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A free Coronavirus book for kids, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (of The Gruffalo) courtesy of Nosy Crow books. 

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A free Coronavirus book for kids, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (of The Gruffalo) courtesy of Nosy Crow books. 

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Celebrities have rallied to help less fortunate kids get the food and educational resources they need to get through this difficult time. Check out their Instagram account for a story every day.

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Join Dav Pilkey, Creator of Captain Underpants and Dogman, to learn more about writing and drawing.

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Rewarding for teachers, easy for families, fun for kids- a love of reading is inside every Book Box.

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Mac Barnett reading Mac B Kid Spy on IGTV, a chapter a day. 

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Mac Barnett reading Mac B Kid Spy on IGTV, a chapter a day. 

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Your kids will love this hilarious tale of a kid spy, asked by the queen of England to help recover the crown jewels from the KGB. One chapter a day on Mac Barnett's IGTV.

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The Canadian Reader COVID 19 Special Issue - Canadian Current Events, Activities and Comics

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The Canadian Reader COVID 19 Special Issue - Canadian Current Events, Activities and Comics

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Your Public Library Overdrive, Sora or Libby

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Your Public Library Overdrive, Sora or Libby

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Your Public Librarians are the heroes during this time of isolation. Check your local library website for information on e-books and audiobooks and other free resources with your membership! I am linking the Calgary Public Library here.

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All Calgary Public Library locations, including book drops, are temporarily closed until further notice as of March 16 at 12:01 am to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Please check calgarylibrary.ca/covid-19 for regular updates.

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Search hundreds of Digital Resources in the Digital Library to find online tools for every age and every aspect of your life, including art, music, and literature, consumer reports and business needs, history and genealogy, job search and careers, entertainment, language learning, and news and current events.

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Epic is offering a free 30 day trial for parents, and offers a wide variety of titles for kids K-8.

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Skip to content

Inspire a lifetime of reading and discovery with over 40,000 high-quality books and videos.

Explore over 40,000 books, audiobooks & learning videos.
Sign Up To See All Books

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online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

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

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Get Epic to explore 40K+ kids' books online, from classic storybooks to audiobooks, comics & more.

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Finish This Comic and other Printables from Jarrett Lerner.

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Finish This Comic and other Printables from Jarrett Lerner.

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

Special Activities

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

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

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Haiku Diary activity!

Click HERE to download the above Thank You activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Earth Day activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

Click HERE to download the above Halloween activities!

"Finish This Story!" Story Starters

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

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

"How to Draw..." Instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Finish This Comic!" Comics

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

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Click HERE to download the above incomplete comics!

Drawing/Writing Prompts

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

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheets!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above activity sheet!

Click HERE to download the above Spanish version activity sheets!

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

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Scribd has a free 30 day trial and a lot of great kid's picture books and novels!

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Scribd has a free 30 day trial and a lot of great kid's picture books and novels!

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Children's Literature, also called juvenile literature or Kid Lit, centers around stories made for children between the ages of 0 and 13. It is defined in two ways: the age of the intended audience and the subgenre. This allows young readers-and their caregivers-to easily find age-appropriate books that will engage and entertain.

The late 19th and early 20th century is dubbed the Golden Age of Children's Literature, as many classic children's books were published during this time. As adults became more attuned to children's imaginations, authors like Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain and J.M. Barrie began writing for this new audience. Classics like Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Tom Sawyer, and Peter Pan emerged. To this day, these works (and modern retellings) remain important to Children's Literature.

As Kid Lit can be any subgenre or style, the worlds that young readers can dive into is endless. Popular authors like Dr. Seuss, A.A. Milne, Louisa May Alcott, Louis Lowry, and Madeleine L'Engle differ in style, genre, audience ages, and more, but all fit under the umbrella of Children's Literature.

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Children's Literature, also called juvenile literature or Kid Lit, centers around stories made for children between the ages of 0 and 13. It is defined in two ways: the age of the intended audience and the subgenre. This allows young readers-and their caregivers-to easily find age-appropriate books that will engage and entertain.

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Storytime from Space - Ada Lace Take Me to Your Leader (early chapter book) read by a REAL ASTRONAUT IN SPACE!

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Storytime from Space - Ada Lace Take Me to Your Leader (early chapter book) read by a REAL ASTRONAUT IN SPACE!

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Story Time From Space | T2 Science & Math Education Consultants

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Ada Lace Take Me to Your Leader (Part 1)

© Copyright T2 Education 2016

Ada Lace, Take Me to Your Leader (Part 1)

Book By Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston | Read by Astronaut Anne McClain

Run Time: 22:04 Minutes
by Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston Illustrated by Renée Kurilla
From Emily Calandrelli-host of Xploration Outer Space, correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World, and graduate of MIT-comes the third novel in a fun illustrated chapter book series about an eight-year-old girl with a knack for science, math, and solving mysteries with technology.

Third grader and inventor extraordinaire Ada Lace likes nothing more than to tinker with mechanics like her robot, George. Her latest project is to fix up a ham radio, something that she could use to contact people on this planet...and beyond. The only problem is that she just can't get it to work properly.

During a sleepover, Ada's best friend Nina hears something strange coming from the radio in the middle of the night. A distant voice says, "Release the swarm!" convincing Nina that aliens are about to invade planet Earth.

Could Ada and Nina have stumbled upon something...extraterrestrial?

Google+

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Ada Lace Take Me to Your Leader (Part 1) © Copyright T2 Education 2016 by Emily Calandrelli with Tamson Weston Illustrated by Renée Kurilla From Emily Calandrelli-host of Xploration Outer Space, correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World, and graduate of MIT-comes the third novel in a fun illustrated chapter book series about an eight-year-old girl with a knack for science, math, and solving mysteries with technology.

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

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BrainsOn! Science Podcast for Kids - with a kid cohost each week, questions from kids, the mystery sound (our favourite) and more, this is an amazing listen for kids and adults!

