwp @clemenkat pic.twitter.com/cWeCWnUBIX
- TokyoIS (@TISlearns) March 5, 2020

For older students, here is an example from two creative art teachers.

E-learning commenced today @TISLearns worried that Middle School Art & Design teachers Sara and @mandurubell Andrew might 'make it' as the next celebrity YouTube stars! If they earn their fortune and leave us what would happen to our Arts department and staff room giggles?! pic.twitter.com/ZQYpvpTLvR
- Christopher Frost (@FrostChrissy) March 4, 2020

For more tips on using live or recorded video in your online teaching program, check out this article from Richard Byrne. He has some great suggestions such as keeping your webcam on, using check-in questions, and using a $20 whiteboard.

Other Online Tools to Consider

So you have your home base set up, you've considered recording some videos to share with students, now what other online tools can you use to engage students and fuel their learning?

Here are some suggestions with a very brief summary of each. This list is far from exhaustive Leave your own ideas in a comment!

Create fun learning games for your students called Kahoots. Classes can play live against each other or students can complete the quiz at their own pace.

*Premium features are currently free for schools facing closures. Learn more.

A free tool that allows students to study information via learning tools and games (flashcards, quizzes etc). There's also a collaborative classroom game called Quizlet Live but it requires participants to physically see each other's screens. The free account has advertising.

*Learn how to use Quizlet for remote learning here.

These short educational videos are fantastic for online learning. There's also BrainPOP Jnr. for K-3 and BrainPOP ELL for English language learners.

*Currently free for educators affected by coronavirus school closures. Learn more.

Online tool that allows you to make all sorts of graphic designs (perfect for communicating with students and families). Learn more about Canva in our guide on The Edublogger.

*Educators can get a premium account for free (not just during school closures).

A popular tool to create interactive YouTube videos to check students' understanding. Basic plans are free for teachers and students.

Design lessons with interactive question s, polls, quizzes, and formative assessments. Works with Google Slides.

*Pear Deck Premium is free for 90 days for schools affected by closures. Learn more.

Anchor.fm is a popular free service for recording, hosting, and distributing podcasts. Check out our guide on The Edublogger to learn more about using podcasting with students.

Create grids to facilitate asynchronous video discussions that are very engaging for students. This tool is totally free.

Padlet is an online bulletin board where you can display text, images, video, and more. Padlets can be embedded in blog posts. It used to be free but now there is a limit of three Padlets before you need to upgrade.

Students at the International School of Buscan recently used Padlet for a virtual art show!

Today's Grade 3 Virtual Art Exhibition on @Padlet is brilliant! #ISBlearning pic.twitter.com/rqJqwiN5Nt
- Simon McCloskey (@SimonJMcCloskey) March 5, 2020

Simple tool for younger students to create books or learning journals that combine text, images, audio and video.

*Schools that are closed for COVID-19 can get 90 days free of the premium plan. Learn more.

Cloud based video editing tool that allows students and teachers to get creative. Students could have fun responding to some of learning tasks as a video and can collaborate with peers on projects.

*WeVideo For Schools free for schools affected by COVID-19. Learn more.

Real world texts at different reading levels with built-in activities.

*Free for schools affected by COVID-19 closures until the end of the 2020 school year. Apply here.

A curation tool that allows you to save, organize, tell stories, and share content from around the web. See the example Wakelet embedded below.

Read all about how to use Wakelet in this post.

More Ideas for Online Tools

To stay up to date with more useful online tools that teachers are using as they switch to online learning, follow this Wakelet by Erin Flanagan (@erintegration).

There's also a Google Sheets spreadsheet that lists the tools that are being offered free due to school closures but be warned, it has been unavailable at times due to heavy traffic!

A Note on Students and Books

What's a classroom without books! If you're going to be teaching virtually you might be wondering where to find reading material for your students. Some students might be lucky enough to have a lot of reading material at home. No doubt, many will not.

Here are a few ideas for sourcing digital reading material:

📚 Modern interfaces

Local libraries often offer free access to eBooks and audiobooks (e.g. OverDrive, Tumblebooks, Libby, BorrowBox etc.). Find out what your local library offers and tell families how to become members if they're not already.

Newsela - Real world texts presented so that children can access the same text at different reading levels (currently free for schools).

Rivet - Free app that families can download with thousands of modern leveled readers.

Epic - Digital library of modern books aimed at children under 12. Always free for teachers and librarians (and students can access it during school hours).

ReadingIQ - Similar to Epic. There are thousands of modern digital books for readers under 12. Access is free for closed schools - learn more here.

📚Less Modern interfaces

Don't be put off by the "old school" designs of these websites. Many allow access to older works with expired copyright that can be ideal for classroom use.

International Children's Digital Library -- A collection of international books for children aged 3-13 presented in 59 languages.

Project Gutenberg - 60,000+ eBooks that can be downloaded for all ages (most are older works with expired copyright).

Faded Page - 5000 plus eBooks that are completely free to download. Not designed for children but there are many classics for older students (like Project Gutenberg they are mostly older works with expired copyright).

Open Library - Catalogue where you can borrow books for free (lots of options for older students).

Lit2Go - A free online collection of stories and poems in MP3 (audiobook) format with accompanying text. Includes many classics with expired copyright.

Can I Read Aloud to my Students?

This question is being asked over and over by the online education community in recent weeks.

Many teachers are keen to read aloud to their students using video, however, remember there may be copyright issues.

10 Tips for Virtual Teaching and Learning

Transitioning to online schooling is a learning journey for everyone. While everyone's circumstances are different, these tips might offer you some food for thought. Chime in with your own tips in a comment!

1) Encourage Fun, Play, and Activity

In the traditional classroom setting, many teachers plan physical activity breaks for good health and productive learning.

Many PE teachers are leading the way, sharing their creative approaches to get students moving. If you follow the hashtag #HPEatHome on Twitter, you'll find a plethora of movement activities. Many are being added to a Google Drive of resources that you're free to access.

These PE teachers in Vietnam are sharing daily "Get Up and Go" videos with students. No doubt students love seeing their teachers on screen.

A PE teacher in China is using Flipgrid to teach dancing. Great to see parents getting involved too!

This made me smile. Mother and daughter working together on @flipgrid to learn the dance. It is great to see her mum supporting her during this unique e-learning time. note: this video has been posted with permission from both dancers #aisgzhpe #physed #elearning #movementmatters pic.twitter.com/KGqjx8Hky3
- Adam Tomassen (@AdamHPE) February 28, 2020

If you haven't yet tried GoNoodle or Cosmic Kids Yoga (free on YouTube) I highly recommend them for elementary-aged students.

The only problem is, they still involve technology so you probably want to consider some options that give students a break from devices.

Minimizing screen time is becoming a big concern for parents and teachers.

Perhaps you could publish a daily challenge to keep students active and off screens? Take it a step further by asking students to send in a photo of their experience.

Here are some ideas. You're welcome to use this resource however you see fit.

📌 Download a PDF copy of the poster

Depending on quarantine situations and family circumstances, some students may be able to go out in the community. In this case, you might suggest trips to the library, museums, play dates, study groups, or exploring nature.

Many teachers are also trying to set learning tasks that are offline (such as "hands-on" math for younger students - baking, measuring objects, shape hunts and so on).

British International School in Hanoi ran a LEGO Challenge and asked students to send in photos of their creations. What fun!

This teacher asked her students for their own ideas of how they like to spend their time offline.

Grade 4 came up with ideas to stay balanced and get offline sometimes during these days of #virtuallearning. They connected their tips to the #pyp #learnerprofile. They were thoughtful, funny, realistic and relevant. Thanks for the idea @ALMcCloskey #isblearning pic.twitter.com/fe2g4K56kE
- Laura-Claire Corson (@LauraClaire_C) March 3, 2020

2) Communicate Clearly and Frequently

When the school community is scattered, clear and ongoing communication is essential!

Ensure everyone knows how messages will be communicated and what channels they should be checking in on (e.g. email, LMS, blog, school website).

Make sure students and parents know how they can contact teachers for learning support and how they can get tech support. Some teachers are holding "office hours" (e.g. I am available for email support from 10am to 2pm daily; or "I am available for Google Hangouts Meet sessions from 12.30-1.30pm each day").

