Free Online Library, Learning and Reading Related Resources by Christine Sharrock https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs Check back often as new resources are added regularly (color changes daily so you can see what's new since you last visited!) Please note I do not officially endorse, represent or have a legal connection with any of these resources or their publishers. en-us 2020-03-30 04:58:26 UTC 2023-05-17 02:05:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4da.png Newsela csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481268871 Newsela’s entire product suite is available to all teachers, free of charge, through the end of the school year. 
Visit Newsela's COVID-19 resource center, click “Get instant access”, and you’ll immediately see Newsela ELA, Newsela Science, Newsela Social Studies, and The Newsela Social-Emotional Learning Collection in your Newsela account. If you don’t have a Newsela account, you’ll be able to set one up in minutes. 
]]> 2020-03-30 05:02:55 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481268871 KiwiCo csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481272954 At-home resources for kids (and their grown-ups!).  A resource hub for parents to help support learning at home, with loads of stay-at-home educational activities for every age, tips from teachers on effective remote learning, and kid-friendly content that connects science with their daily lives. Includes an explanation of the science of handwashing, to help kids understand why it’s so important.
https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home]]> 2020-03-30 05:10:10 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481272954 Lightbox Interactive E-Books csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481286359 I highly recommend you take advantage of Lightbox's offer of temporary unlimited access to their 788 Interactive eBooks, even if it's just to have a quick look to see for yourself the amazing features these books offer!  (We have a few in the library and love the engaging online resources!)
Click the link below to request  unlimited access to the full digital library of Lightbox Interactive eBooks until August 1st, 2020.
Submit Request]]> 2020-03-30 05:33:00 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/481286359 Audible - Free Digital Books and Magazines https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482396646 Audible, part of Amazon.com, has released a collection of free audiobooks for children kept home from school. Click below (stories.audible.com/start-listen)]]> 2020-03-30 15:00:35 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482396646 Free Language Lessons https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482409501 Rosetta Stone UK is giving free access for schoolchildren to use its language courses for the next three months.  Click below (rosettastone.co.uk/lp/freeforkids/)]]> 2020-03-30 15:04:11 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482409501 State Library Databases: Quick Access to ProQuest, TeachingBooks and Encyclopaedia Britannica csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482611792 I will post a complete guide to accessing the above databases as soon as I can but, in a pinch, use the quick access page to start using them. You won't have access to all features but hopefully they'll still be useful.  This quick access is currently set up for teachers, parents, students, anyone to use until May 31st.]]> 2020-03-30 16:14:36 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482611792 Exercise! csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482995568 UK fitness guru, Joe Wicks, is something of a "PE teacher for the nation" but his workouts are going global!  The link below will take you to his first YouTube PE class for kids and students (and teachers!).  If you like it, you can easily find his other workouts on YouTube too  :)
Stay home and healthy!
P.S. Mrs. Sharrock is doing this every day - see if she looks fitter when you see her again!]]> 2020-03-30 18:59:57 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/482995568 Children's Book Council One Stop Shop for Online Publishers' Resources csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483477283 Children's book publishers have a wealth of online content that can be used year-round to help connect kids with books. To make these resources easier to discover and use, the Children's Book Council have collected many in one place. This resource page contains direct links to publisher websites so you can easily access and learn more about the amazing children's and young adult books and activities they have to offer. ]]> 2020-03-31 03:00:13 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483477283 Marcus Pfister Reads The Rainbow Fish, courtesy of NorthSouth Books csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483510164 Follow the link below for a special read aloud video of the classic story of The Rainbow Fish from author Marcus Pfister:
https://youtu.be/2jQTjTe42-0 
For more Rainbow Fish activities and information, visit:
 https://rainbowfish.us
https://northsouth.com
http://www.marcuspfister.ch/
]]> 2020-03-31 03:53:34 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483510164 Junior Library Guild at Home csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483564719 Go to Junior Library Guild for activities and resources to keep students engaged.  Look for the link to the Digital Elementary Stream (5th graders could check out the Middle School Stream too).  Also find details of upcoming Live Virtual Author Visits -- perfect for sharing with homebound students! ]]> 2020-03-31 05:30:41 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/483564719 Storyline Online https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/484795657 The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.  Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.  https://www.storylineonline.net/]]> 2020-03-31 15:52:16 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/484795657 Kids Discover: Free COVID-19 Access https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489798064 3 Months of Free Digital Access with code: FREETHREE
GAIN ACCESS NOW or click below.