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BrainsOn! Science Podcast for Kids - with a kid cohost each week, questions from kids, the mystery sound (our favourite) and more, this is an amazing listen for kids and adults!

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Brains On Universe is an independent media company for kids and curious adults. We make podcasts, books, videos and more. Our goal is to fill the world with stuff that is smart and funny, silly and serious, all at once -- just like the people in our audience.

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Ben Clanton of Narwhal & Jelly Fame - LIVE on FB @12:00 daily (replay available)

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Ben Clanton of Narwhal & Jelly Fame - LIVE on FB @12:00 daily (replay available)

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Squiggles & Scribbles by Ben Clanton. 7.2K likes. http://www.benclanton.com/

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Squiggles & Scribbles by Ben Clanton

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Printable Creative Sheets from Elise Gravel

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Printable Creative Sheets from Elise Gravel

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Vooks animated picture books has a free trial too!

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Vooks animated picture books has a free trial too!

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Vooks - Storybooks brought to life with beautiful animation!

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Vooks is an entire library of kids storybooks brought to life with beautiful animation, read-aloud narration, engaging music and sound, and read-along text.

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Oliver Jeffers IG Live at Noon MST each day

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Oliver Jeffers IG Live at Noon MST each day

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Drawing with graphic novelist Jarrett Krosoczka on YouTube daily (live, but available for replay)

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Drawing with graphic novelist Jarrett Krosoczka on YouTube daily (live, but available for replay)

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New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka [𝙲𝚛𝚘𝚠-𝚜𝚊𝚞𝚌𝚎-𝚔𝚊𝚑] gives readers a look at his creative process and offers writing and drawing tutorials. JJK has published 45 books, including his wildly popular LUNCH LADY graphic novels, select volumes of the STAR WARS…

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Coronavirus: free printable comic for kids | Elise Gravel

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Here's a comic I made to teach kids about the COVID-19 situation. You can download and print it here for educational purposes. No commercial uses will be allowed.

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Drawing with Illustrator Wendy Mac on Instagram Live daily at 11am (replay available for 24 hours). This one is GREAT for adults and kids - she is lovely.

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Drawing with Illustrator Wendy Mac on Instagram Live daily at 11am (replay available for 24 hours). This one is GREAT for adults and kids - she is lovely.

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Mo Willems Lunch Doodles! on Youtube via the Kennedy Center Channel (episodes uploaded daily)

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Mo Willems Lunch Doodles! on Youtube via the Kennedy Center Channel (episodes uploaded daily)

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the kennedy center washington dc performing arts john f. theater plays music dance jazz ballet honors opera millennium stage national symphony orchestra jazz...

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Welcome to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts! As America's living memorial to President Kennedy, we're home to exciting theater, music, dance, opera, and cultural events from all around the world -- including free performances every day of the year, which you can watch live or any time on our web site.

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Chris Haughton FB live at 11am MST each day (replay available)

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Chris Haughton FB live at 11am MST each day (replay available)

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The book trailer for 'DON'T WORRY, LITTLE CRAB'. It comes out today in the UK/Ire. It's out in many other languages over the next months and the USA in April 2020. Animation: moth.studio Sound: Matt Wand ....hope you like it!

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The book trailer for 'DON'T WORRY, LITTLE CRAB'. It comes out today in the UK/Ire. It's out in many other languages over the next months and the USA in April 2020. Animation: moth.studio Sound: Matt Wand ....hope you like it!

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Emily Arrow (picture book inspired songs) live daily at 11am MST on YouTube

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Emily Arrow (picture book inspired songs) live daily at 11am MST on YouTube

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"childrens music" "music for kids" "picture books" storytime "online storytime" "music classes for kids" homeschooling "music lessons" education "elementary ...

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Emily Arrow is an award-winning children's songwriter and producer on a mission to inspire a young generation of artists, learners, and change-makers through the joy of music. Visit www.EmilyArrow.com to learn more & enroll in learning opportunities for all ages!

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Kenneth Oppel reading books on YouTube each day

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Kenneth Oppel reading books on YouTube each day

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Acclaimed Canadian Author Kenneth Oppel is reading first chapter teasers from his many novels on his YouTube channel.

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"kenneth oppel" silverwing airborn darkwing "this dark endeavour"

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Kenneth Oppel, author of The Silverwing Saga, The Airborn Trilogy & Darkwing

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Molly Idle reading the Mermaid Picture Book "Pearl"

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Molly Idle reading the Mermaid Picture Book "Pearl"

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Kelly DiPucchio reading "Gaston" on IGTV 

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Kelly DiPucchio reading "Gaston" on IGTV 

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Ivy and Bean, One Big Happy Family by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall, chapter 1

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Dreading the thought of being quarantined at home with your family? Author/Illustrator and microbiologist Dan Santat created a new fun online learning program for kids and parents to hopefully help fix that anxiety. He calls it the SANTAT ONLINE SURVIVAL SCHOOL FOR THE PANDEMIC Earn Badges. Learn skills. Don't panic! Dropbox updated with new content daily.

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Dreading the thought of being quarantined at home with your family? Author/Illustrator and microbiologist Dan Santat created a new fun online learning program for kids and parents to hopefully help fix that anxiety. He calls it the SANTAT ONLINE SURVIVAL SCHOOL FOR THE PANDEMIC Earn Badges. Learn skills. Don't panic! Dropbox updated with new content daily.

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Wonder & Learn with Kate Messner - listen to a read aloud and then do an activity from this author of more than 40 informative and engaging picture books

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Wonder & Learn with Kate Messner - listen to a read aloud and then do an activity from this author of more than 40 informative and engaging picture books

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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 seeing closings (and why that's important) for older readers.

Below, you'll find a growing collection of resources that include everything from first-chapter and picture book read-alouds (all shared with permission!) to drawing and writing mini-lessons. Be sure to check back often, as new resources will be added every day. If you'd prefer to browse learning-at-home resources by age group, my daughter Ella has put together the pages below, with even more resources, organized by grade level. (Thanks, Ella!)