You might err on the side of overcommunicating to ensure everyone feels connected, supported, and confident.

Make instructions as clear and concise as you can. Effective communication will really pay off.

3) Seek Feedback Regularly

On the flipside of communicating, it's important to also seek feedback from students and families.

The team at Google recently made a suggestion that many closed schools are already trying out,

Using Google Forms, create mood check-ins for students to share their emotional state on a daily basis. Within the Form, students can request a conference with the teacher if they need extra support.

This situation is new for most schools and families. Engage in a cycle of continuous improvement and refinement based on feedback from families, teachers, and students.

Check out our Google Form later in the post that can be sent to parents if planning a s

4) Give Choices

There's never been a better time to empower learners and offer choice. Online learning can offer a lot of flexibility so it's a great idea to take advantage of that.

By giving students some choice in the demonstration of their learning, you can also naturally differentiate and cater to a variety of learning styles and needs.

You've probably heard of a choice board? It's a graphic organizer that allows students to choose different learning activities. They're set up in a grid, perhaps with a choice of 9 activities. Some teachers like to include one mandatory activity.

Kim from Seoul Foreign School created this photosynthesis choice board for her 8th grade students.

In his post on online learning, John Spencer presented an amplified version of choice boards.

John's variation goes beyond choosing topics or activities and allows for some student ownership of the learning targets and resources.

Something else to think about as you move forward and become more confident with online learning.

5) Set Up Guidelines

School guidelines are an important part of the transition process to online learning. These guidelines can be established even before your school has closed.

Not sure where to start? Check out this advice and examples from International Schools Services. You'll find online learning policies, parent guidelines and more.

Guidelines for students are also important but for a lot of students, a simple PDF with slabs of text won't be an effective way to communicate.

Yosef Tewolde in China shares a clear overview in a student friendly format.

VS basic ⁦@ncpa_china⁩ . Sending out tips for students each day in our VS daily bulletin. #onlinelearning #issedu #pulaoproud pic.twitter.com/R8bkTeZOHo
- Yosef Tewolde (@YosefTewolde) February 12, 2020

American International School of Guangzhou shared this appealing resource on Twitter about videos.

Here's another great example from teachers at Seoul Foreign British School,

#virtuallearning guidelines for primary students collab with @emcslack and Becca Cook. https://t.co/XCoRPuWNq7 #onlinelearning #sfs1912 @SFBritishSchool pic.twitter.com/zVH2jvtV1W
- Jill Zappia (@JillZappia) March 5, 2020

6) Ensure Teacher Wellbeing

This meme inspired by teacher Nancy Breau sums up online teaching pretty well,

It's crucial to consider teacher wellbeing. Teaching is hard enough in the traditional sense but moving online with minimal preparation or planning can be very stressful. In addition, some teachers are also trying to teach their own children whose schools have closed.

Effective leadership and communication are key. As a teacher, try to take care of yourself. Go offline at the end of the day, take breaks, keep moving, eat well, drink water, get fresh air... you know the drill!

Perhaps you could set up a little routine for yourself at the end of the day, This checklist for health care workers in the UK might give you some ideas.

Will Arnold is a teacher in Guangzhou, China, who wisely told me via Twitter,

My perspective from week 6 is that "how will teachers/staff be supported" should move to the top of the list. It's like putting your own oxygen mask on before you help others.

Touche, Will, touche.

7) Consider Student and Family Wellbeing

Switching to an online schooling program presents many challenges to students and families. Listening to families and sharing tips to ensure their wellbeing is very important.

There are many ways to go about this. You might be able to get the help of school counselors or welfare officers. Or, you might invite students and families to share their own tips on what they're doing to stay happy and healthy during this challenging time.

The International School of Busan shared a short video on their Twitter account with basic tips for families.

Staying healthy in a virtual learning environment. #ISBlearning pic.twitter.com/HdcwWWlxol
- International School of Busan (@ISBLearning) February 29, 2020

It's also important to remember that it can be hard to predict which students might struggle with the virtual school program. For example, students who generally thrive in the classroom may find the adjustment very difficult. Keep the lines of communication open and don't make assumptions!

Rebecca Barrett-Fox wrote an article called " Please do a bad job of putting your courses online " (hat tip: Raymond Rose in the comment section below). Rebecca does a great job of stressing that students and teachers are currently facing enormous and diverse pressures. The article is designed for higher ed but can definitely be extended to K-12. Show as much empathy as possible and keep things as simple as possible.

📌 Tips For Parents With Young Children

In terms of helping families switch to teaching their children at home, check out my post with 10 tips for teaching younger children - many of these apply to older students as well.

This is a guide that you can share with families for practical help and ideas.

8) Embrace the Online Community

School closures are fast becoming a global issue. You might have a million questions racing around your head but you're not alone. There has never been a better time to connect with the online communities of teachers who are keen to offer tips, support, and examples.

Facebook

There is a Facebook Group set up by Kirsten Durward that is very supportive and helpful. It's called Educator Temporary School Closure for Online Learning.

Click here to find the Facebook group and remember to answer the questions that pop up when you request access.

Also, use the search function or click here to find a breakout Facebook group. Due to the huge growth of the group, there are now many breakout groups that are regional, subject specific, year/grade specific.

No idea how Facebook groups work? We have a guide that will help!

Twitter

You'll also find some fantastic posts from community minded teachers on Twitter. Many teachers are using the hashtags #schoolclosures #virtuallearning and #onlinelearning. At this stage it looks like #schoolclosures is the leading hashtag?

New to Twitter? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Twitter to get started. It'll be worth it!

9) Keep Your Class Connected

Keeping your class connected can be a challenge when students are scattered around the community (and around the world in some areas).

As we've mentioned, video conferences are a good way to overcome this. While most video conferences would be lessons, consider adding in some fun conferences that are either structured (e.g. play a game together) or unstructured (e.g. live recess where students can just hang out).

If you're not using conferences, consider a tool like Flipgrid where students can respond to each other with short recorded videos.

You might be able to come up with ways for students to work on group projects together. This can add a layer of stress for students who might be struggling so of course, you'd gauge whether group work is a positive option.

Maybe you can hold a virtual assembly for your whole school or year level, just like these folks in South Korea,

Today's virtual learning highlight - The PYP Assembly! Puppet shows, dance-offs, jokes and shoutouts. The PYP team broadcasting live to the Elementary School. What a fabulous way to end the week! I'm lucky to work with so many wonderful educators. #ISBlearning pic.twitter.com/JHFu0SA0zX
- Simon McCloskey (@SimonJMcCloskey) March 6, 2020

10) Keep it Simple 💓

The message you'll hear over and over from school leaders and teachers who have been at this for a while now is clear: keep it simple!

Don't overthink things and create complicated lessons.

Don't invest in expensive technology or reinvent the wheel.

Don't expect that you will be able to cover as much as you would in the classroom.

Just do your best. That is enough!

Obstacles and Issues Created by School Closures

The rapid school closures we're seeing across the world raise concerns for teachers, parents, students, and the wider community.

Some issues that are currently being navigated include:

Students/Families

Do all students have access to devices and the internet?

Who will look after students who are home from school? Are some students being left home alone?

How can parents manage their own careers? Do their employers allow them to work from home or have time off?

What about students who rely on getting free or subsidized meals at school? How can they be supported? What are the ramifications for farmers and food suppliers if orders are suspended?

Are there concerns with excess screen time and lack of physical activity?

How can students stay connected to peers?

How can students with disabilities or additional learning needs be catered for?

Teachers

How can educators juggle teaching if they have their own children home from school?

How can teachers maintain work-life balance?

Can teachers work from home or do they need to be on campus? Are teachers trusted and supported to work remotely?

Do teachers need PD? Can the transition to online learning happen immediately or does there need to be a bridge (for example, students are provided with work/a packet for a week while teachers set up the online learning program)?

What role will non-teaching staff take on?

Who will take classes if teachers become ill?

Will teachers continue to get full pay during ongoing school closures?

Schoolwide issues

Will testing and report cards need to be delayed? What other assessment and reporting concerns are there?

How is attendance monitored? For some, attendance or class numbers are linked to school funding.

Should teachers/administrators chase up students who aren't participating?