Resources for grades PreK-2 (ages 3-7)
Resources for grades 3-5 (ages 8-10)
Resources for grades 6-8 (ages 11-13)
Resources for grades 9-12 (ages 14+)

Many teachers & librarians have also reached out to ask about permission to read books aloud to your students via closed platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, and unlisted YouTube links. Individual publishers have been sharing their own guidelines for online read-alouds, and you'll find a round-up of those here.

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of THE NEXT PRESIDENT: THE UNEXPECTED BEGINNINGS AND UNWRITTEN FUTURE OF AMERICA'S PRESIDENTS, illustrated by Adam Rex. Writing challenge: After the read-aloud, write your own presidential platform. What changes would you make to your country if you were in charge?

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of OVER AND UNDER THE POND, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal (shared with permission from Chronicle Books). After the read-aloud, look out your window - or step outside if you can - and see what hidden nature you notice!

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of THE BRILLIANT DEEP: REBUILDING THE WORLD'S CORAL REEFS illustrated by Matt Forsythe. 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!

OVER AND UNDER THE RAINFOREST, Kate's book with illustrator Christopher Silas Neal doesn't come out until August, but we got special permission to share an early read-aloud! After the story, check out this page with more information on the wildlife of Costa Rica, where Kate did most of the research for this book. Writing challenge: Write a short article to teach people about your favorite rainforest animal!

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!

Kate also shared this article about the python scientists, with photos and infographics.

Author & illustrator Grace Lin teaches viewers how to draw a Chinese Dragon and shares some tidbits about Chinese culture! You can find more of Grace's reading & drawing videos on her YouTube channel.

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 and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi shares a read-aloud of her picture book WHERE ARE MY BOOKS?, gives a drawing demo and challenges young readers to create their own imaginative squirrels, and shares a crowd-sourced "Where Are My Books?" music video. You can find lots of free, print-ready activities and other fun bonus info at https://www.debbieohi.com/wamb

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! For more of Nikki's read-aloud videos and lessons, check out her YouTube Channel here.

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!" You can find more of Grace's reading & drawing videos on her YouTube channel.

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 KA Holt reads an excerpt from her forthcoming middle grade novel-in-verse, BEN BEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER.

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!

And another video writing workshop from Chris, called Four Elements of Character. (This is an 8-minute video where you pause & write sometimes, so the full activity will take about half an hour. Recommended for writers ages 10 and up.)

Author Aisha Saeed shares a read-aloud of her picture book, BILAL COOKS DAAL, along with a related activity!

Author Emily Jenkins shares a read-aloud of A GREYHOUND, A GROUNDHOG.

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!

Author-illustrator James Burks shares a video lesson on how to draw Squirrel from his graphic novel series, Bird and Squirrel!

Author Kristen Larson shares an engineering design activity based on her book WOOD, WIRE, WINGS: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane.

Author Liz Garton Scanlon shares a video lesson on writing am ETHEREE - a ten line poem in which each line is one syllable longer than the last.

Author-illustrator Karen Romano Young shares a video doodling tutorial. You can also check out Karen's #AntarcticLog comics, a weekly series of comics about Antarctica - as well as the Arctic and anyplace where climate change is being studied.

Author KA Holt reads an excerpt from her novel-in-verse, HOUSE ARREST. Mini-lesson: listen for as many poetic devices as you can find (metaphor, simile, assonance, hyperbole, etc.)

Author Jennifer Roy shares a video read-aloud from her historical novel YELLOW STAR, along with a writing prompt about looking for symbols of hope in tough times, recommended for ages 10 and up.

Author Laurel Snyder shares some thoughts on fiction and making up stories, along with a read-aloud of CHARLIE AND MOUSE OUTDOORS.

Author Caroline Starr Rose reads her picture book, A RACE AROUND THE WORLD: THE TRUE STORY OF NELLIE BLY AND ELIZABETH BISLAND. When you've finished listening, visit the article, How to Pack Like Pioneering Journalist Nellie Bly, Who Circumnavigated the Globe in 1889 with Just a Small Duffle Bag, to see what Nellie brought on her journey. Challenge: Plan your own trip around the world. What would you like to see? Where would you like to visit? Mark these places on a map.

Author Corinne Demas shares a read-aloud of THE DISAPPEARING ISLAND.

Author Lauren Tarshis shares a read-aloud of the first two chapters of I SURVIVED THE SINKING OF THE TITANIC. After the read-aloud, check out this link to read about Robert Ballard, the oceanographer whose team discovered the wreck of the Titanic more than seventy years after it sank.

Author & poet Nikki Grimes shares poems about one of her favorite cakes, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, along with five steps to creating your very own poem about your favorite food! For more of Nikki's read-aloud videos and lessons, check out her YouTube Channel here.

Author Sarah Aronson shares a read-aloud of JUST LIKE RUBE GOLDBERG. And here's a FlipGrip page where kids can share their projects and ask questions.

Author Chelsea Clinton shares an excerpt from her book START NOW: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Author Bruce Hale shares a read aloud of BIG BAD BABY.

Writing Challenge: Write about the same experience in multiple ways (letters, poems, illustrations, and screenplay).

Bonus challenge: Write positive affirmations for your family members.

Author Sayantani DasGupta shares a read-aloud of the first chapter of THE SERPENT'S SECRET.

Author Deborah Underwood reads INTERSTELLAR CINDERELLA (illustrated by Meg Hunt) and gives kids a mini-lesson on how to write their own fractured fairy tales.

Author Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of UP IN THE GARDEN AND DOWN IN THE DIRT and answers questions from kids in a "Family Book Club" video recorded earlier this year (thanks to Read-Aloud Revival for making this recording publicly available for learning at home this spring!)

Author-illustrator Brian Biggs shares a read-aloud of his EVERYTHING GOES board books.

Author Jessica Young shares a read-aloud of HAGGIS AND TANK (illustrated by James Burks) with a mini-lesson on sound words.

Author-illustrator Brandon Reese shares a read-aloud of his picture book CAVE DADA. And here's a link to download a coloring page, too!

Here's a fun challenge from author Laurel Snyder ... She's written a brand new book, but doesn't have any pictures for it. Will you help? She'll read you the story of The Beastly Collective, and you'll draw your favorite animals, while she teaches you some brand new words!

Author Christine Evans shares a read-aloud of Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist, illustrated by Yasmin Imamura.

Author and illustrator Grace Lin shares a chapter from her book, The Year of the Dog. You can find more of Grace's reading & drawing videos on her YouTube channel.

Grace Lin teaches families how to draw a dog from the number 5 (just like in The Year of the Dog!)

Amy Guglielmo, co-author of POCKET FULL OF COLORS shares a read-aloud of her picture book biography of Disney artist Mary Blair. Art challenge: Collect a rainbow of colorful objects inside or outside as a fun follow up activity. Take part in the "Rainbow Hunt," and draw a picture of a rainbow to post in your window for neighbors to see on their daily walks.

Author Kerry O'Malley Cerra demonstrates an easy tool students can use to summarize. This tip can also be used for writers as chapter checks!

Japanese American author, Kathleen Burkinshaw reads a chapter from her MG historical fiction, The Last Cherry Blossom based on events in her mom's life as a 12 yr old in Hiroshima during WWII. Also learn a little about her mom's favorite Japanese folk tale. You can find a Discussion Guide on her website www.kathleenburkinshaw.co

Newbery Award winning author Meg Medina shares a writing lesson on Creating Tension.

Kerry Madden shares a read-aloud of ERNESTINE'S MILKY WAY.

Author Buffy Silverman shares On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring and a little science show-and-tell.

Author Diane Zahler shares a read-aloud of the first chapter of The Marvelwood Magicians and a writing prompt.

Abigail Rayner shares a read-aloud of The Backup Bunny.

Michelle Cusolito reads aloud her book Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN (illustrated by Nicole Wong) while Jeff Angeley of Southcoast Lessons provides live musical accompaniment. You can find more resources related to Flying Deep here.

Author Meg Fleming shares a read-aloud of her picture book, Sometimes Rain.

S.K. Ali, co-author of THE PROUDEST BLUE, shares directions for making a paper boat.

The niece and nephew of Cedella Marley read her book, Get Up, Stand Up, a picture book adaptation of one of Bob Marley's beloved songs that has a timely message for children: To counter injustice, lift others up with kindness and courage.

Author Lisa Yee talks about Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and reads passages from the book. Writing prompt for today: Do you think boys and girls can be friends?

Would you rather be an #astronaut or #aquanaut? Perhaps you need more info to decide. Check out Jen Swanson's video below. Then make your choice and draw a picture of your suit!

Author Jo Watson Hackl Shows How to Take Your Reading to the Next Level by Exploring the Natural World of Your Characters.

Author Heather L. Montgomery reads-aloud chapters from SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL.

Author Heather Shumaker offers a weekly author chat called Fiction Friday. She shares tips and ideas for writing fiction, reads a short excerpt from her middle grade novel The Griffins of Castle Cary, adds in a mini writing lesson, a few corny jokes, and encouragement to young writers and readers.

Author Christina Diaz Gonzalez talks about finding writing inspiration from your own family history (video is in English and then in Spanish).

Kate Messner shares a read-aloud of HOW TO READ A STORY, illustrated by Mark Siegel & shared with permission from Chronicle Books.

Author Kimberly Derting shares a read-aloud of CECE LOVES SCIENCE with permission from HarperCollins.

Author & science teacher Anne Ruppert shares a try-it-at-home fingerprinting activity from SOLVE THIS: FORENSICS (by Kate Messner & Anne Ruppert, published by National Geographic)

Author Jacqueline West shares a read-aloud from The Shadows, volume one of her bestselling MG fantasy/mystery series The Books of Elsewhere, along with a writing activity for you (and possibly your pet!) that will help you think about character and dialogue. For more info and other videos, visit her website! www.jacquelinewest.com.

Author Carter Higgins shares a read-aloud of BIKES FOR SALE with permission from Chronicle Books.

Author Deborah Underwood reads FINDING KINDNESS, illustrated by Irene Chan (Godwin Books/Macmillan, 2019).

Author Melanie Crowder reads a chapter from her middle grade novel, Three Pennies, and shares a quick and easy craft to go with it. Writing Challenge: Think of one of your favorite books-does an animal make an appearance in the story? In Three Pennies, the author writes several chapters from the point of view of an owl (named Owl). Try to add a chapter to that favorite book you've got in mind, writing from the point of view of an animal in that story.

Author Cynthia Levinson reads The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Thanks to Simon & Schuster Kids for permission.

Loree Griffin Burns, author of books like Citizen Scientists and the upcoming picture book You're Invited to a Moth Ball, shares her favorite book of all time: The Flora and Fauna of Hosmer Street. It's not a book she wrote, but rather one she made with her three kids. For one year, Loree, Sam, Ben, and Cat committed themselves to getting to know their animal neighbors; what they found surprised them. In this video, Loree show listeners a few of their best finds (garter snake! walking stick! a skeleton!), what they learned (the more you look, the more you see!) and, of course, how to start creating The Flora and Fauna of Your Place.

Many people have heard of the secret network that helped many enslaved blacks escape to freedom in the North called the Underground Railroad. But how many of you have heard about the Overground Railroad? Author Lesa Cline-Ransome reads from her book, The Overground Railroad, illustrated by her husband, James Ransome.

Author Kathleen Blasi reads HOSEA PLAYS ON, which depicts a day in the life of street musician Hosea Taylor, who made his community better, with his open-hearted giving. After the read-aloud, you can take a look at the newspaper article that inspired Kathleen to learn more about Hosea Taylor and served as the research springboard for HOSEA PLAYS ON.