What will non-teaching staff do during school closures?

How should the school day be balanced with synchronous and asynchronous learning that's both online and offline?

How can individual students be catered for and work be differentiated?

How can you prevent all the student work from becoming a scattered mess? Are they going to publish items on a digital portfolio (e.g. blog) or something similar?

Will you face copyright issues if you try to use learning materials online (e.g. replicating textbooks or reading picture books aloud?)

For private schools with longer closures, will parents continue to be charged full fees?

What will the transition back to online schooling look like?

What sort of "gaps" may need to be filled if students miss out on essential learning or assessment?

Are their implications for senior students graduating and moving on to tertiary education?

Schools, teachers, and families may also face different issues depending on whether they are part of an international school, private school, or public school. Each situation is unique and throws up so many different variables.

As you can see, these issues are broad and complex. Perhaps at this stage there are more questions than answers.

Planning for a School Closure: Parent Survey

No matter where you live in the world, it's highly unlikely that you can now rule out the possibility of your school closing in the future.

Now is the time to plan. If you don't need that plan, great! However, many schools around the world are closing suddenly with minimal preparation. Teachers and staff end up scrambling to get their virtual learning programs together.

The first step in planning for a possible school closure may be to survey your parents and families. It's important to find out what technology, child care, and other resources they have available.

We created an example survey in Google Forms. You're welcome to use it or adapt it for your own school. You'll find instructions on how to make a copy under the Form below.

Instructions for Editing and Using the Google Form Survey

1. Click on this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1viFs7kqOmJOBs-vzVX6pCbhd8rgSda0K-00LAjqruLM/copy
2. You will be prompted to make a copy (screenshot below)

3. You can edit the Google Form to suit your own school

💡 Google Forms Tips:

Planning for a School Closure: Taking Home Resources

If your school hasn't closed yet and you're planning for an upcoming closure, you might be thinking about what you should take home with you.

Every situation is different but in some schools, no one is allowed on the campus once the school is closed. In other schools, teachers are actually required to work from the school (while students are at home).

If you'll be working remotely, you might think about taking home some of the resources listed on the graphic below.

Checklist for Administrators and Educators Facing a School Closure

This post has covered a lot of information and offered a lot of ideas and options.

The following checklist might be a useful starting point if your school is beginning to discuss an upcoming or possible school closure.

Of course, this is just a very simplified checklist for schools that are beginning to think about transitioning.

📌 Click here to download a PDF copy of the checklist

Over to You

We'd love to keep this post updated with practical information. Please leave a comment if you have any tips, questions, or examples. We want to hear from you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources For Teaching Online Due To School Closures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This extensive guide will give you insights into how educators around the world are approaching school closures due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Learn about options for structuring the school day, using video, and using online tools. You'll also find a checklist for schools facing a closure and tips for virtual teaching.

# data[].attributes.body
Step by step suggestions -- made by a teacher!

# data[].attributes.body
They are offering some access free during school closures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Renaissance Everywhere - Educators trust Renaissance programs for pre-K-12 assessment, reading, and math practice to increase student growth and mastery.

# data[].attributes.headline
Blog with Many Remote Teaching Resource Links

# data[].attributes.subject
Blog with Many Remote Teaching Resource Links

# data[].attributes.body
Booksource is maintaining this list of resources for remote teaching.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your school has closed to follow social distancing recommendations due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Suddenly, you're asked to teach using digital tools, and you feel like a fish out of water. You're not even sure where to begin when the articles take over your social media timelines.

All this new information can be overwhelming, so we want to help by compiling a list of resources! We hope you bookmark this page and return to it when you need ideas or when you want to make sure you're not missing out on anything. We'll be sharing it on our social media platforms and highlighting new content when we see it.

From celebrity read alouds to virtual lessons, the whole country is finding ways to ensure students are engaged and learning. Since inspiring readers is at the heart of what we do, you'll notice that many of these resources focus on at-home activities related to books and reading!

Note that if you're not able to attend some of these video sessions live, you'll be able to replay them later!
Peter H. Reynolds - #ReadAloudAlert
Weekdays at 11am CDT
Read aloud live stream from Facebook.

Weekdays at 12pm CDT
A popular children's author reads his books aloud.

Weekdays at 2pm CDT
A popular children's author reads his books aloud.
Mo Willems - Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Weekdays at 12pm CDT
Watch Mo doodle and talk about his process.

Weekdays at 1pm CDT
Author and illustrator shares a fun and simple drawing lesson each day.

Weekdays at 2pm CDT
Videos that highlight amazing animals and include an activity to do at home.

Weekdays at 12pm CDT
YouTube sensation shares music, books and story time for kids.

Your favorite authors host story time on Instagram.

Various celebrities including Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams read books aloud on Instagram.

Enjoy videos of real astronauts in space reading books with space related topics.

Enjoy story time with popular children's literature authors.

An entertaining talk show highlighting bestselling kid lit authors and illustrators.

Digital library of children's literature in multiple languages available online and free of charge.

Reading comprehension resources, including lesson plans, activity guides and student videos in English and Spanish.

A fun, curriculum-aligned literacy game for Grades 2-8, combining strategy, engagement and imaginative reading passages.

Full-length, free e-books in audio or video formats.

Makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with online reading games, songs and other activities.

Free printable resources and activities for younger children.

Audiovisual activities to teach reading for Grades P-3. Emphasizes exploration, play and positive reinforcement.

Daily recommendations of web-based curriculum ideas delivered to your email inbox.

Educational games for kids P-6+, plus how-to craft videos.

A series of free, printable short stories that double as grammar exercises. Enjoy the story and find the errors.

Free collection of fiction and nonfiction reading passages for Grades 3-12. Also offers Spanish reading passages and questions.

Tech tools to help teachers support students' reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Includes diagnostic tools, interactive e-readers, close-reading instruction and more.

High quality support and resources for teaching reading through the content areas.

Favorite Read Alouds

Hey all - I'm offering free at-home Skype/Zoom sessions for any homeschoolers/learners who might want to talk about my books, writing, job, etc. I'll be doing one per day, depending on demand. More about me and my work here: https://t.co/3MLJ9pBlMT. Hit me up anytime to schedule! pic.twitter.com/st52rywU96
- 🏳️‍🌈Chris Tebbetts (@christebbetts) March 17, 2020

Free ACT & SAT test preparation handouts, practice tests and review guides as well as college admissions guides.

AP study courses including ultra-high-quality videos, practice questions, study guides and full-length tests and explanations that will help students improve in class and on the exam.

Favorite Read Alouds

Online homeschool platform and curriculum for Grades P-12 covering all subject areas.

Web-based platform that allows teachers to easily differentiate instruction for students. Offers 1,000+ learning paths in math and ELA for Grades K-8.

Provides free, K-12 printables, digital classes and content for all subject areas.

A collection of digital games that K-12 students can play at home. Organized by grade level and includes a variety of content areas.

More than 1 million free worksheetsfor toddlers through Grade 12. These educational printables cover alphabet letters, math, language arts, history, geography and more.

San Diego Zoo - San Diego Kids Do you have any websites or resources that you're finding helpful? List them in the comments below for other educators to find! National Park Service - Virtual Tours NASA, Google - Access Mars Louvre - Online Tours The China Guide - Great Wall of China British Museum - Virtual Tours U.S. Government Publishing Office - Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Teaching Resources for Educators at Every Grade

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your school has closed to follow social distancing recommendations due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Suddenly, you're asked to teach using digital tools, and you feel like a fish out of water. You're not even sure where to begin when the articles take over your social media timelines.

# data[].attributes.body
Daniella created this padlet of reading resources for LE.

# data[].attributes.headline
Online Books -- Some Translations Available

# data[].attributes.subject
Online Books -- Some Translations Available

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
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.

# data[].attributes.body
This was recommended by Amanda Hartman during the TCRWP webinar about school closures. Lots of resources here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
TextProject is the only website with student texts and teacher guides based on the science of reading-available for free download. Download our research-based, open-access resources for teachers, teacher educators, parents, tutors, and students.

TextProject is the only website with high-quality student texts and teacher guides that are all available for free download.

download-student-texts-banner

Leveled | Research-based | Open access

Vocabulary instruction through networks of words

Vocabulary instruction through networks of words

A blog and video series based on evidence from reading research

A blog and video series based on evidence from reading research

Free Classroom Materials for Teaching Reading

Classroom-proven resources including favorite books, reading passages, vocabulary lessons, word pictures, literacy lists & forms.

Free Student Texts

Free texts for reading instruction! TextProject is the sole website with free texts based on the science of reading.

For programs such as BeginningReaders and FYI for Kids, world-renowned researcher and teacher educator, Patricia Cunningham, has written lessons to accompany the texts.

Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary is the strongest predictor of reading comprehension. TextProject provides free resources for the four kinds of vocabulary words that contribute to reading comprehension: core, academic, content-area, and literary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Strategies, tools, and texts to bring beginning and struggling readers to proficient levels of literacy

# data[].attributes.body
This is a letter to families with links to phonological awareness and phonics lessons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Grades K-1 Phonological Awareness & Phonics: Home Activities & Videos : Harris Elementary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is RULER?

RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools, developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER applies "hard science" to the teaching of what have historically been called "soft skills." RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence - those associated with recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and r egulating emotion. Decades of research show that these skills are essential to effective teaching and learning, sound decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.

RULER creates schools that are true safe harbors for our children. It does this by developing emotional intelligence in students from preschool to high school and in all adults involved in their education: school administrators, teachers, and support staff. Parents also participate in training so that they can reinforce the emotional skills that students learn at school. Our approach gives a unique depth and consistency to social and emotional learning that empowers school leaders and teachers to create a genuinely safe space for students to learn and grow.

Testimonial

"RULER can help you understand yourself better. If you have a lot of feelings on your chest you can write them down during (program lessons), and revive yourself."

-4th Grade Student

Bullying Events

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RULER - Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is RULER? RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools, developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER applies "hard science" to the teaching of what have historically been called "soft skills." RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence - those associated with recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and ...

# data[].attributes.body
You may want to use these in your lessons as examples. They are sorted into categories Phonics, Narrative Writing, Informational Writing, Narrative Reading, Informational Reading.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cultivating Meaningful Learning Communities through Literacy

# data[].attributes.body
Click this link if you'd like to get a taste of our Second Step curriculum on Empathy:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyjadKH5OBFZT3zs6OMeqE37mMtCDr95el5S0IG-Z8k/edit#slide=id.g818cd2c030_0_8

# data[].attributes.body
Great app for meditation and yoga for kids
https://www.calm.com/

# data[].attributes.body
Print for your kids (or yourself) to use!

# data[].attributes.body
Take a few minutes to decompress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEfs5TJZ6Nk

# data[].attributes.body
This SEL program is free now. It includes stories (and has F&P levels for them).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Distance Learning - Curriculum and Instruction Resources (CA Dept of Education)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Guidance and resources for teachers and families in K–12 schools regarding high quality distance learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Easy-to-use format for kids and families. The CDE provided this link.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We demonstrate what is possible when school and community collaborate to create inspiring adults with the academic and social-emotional readiness to lead as global citizens.

We look forward to partnering together during the 20-21 school year.

Click on the learning hubs to the right to get started!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome, Explorers! We demonstrate what is possible when school and community collaborate to create inspiring adults with the academic and social-emotional readiness to lead as global citizens. We look forward to partnering together during the 20-21 school year. Click on the learning hubs to the

# data[].attributes.headline
Dade County Schools website for School Closures

# data[].attributes.subject
Dade County Schools website for School Closures

# data[].attributes.body
Has a chart of many online instructional programs that could be a useful resource. The CDE provided this link.

# data[].attributes.headline
Links to Free Online Classes about Online Teaching

# data[].attributes.subject
Links to Free Online Classes about Online Teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
GetEducated | Review, Rate, Rank & Compare Online Colleges & Degrees | GetEducated

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether you're new to distance learning or an experienced online teacher, you can find free online training resources to fit your needs.

Are you a "face to face" classroom teacher considering shifting to online education?

Or are you an online teacher interested in the latest technology to make your online courses more effective?

For example, some online schools offer free training modules to help campus-based teachers learn how to transition to cyber-classrooms. Other organizations offer tips on designing online classes and teaching with technology.

10 Free Courses for Online Teachers

Michigan State University's Virtual University Design and Technology website offers text-based lessons in topics including pedagogy and best practices, online course content, enlivening techniques, course structure and design, and hybrid courses.

2) Learning to Teach Online Video & PDF LessonsThe Learning to Teach Online project has been developed by COFA Online, an academic unit at the College of Fine Arts, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. It is designed to be practical and easy to access for time-poor teachers. The video- and PDF-based episodes each examine specific successful online teaching strategies froxm many different disciplines, offering tips, guidance and pointing out the potential pitfalls to both novice and experienced online teachers. Best of all, the more than 50 lessons can be accessed for free through ITunes.
3) Thinking About Putting Your Class Online?
This University of Pittsburgh videocast discusses online course planning and design, interaction, giving students feedback, assessment, getting feedback from students, and new technologies.
4) Promising Practices in Online Teaching
Originally developed for Texas Woman's University, this course includes modules showing how to design a course, along with explanations of best practices for distance education.
5) Visual Design for Online Course Content
Also from Texas Woman's University, this course gives tips to help you successfully create the navigation, layout, colors and design of your course content.
6) Teacher Training Videos
This step-by-step video resource shows teachers how to use technological tools such as Blackboard, wikis, online surveys, podcasting and more.
7) Effective Online Teaching - Faculty Quick Tips
Seven Pace University online instructors give their best advice about being an effective online educator. Go to iTunes U's Pace University page and select "Faculty Contributions" to access these videos.
8) MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching)
MERLOT provides a large, peer-reviewed collection of online curricula and other resources, as well as forums and publications aimed at online educators. Search the MERLOT database for "distance learning" to find links to material to help you plan and design effective online classes.
9) Free Textbooks for Online Courses - Community Colleges Online
The Community College Consortium for Open Educational Resources (OER) is a great site that assists faculty who are developing online courses for community or junior colleges in finding and utilizing free online textbooks, learning modules, and creative commons resources for distance learning courses.
10) Sloan Consortium Effective Practices
The Sloan Consortium studies and funds online education. The consortium's Effective Practices site is a way for online educators to share techniques, strategies, and practices in online education that have worked for them. Practices are peer-reviewed before being put on the site.
Related Resources
GetEducated.com's Motivating & Retaining Adult Learners Online: A Journal of Research Articles and Practitioner's Tips
Guide to Finding Work as an Online College Instructor
Most Affordable Online Masters Degrees in Education and Library Science
Principles for Excellence in Online Teaching
Online Education and Online Instructor Jobs: Positions Available
Online Education and Online Instructor Jobs: Teachers Available Free Handbook for Online Teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 10 Free Training Courses for Online Teachers | GetEducated

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you're new to distance learning or an experienced online teacher, you can find free online training resources to fit your needs. Are you a "face to face" classroom teacher considering shifting to online education? Or are you an online teacher interested in the latest technology to make your online courses more effective?

# data[].attributes.body
Follow the link here and no credit card is required to get 30 days free

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
At Scribd, we believe reading is the most powerful tool we have for connecting and sharing the human experience.

Today, with millions of people around the globe staying close to home to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, access to books and information is more important than ever before. Reading can offer incredible comfort: it reduces anxiety and makes us feel more accomplished and even happier. So, for the next month, we will be making Scribd's library - which includes millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazine articles, and more - available to anyone, free, for 30 days through this link. There is no credit card or commitment required. Our goal is simply to ensure everyone has access to their favorite books, authors, and quality content as we settle into our new normal for the next few weeks.

Need a recommendation on something to read? The Scribd team is here for you! Whether you're looking for entertainment, expert resources on managing stress, healthy activities for your children, or just a way to mentally escape, we want to help the best way we know how - through books!

We certainly don't have all the answers, but we're committed to exploring new ways to better connect readers to other readers, authors, and even the people behind the scenes here at Scribd during these trying times.

We encourage you to take care of yourself and each other, and we hope reading can offer you solace during these difficult times.

Trip Adler
Founder & CEO, Scribd

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A letter from the Scribd CEO to our community - Scribd Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At Scribd, we believe reading is the most powerful tool we have for connecting and sharing the human experience. Today, with millions of people around the globe staying close to home to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, access to books and information is more important than ever before.