Author Laya Steinberg reads her picture book THE BEST SUKKOT PUMPKIN EVER and shares a seed planting activity.

Author Jewell Parker Rhodes shares a read-aloud of the first chapter of GHOST BOYS.

Roy Freeman shares a read-aloud of CORDUROY, written and illustrated by his father, Don Freeman.

Author Nancy Tupper Ling shares a read-aloud, along with a lesson on how to make a list poem about your favorite place in the world.

Author Sarah Scheerger reads her picture book, Mitzvah Pizza, and shares a story about the real-life pay-it-forward pizza place that inspired the story. Classroom activities for the story are found here.

Writing Lessons! Many families are using this time at home to work on writing projects that range from stories and poems to special interest research reports and even novels. Here are some craft lessons from authors to help with ideas & strategies!
Author Meg Medina shares a video lesson on creating tension. Author Jennifer Torres shares a mini-workshop on setting with a video and pages to download. Here's a lesson from author Paula Chase on writing dual points of view. Author Josephine Cameron shares creative writing tips about how choosing the perfect setting can help you shape the character, plot, and relationships in your story.
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.

Author Victoria Coe has a playlist of writing lessons for kids with 25 lessons.

Author Sarah Darer Littman offers short readings and writing prompts on her website.

On the Kids Ask Authors podcast, you can hear author/illustrator Grace Lin and a guest author answer a kid question! Kids can submit their own book reviews, poems or jokes! https://www.kidsaskauthors.com Subscribe to the podcast here: http://ow.ly/8OPg30qr7WD

Erica S. Perl (@ericaperl) is doing a weekly Instagram live author event called "Winging It with Erica S. Perl" featuring read-alouds, writing prompts, and occasional shakings of a tail feather. Tune in every Tuesday at 2 pm EST and wish her good cluck!

The KidLit TV team, a group of diverse children's book authors and illustrators, has created a virtual library of FREE read aloud, drawing & writing tutorials, podcasts, art activities + reading resources for kids. https://kidlit.tv

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author & illustrator, shares daily drawing lessons on his YouTube channel.

Author Kathryn Hulick invites you to investigate a ghost story as a scientist, based on her book STRANGE BUT TRUE.

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!

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Read, Wonder, and Learn! Favorite Authors & Illustrators Share Resources for Learning Anywhere - Spring 2020

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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 .

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Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari, Daily FB Live at 3pm MST (replay available)

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Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari, Daily FB Live at 3pm MST (replay available)

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visit the animals of the San Diego Zoo in real time with their live cams.

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Visit the tanks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium using their live cams

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The Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program has played an important role in the continued recovery of the southern sea otter population with our research, rescue, rehabilitation, and surrogacy work.

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With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are. Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. Tune in to one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's web cams.

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BookFlix for Fiction/Non-Fiction Pairs, Literacy Place for shared reading, TrueFlix, ScienceFlix and Scholastic Go! for non-fiction information for research and fun.

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Scholastic Digital Solutions support K-12 classrooms and school libraries with a suite of engaging, instructional, and supplemental digital resources.

Resources

Search

Filter

Categories

Grade Levels

Science

Social Studies

Digital

3-6
TrueFlix

TrueFlix helps students strengthen literacy skills while building their science and social knowledge.

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Digital Solutions | Scholastic Education Canada

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Scholastic Digital Solutions support K-12 classrooms and school libraries with a suite of engaging, instructional, and supplemental digital resources. Categories Grade Levels Science Social Studies Digital 3-6 TrueFlix helps students strengthen literacy skills while building their science and social knowledge.

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Where are my Books? By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

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Where are my Books? By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

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Where Are My Books videos - Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Twitter: @inkyelbows)

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads, writes and illustrates for young people. Every once in a while, she shares new art, writing and resources; subscribe below. Browse the archives here.

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Narwhal & Jelly Coloring Pages, Jokes, Wordsearch

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Narwhal & Jelly Coloring Pages, Jokes, Wordsearch

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AHOY, there! Welcome to the FUN & FLOTSAM page! Here you can find oodles of awesomeness such as mazes, coloring pages, jokes, and general podtasticness. And now Emily Arrow's NARWHAL AND JELLY SONG!!! Below!

GOT A GOOD JOKE FOR NARWHAL AND JELLY? CONTACT NARWHAL (contact page) AND MAYBE IT'LL SHOW UP ON THIS PAGE!

What did one ocean say to the other ocean? (Nothing . . . it just waved.)

What fish is the most famous in the ocean? (The STAR fish!)

Why wouldn't the shark eat the clown fish? (Because the clown fish might taste funny.)

What do sea monsters eat? (Fish and ships!)

Where do fish sleep? (In a water bed.)

What do fish need to stay healthy? (Vitamin SEA!)

This joke was sent in by Kyle, and Narwhal thinks it is a harlarlious:

How many tickles does it take to make a jellyfish laugh? (Ten tickles!)

Thanks Mary Allison for this joke:

Why are fish so smart? (Because they swim in schools!)

And Morgan sent this one in:

I know a whaley great joke. It's a real kriller!

Thanks Selina for this mer-velous joke:

Who cleans the ocean? (the mer-maids)

And Eduardo sent Narwhal this one:

I used to search for seashells on the beach . . . until one day I pulled a mussel.

And here are some wail-y good ones from Amiella:

What do baby narwhals do when they want their mom? (They narWAIL!)

What do you call The Claw (aka Super Snap) before breakfast? (Crabby!)

What is a narwhal bookclub's favorite book? (Harry POD-er!)

What color did the octopus turn when the narwhal complimented her? (P-ink!)

Smera sent this hilarrrious joke:

Why couldn't the pirate learn the alphabet? Because he always got lost at C!

A joke from Eli:

Where does a fish keep its money? (The riverbank!)
Come back again soon! More fun to come!