# data[].attributes.body
This company is offering free access through the end of June. It integrates with Google Classroom and has a way to publish books online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To help schools, teachers, and students address the challenges of school closures, we're offering the following for FREE for the rest of the school year ending June 30, 2020:

From home, students can continue creating their StoryJumper books as if they were at school.

Thank you for everything you do for your students!

If you have any questions, please click "Help" above.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#1 rated site for making story books | StoryJumper

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To help schools, teachers, and students address the challenges of school closures, we're offering the following for FREE for the rest of the school year ending June 30, 2020: From home, students can continue creating their StoryJumper books as if they were at school. Thank you for everything you do for your students!

# data[].attributes.body
The Pebble Go collection includes titles in Spanish. This is all free during the school closures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Remote learning. Distance learning. eLearning. Whatever your district calls it, current events are reminding schools across the country that it is prudent to have a readiness plan in case of school closures due to weather or other events. Your PebbleGo subscription is a great resource for these plans.

Be sure to check out and share these resources with teachers and parents to help your students take full advantage of all PebbleGo can do to sustain learning during a remote learning day.

Your PebbleGo site license automatically includes:

Unlimited access for every student in the school-from anywhere they have an internet connection

Easy sign in. With a shared sign in across your school site, it's easy to communicate with families how to sign in.

Content geared to the specific needs of the K-3 learner---it can be hard to find remote learning resources suitable for this group

Receive free PebbleGo tips, tricks, & updates.

We'll send you one email every month full of helpful articles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Remote learning. Distance learning. eLearning. Whatever your district calls it, current events are reminding schools across the country that it is prudent to have a readiness plan in case of school closures due to weather or other events. Your PebbleGo subscription is a great resource for these plans.

# data[].attributes.body
Free checkout through Overdrive and your local public library with Libby App. This may be a way to get some higher level chapter books to students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Download the Libby App: ebooks & audiobooks FREE from your library

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bring the library to you! Free digital books, magazines and more! Available for iOS and Android devices.

# data[].attributes.body
Free through the end of the school year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Virtual Support for Learning During COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As schools shifted to remote learning this spring, our professional learning experts created a wealth of resources to help educators and families…

# data[].attributes.headline
Free Leveled Books from Capstone Online!

# data[].attributes.subject
Free Leveled Books from Capstone Online!

# data[].attributes.body
In the Capstone Interactive eBooks collection (which is free during school closures) there is a large collection of leveled books.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lots of Science and Social Studies Reading free from Capstone

# data[].attributes.subject
Lots of Science and Social Studies Reading free from Capstone

# data[].attributes.body
The PebbleGo Next collection is free during school closures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free PebbleGo & Capstone Interactive Access for School Closures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you,…

# data[].attributes.body
The Pebble Go collection includes titles in Spanish. This is all free during the school closures.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Remote learning. Distance learning. eLearning. Whatever your district calls it, current events are reminding schools across the country that it is prudent to have a readiness plan in case of school closures due to weather or other events. Your PebbleGo subscription is a great resource for these plans.

Be sure to check out and share these resources with teachers and parents to help your students take full advantage of all PebbleGo can do to sustain learning during a remote learning day.

Your PebbleGo site license automatically includes:

Unlimited access for every student in the school-from anywhere they have an internet connection

Easy sign in. With a shared sign in across your school site, it's easy to communicate with families how to sign in.

Content geared to the specific needs of the K-3 learner---it can be hard to find remote learning resources suitable for this group

Receive free PebbleGo tips, tricks, & updates.

We'll send you one email every month full of helpful articles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Remote learning. Distance learning. eLearning. Whatever your district calls it, current events are reminding schools across the country that it is prudent to have a readiness plan in case of school closures due to weather or other events. Your PebbleGo subscription is a great resource for these plans.

# data[].attributes.body
He's posting something each day through his position with the Kennedy Center. (Thanks, Jillian!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Author and Illustrator Mo Willems has been awarded the American Library Association’s Caldecott Honor three times for his picture book illustration. Additionally, he is the recipient of two Theodor Geisel Medals and five Geisel Honors for his Elephant & Piggie early readers. Mo began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards. His work has been exhibited around the world, including solo retrospectives at the High Museum in Atlanta and the New-York Historical Society. Over the last decade, Mo has written three musical theater works based on his books, two of which were commissioned and toured by the Kennedy Center.

# data[].attributes.body
There are six free books here, in both English and Spanish.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Now you can read all your American Reading at Home titles right in your browser or on your devices! Specially designed for successful reading practice before a child can even read words, our books also foster mastery of the first 120 sight words.

Get 12 free ebooks just for creating an account!

Choose your platform and start reading!

ARC Bookshelf automatically keeps track of books you've purchased and automatically adds the eBooks to your library. You can now read your books wherever you go. eBooks are included for FREE with the purchase of most of our paperback books, or you can purchase just the eBooks. eBooks are for personal use only and are accessible on up to 5 devices.

Reviews

"It's well researched and engaging for kids." -Melissa Taylor, Parenting.com

"My 4-year-old (2Y Reader!) and I downloaded the app and busily started reviewing the books. Between last night and this morning, he has already (on his own) absconded with my iPad and read 20 + titles. This is an incredible resource!" -Dr. Emily Brown.

"The pictures! The pictures in these books are incredible!" -Elizabeth, Kickin' it in Kindergarten

"The online coaching tips helped me know exactly what to do at each color level." -Michelle L., mom of 2

"It's a great system to learn the first 120 sight words." -Steven E., dad of 2

"The whole experience brought me closer to my son." -Leslie S., mom of 3

"This app has quickly replaced the backpack of books we'd carry around for my daughter on long car rides. It's also the first thing we reach for at bedtime; she's only 3 but already knows how to open the app and find her favorite books!" -Chad, dad of 3

"As a stay-at-home mom and former Kindergarten and first-grade teacher, I have had the pleasure of discovering your books!" -Kimberly, mom of 1

Customer Stories

Dear American Reading Company,

I just want to stand on the top of a mountain and shout to all who can hear me, the American Reading Company reading program is the BEST READING PROGRAM ever!

I have three children, all at different academic ability levels. My 11-year-old is in a gifted and talented program; he was independently reading at age 3. My middle son, now 9, has shown signs of struggle since PreK and we have struggled alongside him until now. We have tried EVERYTHING we could think of or were told to do to help him read, but his gains were minimal and frustrating. We went to the library to get books and would check out 75 at a time, but NONE ever seemed to be right or at his level where he could read independently with confidence. I spent years reading to him because the words on the page were just too hard for him to read himself; he would cry and so would I, wondering if he'd ever be able to read on his own. Teachers told us to just keep reading, but that wasn't enough and it was not working. He was frustrated and so were we.

FINALLY, an answer to our prayer; we were introduced to IRLA in December 2015, and the program is AMAZING (and that word does not even do justice)! How every single school and library in the country does not have this is beyond me and unacceptable. The American Reading Company IRLA program is the ROADMAP to reading, it really does put the training wheels on the reading bike and gradually moves them up to a 12-speed AT THEIR LEVEL, AT THEIR PACE, until they are riding the reading bike with NO HANDS!

My son could hang in third grade reading with one-on-one instruction, but he couldn't read on his own. When we finally had him IRLA tested, his independent reading level was end of Kindergarten/beginning of first grade...we had NO IDEA IT WAS THAT BAD! He had school interventions, special education, and private tutoring for two years and gains were slow, but no one could tell us exactly where he was, let alone what he needed to do...no one! In December he tested in IRLA as a Yellow/1G level, crumbling at the sight word level (we did not even KNOW that he was struggling to read his sight words at flash speed), and after following the program each month he went from 1 Green to 2 Green (in one month), from 2 Green to 1B (in another month), to 2 Blue and then 1 Red by spring break. The program had books at HIS level that were fast, fun, and easy! He could read on his own as long as he stayed on his color or below. Best of all, I was no longer a frustrated mom trying to build my own home school curriculum; I knew what books he had to read and what words he had practice to get to the next level.

My stress over how to help him was taken away by this program, a true gift to me and my family. Best of all his confidence grew, and slowly he began to SOAR! He loved that it was on his iPad among his other video games; he was proud to get on Bookshelf to read 20 books a day and was no longer embarrassed like when he would pick up a book and it was too hard for him to read. He had a plan to move to the next level-there were goals and words he had to practice to get there. Reading was no longer frustrating, it made sense and like the sports he loves, practicing reading AT HIS ABILITY LEVEL was making him get better. In years of school, no other program or intervention had ever done what IRLA did. It was amazing to see him tested at 2B one month, watching him go from crumbling when he tried to read, to soaring through the exact same books and test a month later ready to move up to the next level.

So here he is and at the beginning of June, only 6 months later, he is reading 2R/White books (end of second grade/beginning of third)! Three years of growth in only 6 months! AMAZING is an understatement. He is closing the gap faster than any of us could imagine...he just needed the tools to get there. He used to be afraid of fourth grade, that it would be too hard. Now he knows it won't be as hard as he thought! What IRLA proved to me and my family is that EVERY CHILD CAN READ WITH THE RIGHT BOOK! My son is proud and confident and motivated to read...he is no longer embarrassed, but driven.

Thank you, American Reading Company! Words cannot express our gratitude for your program, and I can't wait to see how his younger sister does with it. She has had speech issues her whole life and we aren't waiting, we started IRLA in December too, and I know that it will help her become an independent reader faster than any other program. She was frustrated at the beginning of first grade with books from the library or books given to her by her teacher that were too hard to read. Now she is soaring through 1G and 2G books and beginning to tackle 1 Blue books (a little behind from where she should be, but with IRLA in our pocket I KNOW she will not only catch up but rise to the top and be soaring too). The difference in her reading in one month alone lets me know that she is going to be just fine!

Let me close by telling you a cute story from this past weekend. My son went to a sleepover at his friend's house-boys, basketball, water slides, sprinklers, video games, and fun. He came home and said, "Mom, guess what? I got bored playing my games on my iPad so I read two books. Let me show you which ones I read." Enough said!

Loyally, Lori

Vittoria: I love your program. I am from Italy and I have used your system since my child was 4. Ezra is now in 1st grade and ready for 2R. He reads hebrew and italian too. Your program is sure the best. I have been sharing the books that Ezra has overgrown with his school.

American Reading at Home: Oh wow, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! If you don't mind, would you like to answer a couple questions since you've been such a long time customer with us? We are always trying to improve and would love to hear your thoughts: 1. How did you find us? 2. How did you know how to use the program? 3. How can we make the website more useful?

Vittoria: 1. I found the American Reading website some times ago while searching for reading methods in young children. My child was exposed to books since the day he was born and I always read to him but, as I mentioned in another message, I am from Italy and english is not my first language so I knew I needed help in giving my child a head start. I am a doctor and scientist and I know how improtant is a for a young child to be right on time as far as reading is concerned. I did try a lot of methods from "Your baby can read" to "preschool prep" to "leapfrog" but I have never been completely satisfied with any of them. "k5learning" is the one that I liked better but I needed something more.

2. Before starting using the books, I read almost everything in your website and when I tought I figured out how the method worked, I tested Ezra and I started buying the 2 yellow books. He loved them and he progressed very smoothly. At the time we started he already knew his alphabet and he was able to read simple phonics words (cat, mat, that, car, sun, etc.). He started kindergarten with 2 green and started 1st grade with 1 red.

3. The website is very well done. I dis not have any problem in navigating it and finding the information I needed since the very beginning. The athome part is very straightforward.
3a. I would say that having e-book for the more advanced level would be a good addition even though my child always preferred the paper version. I only used the e-books when travelling.
3b. Maybe expanding the video part on how to use the books at home would be helpfull for the parents.
3c. The program really works and my child always got very excited in changing the color/level. Maybe a certificate of achievement with the books or a medal or a trophy will add enthusiasm to the young kids.

Hope this helps; please feel free to contact me in the case you need further clarifications.

American Reading at Home: Thank you so very much for your kind words and feedback! We are so happy to see that our website helps facilitate the program and we are slowly expanding our electronic library so hopefully soon we'll have more eBooks available at higher levels via American Reading at Home. We do have higher levels available but those are collections we cater to schools via the main company branch.

I truly understand and appreciate your attitude towards early reading, especially since English is my third language and my mom raised me with an ocean of books :) It's so wonderful and I'm sure so rewarding to you as a parent to see your child really grow and succeed! I only know Ezra through your words but I'm very proud of him and all the work you've put into his love of reading!

Also wanted to note that I agree on the achievement rewards and we do have some available but as part of a bundle, not à la carte. I will pass your comments along and see if that's something we could add to the store for those only wishing to buy a cape, or a medal etc.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Now you can read all your American Reading at Home titles right in your browser or on your devices! Specially designed for successful reading practice before a child can even read words, our books also foster mastery of the first 120 sight words. Get 12 free ebooks just for creating an account!

# data[].attributes.body
There are five free picture books read aloud here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Chicken Little

A modern adaptation of the classic tale: What happens when a completely normal chicken believes everything he reads on the internet? This story is written in the present tense, because it's a good thing to learn.

The Bird and the Whale

Our first ever original story, about a bird and a whale and their shared love of little fish. Inspired by a song by Tom Waits, and an episode of Adventure Time.

The Three Little Pigs

The classic tale of shoddy building materials, DIY folly, and the perils of emparedados de tocino (a.k.a bacon sandwiches). No pigs or wolves were harmed in the making of this story.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Why you should probably lock your door when you go out for a walk, even if you live en medio de un gran bosque. Why are the three bowls of sopa different temperatures when they were poured at the same time? Science, is why.

Little Red Riding Hood

A deeply troubling investigation into what happens when you let your children walk somewhere alone: Caperucita Roja eats fresas, picks margaritas and talks to el Gran Lobo Feroz on the way to Grandma's house. (Warning: Contains highly improbable medical scenes.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spanish Children's Stories - The Spanish Experiment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Well-known childrens stories translated into Spanish and spoken by a native Spanish speaker. Read along in Spanish or English. Great for adults too!

# data[].attributes.headline
Public TV Running Standards-Aligned Content

# data[].attributes.subject
Public TV Running Standards-Aligned Content

# data[].attributes.body
Several California PBS stations will begin broadcasting California state standards-aligned educational television programming, created by PBS SoCal/KCET and the Los Angeles Unified School District. This TV schedule was developed to help schools and districts bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to learning for all students at home, regardless of access to internet or computers.

KQED Pre-K-3rd grade from 6:00 - 8:00 am, 4th-8th grades from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, and 9th-12th grades from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Visit the KQED Plus TV schedule.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KQED broadcasts the best available programs from PBS, APT, and other distributors, and also produces its own unique national and local programs. Airing more independent films than any other public broadcasting station in the country, KQED is committed to bringing the work of local and independent film producers to the community.

# data[].attributes.body
Epic is offereing free access to teachers during school closures. (Thanks to Caitlin, LE librarian, for this tip.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

# data[].attributes.headline
Sentence Puzzle lesson using Google Meet

# data[].attributes.subject
Sentence Puzzle lesson using Google Meet

# data[].attributes.body
An experiment!

# data[].attributes.body
Your students could use these... or you could use them during a live or recorded lesson, perhaps. The link is http://www.goteachthis.com/learning-objects/magentic-letters/index.html instead of the pix

# data[].attributes.body
An astronaut recorded each storybook reading!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Next Time You See a Sunset, written by Emily Morgan and read in orbit by Mark Vande Hei is now live online! Click here to watch the full length video.

Rosie Revere, Engineer

New book reading by Astronaut Kate Rubins
Written by Andrea Beaty

Endeavour's Long Journey

Book reading by Astronaut Tim Kopra

Book Reading by Tim Peake
The Incredible Intergalactic Journey Home follows a child, Roraigh, and his robot friend on an amazing adventure from the depths of outer space to their own front door.

It's Story Time

Imagine astronauts reading stories from space to school children and families around the world, in an exciting new program that combines literature with science education.

NEW BOOK READING

Part 3 of a 3-part reading of this book.

If you think this video is a great resource, please share the website with friends and donate to keep the Story Time From Space library growing!