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AHOY, there! Welcome to the FUN & FLOTSAM page! Here you can find oodles of awesomeness such as mazes, coloring pages, jokes, and general podtasticness. And now Emily Arrow's NARWHAL AND JELLY SONG!!! Below! GOT A GOOD JOKE FOR NARWHAL AND JELLY? CONTACT NARWHAL (contact page) AND MAYBE IT'LL SHOW UP ON THIS PAGE!

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Best Podcasts for Kids according to Common Sense Media (one of my favourite sites!)

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Best Podcasts for Kids according to Common Sense Media (one of my favourite sites!)

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Press play on podcasts: Whether you're new to podcasts or looking for something fresh to add to your queue, our (screen-free!) picks keep kids of all ages listening and learning.

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Greg Pizzoli reads at 9am MST daily on IG Live (replay available for 24 hours)

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Greg Pizzoli reads at 9am MST daily on IG Live (replay available for 24 hours)

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Printable Bunny Paper Dolls from illustrator @madison.safer - click next on the bottom right hand side to see a few more printable illustrations to colour. 

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Printable Bunny Paper Dolls from illustrator @madison.safer - click next on the bottom right hand side to see a few more printable illustrations to colour. 

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This is a collection of classic stories like Alice in Wonderland and original stories from Audible. You will still need an Audible account to access most contemporary titles.

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For teachers and parents, MindFuel has removed its subscription service to ensure maximum access to our award winning K-12 student engagement platform, which supports blended-learning with high quality STEM resources.  Students can explore the wonder of STEM by engaging in hundreds of resources including game-based learning, hands-on activities, real-world videos and animations, hands-on experiments and STEM career showcases.

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Earth and Space Science: learning topics include; environment, water, ecosystems, human impact, biodiversity, energy and alternative energy, sustainability.

Life Science: Learn about bacteria, cells, DNA, allergies and more

Physical Science: synthetic biology, nanotechnology, health science, etc.

Indigenous Ways of knowing: includes popular games like Build a Tipi, Fishing with Haley, Phases of the Moon, and You Bet your Hide, which teach topics like tensile force, air flow and insulation by exploring what makes a good, strong house using traditional, durable and portable Aboriginal tipis to create understanding.

STEM Career Showcases: enlightening career videos supporting girls and women in STEM featuring careers in artificial intelligence, paleontology, environment, medicine, space exploration, engineering and so much more.
And more...

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Earth and Space Science: learning topics include; environment, water, ecosystems, human impact, biodiversity, energy and alternative energy, sustainability. Life Science: Learn about bacteria, cells, DNA, allergies and more Physical Science: synthetic biology, nanotechnology, health science, etc.

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Calgary Public Librarians Storytime Online

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Calgary Public Librarians Storytime Online

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Join Calgary Public Library's Children's Librarians for a storytime on YouTube!

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Read, sing, and play together at home! Join our librarians as they read books from our collection and sing rhymes and songs. You and your family can follow a...

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A user-friendly site full of educator-vetted activities and resources for science, math, literacy, physical education, life skills and emotional well-being.

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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.

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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

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Free access to many Gale Databases, including the interactive Kids InfoBits database.

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From March through June, Gale temporarily opened access to several of our digital resources to help librarians, educators, and community members as they quickly adjusted to distance learning. Although temporary open access to Gale resources is no longer available, online learning-and our commitment to you-is stronger than ever.

If you enjoyed your experience with Gale resources, you can continue access in the following ways:

1. Check Access
You may currently have access to Gale's online learning resources through your public, school, district, or statewide library.Find out here.

2. Request Access
If you do not have access to Gale resources,let us know. We will reach out to explore options.

3. Get Help
Not sure what is next? We are here to help.Visit our support site for videos, tip sheets, and resource guides. Gale customers can also access training and promotional materials.

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From March through June, Gale temporarily opened access to several of our digital resources to help librarians, educators, and community members as they quickly adjusted to distance learning. Although temporary open access to Gale resources is no longer available, online learning-and our commitment to you-is stronger than ever.

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day by day plans to keep learning and growing at home.

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

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Ready to go lesson plans from Discovery Education for Grades K-6. These are engaging and comprehensive, and will appeal to a wide variety of kids!

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An extensive list of research databases for students in Alberta. For a limited time, no password is required. Some of our favourites are Britannica School, National Geographic Kids, PebbleGo and the PowerKnowledge Databases. Perfect for "Wonder Time" at home!

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Our Calgary Zoo is taking you behind the scenes with our animals, humans and conservation programs every day during our temporary closure to keep spirits high, and minds engaged.

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Welcome to the online Weekly Dose Series! We're taking you behind the scenes with our animals, humans and conservation programs to keep spirits high, and minds engaged.

Check out the archives for Daily Dose editions released during our temporary closure, and tune in weekly on Fridays for new weekly releases!

Be sure to also check out the Zoo Along With You parent resources - a hub of zoo-related activities to help engage your young people in and around your home, including an archive of Virtual Storytimes!

Follow along, and share your daily at home activities with us online using #followusatthezoo.

Find archived episodes here:

March archives      april archives      may archives

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Daily Dose and Weekly Dose Online Series

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Check out the archives for Daily Dose editions released during our temporary closure, and tune in weekly on Fridays for new weekly releases!

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Telus Spark is moving online and offering:
- DIY science experiments and activities
- Virtual tours and exhibit updates from inside Spark (thanks to robots, and social distancing contraptions!)
- Online challenges
- A collection of news, stories, and resources with science centre credibility and flair

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Hello inquiring minds!
Welcome to Spark Science from Home!

DIY experiments and citizen science

innovative online challenges

important science education content

Curated content from STEAM community leaders

In these times of trials and tribulations, Spark finds hope through curiosity, experimentation, problem-solving, community ... and, of course, play!

Here, Spark will share:

Spark will also connect you virtually to remarkable creators, scientists, artists, educators and builders to bring the world to you.