Special thanks to:

Astronaut Anne McClain, for telling the story!

Emily Calandrelli, Tamson Weston and Renée Kurilla for the book!

Jack Moore, part of the STFS team for his awesome video editing!

CASIS/NASA, for launch support & on orbit time!

Google+

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Next Time You See a Sunset, written by Emily Morgan and read in orbit by Mark Vande Hei is now live online! Click here to watch the full length video.

# data[].attributes.body
Has games, videos, and apps.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Educational games and videos from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts and other PBS KIDS shows!

# data[].attributes.body
Has games, videos, and more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mo Willems is good with you sharing his books!

# data[].attributes.subject
Mo Willems is good with you sharing his books!

# data[].attributes.headline
Todd Parr is fine with you reading his books!

# data[].attributes.subject
Todd Parr is fine with you reading his books!

# data[].attributes.headline
DreamBox Math Access for Families through LL Lab Site

# data[].attributes.subject
DreamBox Math Access for Families through LL Lab Site

# data[].attributes.body
You'll need to know your Classroom Code to send families to this. (Get it from Kate Cook if you don't know it.) If families want to use DreamBox on an iPad, they need to search for DreamBox Learning Math in the App Store, and enter the school code: a32t/pz78.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Students love coming to the computer lab at Las Lomitas! Since there are so many exceptional online educational products that students use in the lab, we wanted to extend those learning links to the classrooms and home. There are suggested grade levels sites indicated in the top right navigation bar.

# data[].attributes.body
Unit 2 (Non Fiction) Session 3.

# data[].attributes.body
The words highlight as they are read aloud. There are a couple of samples at the bottom of the splash page, and they are offering 1 month free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A streaming library of animated children's storybooks. No ads or in-app purchases. Start your free trial today!

# data[].attributes.headline
Links to Many Literacy Resources for Parents -- and Teachers!

# data[].attributes.subject
Links to Many Literacy Resources for Parents -- and Teachers!

# data[].attributes.body
A teacher created and shared this. She will keep adding to it, so you may want to check back.

# data[].attributes.body
There are links on this page to several collections of picture book read alouds, including a series of 8 stories from the imprint Little, Brown Young Readers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I am at our public library right now and it is deserted. Wisconsin was ordered to close their schools this coming week as more and more cases of Covid-19 pile up. The world is upside down.

As we prepare to switch to online learning, I have been thinking of the power of the read aloud. How having the social connection through shared books can bring us together. How doing a read aloud in this stressful time can calm us. And so as we plan for what we will do, I immediately thought of reading picture books aloud to my students and having them respond to them in a short paragraph through Google Classroom. However, there is one glaring problem; copyright violations, I don't want to break copyright by reading aloud a book and then sharing it with students. So instead, I compiled as many lists as I could find here featuring the creators reading aloud. Perhaps the list will be helpful to you?

Kate Messner has a post that details which publishers have given limited permission to read their books aloud following their guidelines, see the post here.

Indianapolis Public Library has a compiled list here with more than 100 titles

Storyline online has a compiled list right here with some great titles

Kate Messner is compiling videos right here featuring authors and illustrators sharing their work and resources

Susan Tan has a great video channel featuring writing prompts and read alouds

Kidlit TV has a great compilation here

Harper Kids Has their read alouds compiled here

Vooks Online are offering a free first year for teachers and have videos compiled here

Brightly Online has a compilation here

Storytime with Bill from Little Brown Books can be found here

Mrs. P's storytime can be found here

Debbie Ridpath Ohi is posting videos of her books as well here

Unite For Literacy has many stories read aloud in multiple languages compiled here

Free Kid Lit Visits and Authors Read Aloud compiled by A.Keene can be found here

Storytime from Space features astronauts reading aloud

I will keep adding resources here as I find them and as they are shared with me. If you know of any more, please share.

Take care, stay safe, and take care of others. We will get through this.

And by the way, if you can't feed your family in the coming weeks or months, please reach out to me. I will try to send you a giftcard for groceries if I can.
If you are wondering where I will be in the coming year or would like to have me speak, please see this page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Picture Books Read Aloud Videos for Lesson Use

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I am at our public library right now and it is deserted. Wisconsin was ordered to close their schools this coming week as more and more cases of Covid-19 pile up. The world is upside down. As we prepare to switch to online learning, I have been thinking of the power of the read aloud....

# data[].attributes.headline
Sample Kindergarten Plan for 2 Weeks of Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
Sample Kindergarten Plan for 2 Weeks of Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.body
A teacher kindly shared this on the TCRWP Kindergarten Facebook pg.

# data[].attributes.body
The teacher who posted this wrote: "I am using microsoft onenote with a tablet that I write on and photobooth to get my head up there. An easy way to do it with slides and audio is Quicktime. If you're on a pc, screencastify does the same thing."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Literary Essay Session 7: Analyzing Evidence

# data[].attributes.body
This has virtual rekenreks, pattern blocks, ten frames, fraction pieces and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sharing in an app allows educators to pose problems and investigations for students by using an 8-character code or link. Students can share their thinking with their teachers and classmates. Share codes remain available for continued use for 18 months from the date they are last accessed.
Watch the video to learn how sharing works.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sharing in an app allows educators to pose problems and investigations for students by using an 8-character code or link. Students can share their thinking with their teachers and classmates. Share codes remain available for continued use for 18 months from the date they are last accessed.

# data[].attributes.headline
5 E's Framework for Planning Online Lessons

# data[].attributes.subject
5 E's Framework for Planning Online Lessons

# data[].attributes.body
See more on the blog https://catlintucker.com/2020/03/designing-an-online-lesson/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
[Resource] Designing an Online Lesson Using the 5Es Instructional Model

# data[].attributes.body
Seesaw is offering a webinar each Tuesday 4-5pm PST to help teachers get started using Seesaw.

# data[].attributes.headline
There are some pix books with math themes here

# data[].attributes.subject
There are some pix books with math themes here

# data[].attributes.body
This site has free online books. You can filter for math and science content. This link goes to the first grade list, but use the Books tab at the top to check out books for other grades.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use our library of First Grade to help your child find a book they will love. We offer over 1,000 free childrens books for readers from preschool to third grade.

# data[].attributes.headline
Authors Reading From Their Chapter and Picture Books 

# data[].attributes.subject
Authors Reading From Their Chapter and Picture Books 

# data[].attributes.body
Author Kate Messner is curating this site to offer videos of authors reading the first chapter from their own books (or whole picture book) as well as drawing and writing mini-lessons. She plans to keep adding to the site.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hello, friends! I'm Kate Messner, a former classroom teacher, forever-educator, and the author of more than three dozen books for kids. These include picture books like Over and Under the Snow, The Brilliant Deep, and The Next President; the Fergus and Zeke easy reader series; the Ranger in Time historical chapter book adventures; nonfiction like Tracking Pythons and Solve This: Forensics; and novels like All the Answers, Breakout, and . I'm happy that you found your way here!

This is a library of resources for kids, families, teachers, and librarians to make sure that reading & learning can happen anywhere this spring. Some of you may be out of school as communities try to prevent the spread of a virus known as COVID-19. Here's a great page from NPR that explains what that's all about, in a kid-friendly comic. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Jason Reynolds shares "How to Fight the New Bad Guy in Town," a PSA for kids, on the StorySeeds podcast here. And this excellent & important post from author Laurie Halse Anderson does a great job explaining why we're seeng closings (and why that's important in some cases) for older readers.

Below, you'll find a growing collection of resources that include everything from first-chapter and picture book read-alouds (shared with permission from publishers!) to drawing and writing mini-lessons. Be sure to check back often, as new resources will be added every day.

Wash your hands, stay healthy, and enjoy these resources as we take care of one another this spring!

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of THE BRILLIANT DEEP: REBUILDING THE WORLD'S CORAL REEFS. After the read-aloud, check out the Coral Restoration Foundation website. Learn more about the threats coral reefs are facing from NASA's Climate Kids page, and check out this page about how kids can help our oceans. Challenge: Make a poster or drawing to teach people about how we can all help coral and other sea creatures!

Tracey Baptiste, the author of The Jumbies series, shares a mini-lesson on comparative mythology. She talks through how creatures from different mythologies have traits in common and encourages kids to find those similarities in the mythologies they come across. She's also sharing some reading resources such as D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, The Element Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures, and her own Jumbies Field Guide available at her website.

Author Debbi Michiko Florence shares a read-aloud excerpt of her chapter book JASMINE TOGUCHI FLAMINGO KEEPER, along with a writing prompt (and a peek at a real daruma doll)!

Author Leah Henderson shares a first chapter read-aloud of her middle grade novel THE MAGIC IN CHANGING YOUR STARS. Writing Challenge: Find out who Ailey Benjamin Lane is named after. (Hint: His first name comes from an African-American dancer & choreographer with the initials A.A. His middle name comes from an African-American farmer & naturalist who searches out the stars and who created an almanac in 1792. This person's initials are B.B.) Who could they be?

Author-illustrator Jarrett Lerner shares tips and techniques to help you draw ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!

Veera Hiranandani, author of the Newbery Honor winning book The Night Diary, The Whole Story of Half a Girl, and The Phoebe G. Green series offers a diary writing prompt to help you get to know your characters and create an inspired story!

Author Jason Reynolds shares a read-aloud from his MG novel, GHOST. In this chapter, the main character talks about world records, so after the read-aloud, check out this page from the Guiness Book of World Records, with some records you can try to break at home!

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud excerpt from TRACKING PYTHONS: THE QUEST TO CATCH AN INVASIVE PREDATOR AND SAVE AN ECOSYSTEM. After the read-aloud, you can learn more about invasive species from National Geographic and the National Wildlife Foundation. Also check out this article from New York State Conservationist Kids!

Author & illustrator Grace Lin teaches viewers how to draw a Chinese Dragon and shares some tidbits about Chinese culture!

Author Carole Lindstrom shares a read-aloud of WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS.

Author Jo Knowles reads from the first chapter of her MG novel WHERE THE HEART IS and offers students a fun writing exercise! For more about Jo and her books, or for teachers/book group guides that go along with her books, visit her website.

Kelley McMorris, who illustrates the RANGER IN TIME chapter book series, shares a video about how she illustrates a book cover. After you watch, try using Kelley's process to design a new cover for one of your favorite books!

Author Erin Entrada Kelly gives a peek into the notebooks for several of her novels, including HELLO, UNIVERSE. Writing challenge: What's in your notebook? Take a little time to write in it today, inspired by Erin's ideas!

Author Chris Tebbetts shares a read-aloud of the first chapters of STRANDED. Writing challenge: Choose a wilderness setting of your own - the Arctic, the desert, the rainforest - and imagine you're stranded there. How will you survive? Write an imaginary journal documenting your adventure. Check out these wilderness survival skills from Outdoor Life for ideas!

Author Nikki Grimes shares poetry selections from WORDS WITH WINGS. Writing challenge: Try writing your own poem today, in the style of one of Nikki's read-alouds!

Author Ann Braden shares a read-aloud excerpt from THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS. Note: the octopus is a pretty amazing creature, so after the read-aloud, read up on them at this page from National Geographic Kids!

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of UP IN THE GARDEN AND DOWN IN THE DIRT, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. After the read-aloud, read more about helpful insects here and check out these garden activities from KidsGarden!

Author Sarah Albee shares a STEM mystery, "Did the Doctor Do It?" as part of her series exploring the science and intrigue of poison throughout history. Check out more of Sarah's Poison videos here.

Middle grade and Young adult author, Paula Chase offers a mini-writing exercise to help students build stories around their unique traits.

Author Nancy Castaldo reads some of BACK FROM THE BRINK with tips how we can all use our voices through our writing to make a difference. Here's the link to the reader's guide for more activities.

Author Debbi Michiko Florence shares an early read-aloud excerpt of her upcoming MG novel KEEP IT TOGETHER KEIKO CARTER, along with a writing prompt!

Author & illustrator Grace Lin shares the first story from her early reader, "Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same!"

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud excerpt from RANGER IN TIME: RESCUE ON THE OREGON TRAIL. Writing challenge: Choose your favorite event in history and imagine how a search and rescue dog might be able to help out. Then so some research about your historical event, and write your own story about Ranger's adventures there!

Christina Soontornvat shares how she came up with the idea for her new middle grade fantasy novel, A WISH IN THE DARK. Writing challenge: Use Christina's model to brainstorm your own list of ideas for stories that might be inspired by a classic tale! And check out more videos from Christina here!

Author Mae Respicio reads a few pages from her upcoming middle grade novel, Any Day With You, and shares a quick, fun writing prompt. Writing challenge: Imagine you've been planning a beach day with your best friends. You're so excited to go but when you get there... everything goes wrong and not the way you expected it to! Describe what happens.

Author Elly Swartz shares tips on how to use the emotion in your life to create authentic characters! Writing challenge: Take a few minutes to journal about a day when you felt an especially strong emotion - joy or fear or excitement! How might you use those emotions in a fictional story?

Author Lisa Yee drinks water, reads the first chapter of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, and fumbles when she comes across a couple of lines in Latin. Writing challenge: Try rewriting a scene from this chapter from the point of view of another character!

Award-Winning author Michelle Cusolito shares a writing mini-lesson to help writers add more sensory details to their writing. You can find more resources related to Michelle's book FLYING DEEP: CLIMB INSIDE DEEP-SEA SUBMERSIBLE ALVIN here.

Author-illustrator Lita Judge shares a video about how a sketching trip inspired one of her picture books! After you watch, take your own mini-sketching trip. Go to your kitchen or your bedroom, your porch or your backyard, and sketch what you see. Observe closely!

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud excerpt from CHIRP, a mystery for kids that's set on a cricket farm! After the read aloud, you can learn more about entomophagy (eating insects as food!) from CBS Kids, and check out a real cricket farm's website!

Author Chris Tebbetts shares a video mini-lesson on how to create a good beginning for a story!

Author Lisa Schroeder shares a read-aloud excerpt from her MG novel MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS, along with a writing exercise!

Author Janet Fox shares a read-aloud of the first chapter of her MG novel THE ARTIFACT HUNTERS. Writing challenge: Try writing a short scene of your own in which something unexpected happens!

Author & illustrator Jess Keating shares some thoughts on where ideas for stories come from! (This is part of a series Jess shares on writing & you can find more on her YouTube channel.)

Author Chris Tebbetts shares a read-aloud of the first chapters of MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE, co-written with James Paterson.

Poet Charles Waters shares poetry from DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD (by Charles Waters and Irene Latham)

Author Abby Cooper reads the first chapter of her middle grade novel, FRIEND OR FICTION.

Author Lynn Plourde shares some tips on starting an observation notebook!

Additional Resources:

Want to see even more author & illustrator videos? Check out the Authors Everywhere YouTube channel, created by Susan Tan!

Check out STEM Tuesday from The Mixed of Files of MG Authors blog for weekly book lists, interviews, and activities.

Want to try writing some poetry today? Joyce Sidman shares an amazing collection of ideas to get you started.

Here's another poetry lesson from Kathryn Apel - writing a didactic cinquain!

If you're stuck at home, it's a great time to start a writer's notebook! Author & Poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater has a whole collection of posts from different writers, called "Sharing Our Notebooks." Check it out -so many ideas here!

Author Madelyn Rosenberg shares a collection of writing prompts here.

Here's a collection of video mini-lessons from nonfiction author Melissa Stewart - great for teaching informational writing, including research, text features, text structure, rich language, voice, and revision.

Author & poet Laura Shovan shares a collection of poetry mini-lessons on her website!

The folks at Middle Grade at Heart share a list of MG novels with discussions questions & related activities here.

New Books to Check Out!

In case you're missing your weekly trip to the library or bookstore, we also want to let you know about some new books out this spring!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read, Wonder, and Learn! Favorite Authors & Illustrators Share Resources for Learning Anywhere - Spring 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hello, friends! I'm Kate Messner, a former classroom teacher, forever-educator, and the author of more than three dozen books for kids. These include picture books like Over and Under the Snow, The Brilliant Deep, and The Next President ; the Fergus and Zeke easy reader series; the Ranger in Time historical chapter book adventures; nonfiction like Tracking Pythons and Solve This: Forensics ; and novels like All the Answers, Breakout , and .