For Spark - this is an experiment too. Questions and feedback are welcomed!

The Spark at Home Team.

Subscribe to Spark's Youtube Channel for insider content, exclusive videos, and more science!
MATERIALS INQUIRY QUESTION
Let's get POPPIN' with a special fan request from two tiny Sparkians - the classic convection and hydrogen balloons science demos! 1. Can you pop a water balloon with fire? 2. What happens when you fill a balloon with hydrogen gas?

Try out this simple legen-dairy science with staple items in your own kitchen with a good ol' cuppa milk and white vinegar. Milk has a protein called CASEIN that's not soluble with acids, like vinegar - a common household ingredient. When mixed, you'll see an instant reaction separating the water content with long molecules and curdles that can be molded and shaped when cooled.

Will other acids like lemon juice work?
What would happen if you tried soy milk instead?

Sneeze the day with a bit of science! So what actually happens when you sneeze?
MATERIALS
A sneeze acts like a reset button. There are these things inside your nose called cilia that detects foreign substances and sends a signal to your brain! When you sneeze, you clear your nose and nasal cavity of things like dust, pollen, smoke, and even pepper!
INQUIRY QUESTIONS
Get your science gear and head to the kitchen! It's time for this classic at-home science experiment. Davis the chemist is brewing up an invisible fire extinguisher straight from his home laboratory - the kitchen!
The Fire Triangle
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Cup
Candle flame

Is carbon dioxide heavier than air?
How many flames can you extinguish with a cup of baking soda and vinegar?
Spark is bringing science to you!
Combustion reactions ignite when all three things are present:

If one of these items is missing, the fire triangle will be incomplete. Have you ever tried drawing a triangle with only two sides? Challenge accepted!
MORE AREA = LESS PRESSURE!
Take the pressure off by lying on a bed of 1000 nails! Learn the science behind one of Spark's beloved exhibit, the Bed of Nails.

Pressure is created when two things come in contact with one another. With an even distribution over a large surface area such as a bed, the weight of your body is distributed across many contact points.

Want to try this at home? Check out this super cool at-home replica from

MATERIALS

Tupperware containers

Labels

Markers

Water around you! (Ice, snow, etc...)

INQUIRY QUESTIONS
While families practice social distancing, we know how important it is to stay connected to the world around us.
To recognize UN World Water Day (Mar 22), why not explore the backyard or your neighbourhood to discover, sample, and talk about the water all around us?

Grab some containers, label them, bring spoons, miniature shovers, cups - or anything in the Tupperware cupboard - and get outside!

Why is it important to be protectors of water?

How much does water play a role in our daily lives?

What differences do you notice about different forms of water?

LEARN MORE>>
DIY: Lemon Battery

When life gives you lemons, MAKE A BATTERY! Watch how to complete an energy circuit using a lemon as a battery.

Carbon Dioxide Inflated Balloons

Mixing in everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda creates a bubbly and foamy reaction, perfect for a science experiment at home!

Liquid Nitrogen vs Balloons

What happens when you dip a balloon in liquid nitrogen?

To support the many members of the community at home during the coronavirus outbreak, these Spark Science at Home projects are free for anyone to access. Under normal circumstances, Spark depends on admission revenue to support science education. If you are able to contribute to cover the cost of producing content while Spark's doors are closed, please donate here . If you are already a donor or member, thank you so much for your support. Spark is a registered educational charity.

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Hello inquiring minds! Welcome to Spark Science from Home! DIY experiments and citizen science innovative online challenges important science education content Curated content from STEAM community leaders In these times of trials and tribulations, Spark finds hope through curiosity, experimentation, problem-solving, community ... and, of course, play!

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Explore the Glenbow Museum with interactive activities.

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While the museum may be temporarily closed, we still want to create opportunities for you to experience art outside of Glenbow's walls. We know art can provide inspiration, beauty and, most importantly, a sense of connection to the people and world around us.

We also know that having access to art and culture is an important part of our daily lives. While we can't be doing that in person at the moment, we're planning on bringing you the best of Glenbow online - through virtual tours, online collections, educational videos, activity ideas, webinars and more.

Here is our schedule so you can stay connected with us online. We will get through this together as a community. ❤️

Wednesdays, 10am: Content for school-aged kids (think a virtual tour through our rocks & minerals gallery with a member of our education team, our favourite art activities you can do at home, etc)

Fridays, 10am: Content for adults (think an online collection of art from our collection, webinar links, etc)

You'll be able to follow #GlenbowFromHome on all of our social media channels - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - or you can just check back in here as we'll be updating this post as well go along. We'll also be tagging content with #glenbow and #museumfromhome.

PS. Some of this online content might not be the quality you've come to expect from Glenbow, but we're creating it from home in the spirit of spontaneous inspiration, so we hope you'll forgive us!

Vivian Maier's Rolleiflex Camera

Friday, April 3
Today's #GlenbowFromHome is for all the Vivian Maier & photography fans out there. We're diving into some details about the Rolleiflex TLR, the camera that Vivian Maier used to capture some of her most famous (and her finest) photographs.

Vivian Maier's first camera was a modest Kodak Brownie box camera with one shutter speed, no aperture and no focus control. When she purchased her first Rolleiflex camera In 1952, at the age of 26, it changed her approach to photography. It was ideal for her style of street photography - because the camera is held at waist level, it allows the photographer to set up a shot while being much more inconspicuous. Over the course of her career Vivian used the Rolleiflex 3.5T, the Rolleiflex 3.5F, the Rolleiflex 2.8C, the Rolleiflex Automat and others. She also experimented with colour film, using single lens reflex (SLR) cameras, including a Leica IIIc, an Ihagee Exakta, and a Zeiss Contarex.

Glenbow's Rolleiflex camera is from our collection of education objects that can be handled

Ways of Looking: Finding Meaning in Art

Wednesday, April 1 (YAY, we made it to April!)
Today's #GlenbowFromHome project for kids is a video tutorial on finding meaning in art. We call this our Ways of Looking activity and if you have a kid who has been to Glenbow on a school field trip, they likely would have learned about this visual literacy method. This method not only helps teach critical thinking, but also helps make sense of the world around us. Try it out! And remember there are no wrong answers when it comes to looking at art.

Feel Good Gallery

Friday, March 27
For today's edition of #GlenbowFromHome we are releasing a small online gallery of artwork from Glenbow's collection. We've titled this the Feel Good gallery, a collection of works with the simple intention of making you feel good. Works that might transport you, help you breath deeper or maybe even cause you to crack a smile. Something we all need right now.

"There is no word for art. We say it is to transfer something from the real to the unreal. I am an owl, and I am a happy owl. I like to make people happy and everything happy. I am the light of happiness and I am a dancing owl." - Kenojuak Ashevak
Glenbow has been closed to the public since Friday, March 13. We know that art can provide inspiration, beauty and, most importantly, a sense of connection to the people and world around us. This is why we started #GlenbowFromHome; to provide you, our community, with a regular infusion of art and culture into your life.
Rocks & Minerals: Ammonite & Petrified Wood

Wednesday, March 25
This edition of #GlenbowFromHome is for all the kids learning from home! It features Glenbow educator Cory who will teach you about two of his favourite pieces in the Treasures of the Mineral World gallery, ammonite and petrified wood.

After you view this micro video tour, depending on the age of your child, you can ask and research these questions together:

The inland sea that Alberta's ammonites lived in is called the "Western Interior Seaway." What else lived in the Western Interior Seaway?

What are some of the species of mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, turtles, sharks, and other fish that lived in it?

How long did the Western Interior Seaway exist?

Why did it eventually drain away?

The Petrified Forest in Arizona dates to the middle Triassic period, about 225 million years ago. What was the environment in Arizona like back then?

How is it different from Arizona today?

What early species of dinosaurs lived in the Petrified Forest? What species of giant amphibians? What species of mammal-like dicynodonts? What species of crocodile-like rauisuchids and armoured aetosaurs?

What is the most common species found at the Petrified Forest?
Note: This video was shot on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, two days before we were closed to public.
Follower Participation!

Monday, March 23
It's follower participation day on the latest #GlenbowFromHome! If you'd like to play along, just check out our previous posts at the blog link below and stay tuned for more activities in the days ahead.

Our first batch of contributions are as follows: an amazing bike-chain sculpture from Greg tagged in response to our first post that was centered on Jeff de Boer's B arbed Wire Bronco sculpture; likewise Eva, age 6, and her dad were inspired by the story of Cyclone, the bronco in question; Insta-follower "@simplic" took us up on the Vivian Maier-style selfie challenge; as did Anna, who took the action into the great outdoors.

Coming up Weds - content from our 21st Century Learning resources for the kids and on Friday a video demonstration of a Rolleiflex camera (same kind Vivian Maier used).

Vivian Maier: In Her Own Hands

Friday, March 20
Glenbow Adult Education Coordinator Jennah Turpin walks you through four key aspects from the exhibition Vivian Maier: In Her Own Hands, which we'd really love for everyone to be able to see.

After you view the video tour, if you're feeling inspired, find a mirror in your home and try your best Vivian Maier-inspired self-portrait! Share your photo with #GlenbowFromHome. We can't wait to see what you come up with!!

For those of you who want more in depth reading on Vivian Maier, check out:

Our Vivian Maier Primer with all the links you could possibly need.

And this interview we did with Ann Morin, curator of the Vivian Maier: In Her Own Hands exhibition.

Barbed Wire Bronco

Wednesday, March 18
Glenbow educator Cory Gross shares the amazing true story of Cyclone, the horse that served as inspiration for Calgary artist Jeff de Boer's Barbed Wire Bronco sculpture in the museum's Mavericks gallery.

After watching this video, depending on the age of your child, you can ask and research these questions together:

Tom Three Persons was a Siksika cowboy. What can you learn about the Siksika people?

Where is the Siksika First Nation?

What important Historic Park is found on the Siksika First Nation and what happened there?

The events and the rules for the Calgary Stampede rodeo were different in 1912 than today. Cory mentioned one of those different rules for saddlebronc riding in the video.
What was it?

What events were part of the 1912 Calgary Stampede rodeo that aren't done today?

What events done today weren't done in 1912? What year did chuck-wagon racing become a Calgary Stampede event?

Here are some useful links to help with your research:
Glenbow's Niitsitapiisini Blackfoot Stories microsite: https://www.glenbow.org/blackfoot/EN/html/index.htm
Canadian Encyclopedia: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/.../.../blackfoot-siksika
Calgary Stampede History: https://www.calgarystampede.com/heritage

Feeling extra inspired by Cyclone? Create your own artwork inspired by this sculpture and share it with us using the hashtag #GlenbowFromHome

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While the museum may be temporarily closed, we still want to create opportunities for you to experience art outside of Glenbow's walls. We know art can provide inspiration, beauty and, most importantly, a sense of connection to the people and world around us.

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Check out the Calgary Philharmonics Livestream Library - the music could be the perfect backdrop to studying or play!

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Music is Everywhere, for Everyone

Our Live-Stream Library is the perfect way to enjoy the Orchestra from home

Each Season, the Calgary Phil presents classical masterworks, pop favourites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works.

Our Live-stream Library offers a wide array of these performances, and is free and open to everyone. We invite you to enjoy performances of works by Beethoven, Brahms, Stravinsky, and others, as well as superstar guest artists like Renée Fleming, Measha Brueggergosman, and Paul Brandt.

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Music is Everywhere, for Everyone Each Season, the Calgary Phil presents classical masterworks, pop favourites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works. Our Live-stream Library offers a wide array of these performances, and is free and open to everyone.

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Mac Barnett reading The Brixton Brothers on IGTV

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Mac Barnett reading The Brixton Brothers on IGTV