]]> 2020-04-02 19:38:41 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489798064 Using Bubbles for STEAM Lessons (Kids Discover) https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489809244 Education Consultant Kristine Scharaldi shares some tried-and-true methods of teaching STEAM lessons while playing with bubbles. ]]> 2020-04-02 19:45:40 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489809244 Common Sense Media: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Google Classroom https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489843883 Learn how to set up Google Classroom -- from using privacy settings to preventing cheating -- to maximize your student's learning experience at home.  The link at the end of this panel will take you to the Guide specifically but there are lots of other resources available for parents and teachers at CommonSenseMedia.org.]]> 2020-04-02 20:07:03 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489843883 RebelGirls Podcasts https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489873676 New Episode: Temple Grandin
Listen to discover more about the girl who thought in pictures instead of words. When Temple was a girl, her parents realized she was different. Her mind was full of pictures of everything she’d ever seen or experienced. Temple was then diagnosed with autism. In the 1950s, doctors didn't know much about her condition, so they recommended that Temple be sent away. Temple’s mother insisted that she would thrive at home with the right support and the right education. Because of that courageous act, Temple grew up to change the world for millions of animals. Tune in to find out how she did it.
Previous episodes include Greta Thunberg (narrated by actress and activist Jameela Jamil), Julia Child (narrated by food critic Ruth Reichl) and Hedy Lamarr (narrated by actress Tatiana Maslany).  
]]> 2020-04-02 20:24:23 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/489873676 Bay Area Children's Theatre "Creativity Corner" csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/490294795 Explore BACT's Creativity Corner, with interactive adventures for kids who like to exercise their minds while having fun.  Click here to visit the Playborhood!  ]]> 2020-04-03 05:30:02 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/490294795 Didax Literacy Activity Packets csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/491854155 Free activity packets for grades K-8. Students will work on phonics, reading, and comprehension.  ]]> 2020-04-03 20:02:59 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/491854155 At-Home Learning Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493211548 KQED is offering an at-home learning response to school closures for all children and youth in California. This response includes a new educational schedule for broadcast on KQED Plus in the Bay Area as well as free corresponding digital learning media and activities for at-home learning. KQED is also providing support for teachers and parents in navigating this new learning landscape throughout the state.]]> 2020-04-05 12:59:39 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493211548 Epic! Digital Library for Kids csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493955688 E-mail Mrs. Sharrock (csharrock@srvusd.net) if you would like access to Epic's library of 35,000 books, audiobooks and learning videos from now until June 30th.  Parents can also sign up for a free 30 day trial at https://www.getepic.com/ ]]> 2020-04-06 04:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493955688 Field Trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium! csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493960379 Though they have closed their doors to the public for now so you can't visit in person, the Monterey Bay Aquarium continue to care for our ocean, and are still providing educational fun online for all to enjoy at no charge.
Dive into an underwater experience with a live webcam everyday from 7am to 7pm. Enjoy a variety of different ocean life right at your fingertips. Learn about different marine animals and our ocean. Discover free online and printable games and activities to do at home.
Click here or below to get started on their website.

]]> 2020-04-06 04:13:43 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/493960379 Contra Costa County Public Library: Summer Reading, Story Times, E-cards, etc. csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/495622079 The Library is currently only offering "front-door service" (you can place books on hold and pick them up later), but visit their website to get information about library cards, overdue books, digital resources and much more, including Online Story Times every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Sign up for an eCard anytime for access to many online resources at http://ccclib.org/get-a-library-card/
Access eBooks/eAudiobooks through OverDrive/Libby with an Instant Digital Card. Visit http://ccc.overdrive.com/ to sign up.
Learning resources available for families include Brainfuse, Explora, Learning Express, ABC Mouse, and others. Find the full list here: http://ccclib.org/resource/
And don't forget the "Dive Deep" Summer Reading program running until August 6th (click below).
]]> 2020-04-06 19:42:40 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/495622079 Lakeshore Free Resources csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/495687703 Printable worksheets, writing prompts, crafts and more.]]> 2020-04-06 20:29:17 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/495687703 Fun to Watch; Try Creating Your Own Version! csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/499608942 If you're feeling really bored, here's a fun video clip to watch. It might give you some ideas for construction projects of your own (but make sure you ask for permission to use any toilet rolls first!) ]]> 2020-04-08 22:49:44 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/499608942 Harry Potter At Home csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/499616800 Readers of all ages and their families can access Harry Potter-related activities and free downloads. Through April, users can get free audiobook and e-book versions of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, through partnerships with Audible and OverDrive.  Crafts, quizzes and other activities will be available on the hub and through an associated newsletter, all to be updated weekly on “Wizarding Wednesdays.”]]> 2020-04-08 23:01:26 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/499616800 Lee & Low Virtual Read Alouds and Activities csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/501378296 Publisher Lee & Low are building a growing library of authors reading their books aloud. Visit their YouTube Read Aloud Playlist to see them all. 
You can also follow Lee & Low on Instagram and/or Facebook to see an easy, fuss-free Activity of the Day inspired by (but not requiring) one of their books. For example, you could make a Bad Day Toolkit, inspired by Sally J. Pla's book,
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me. (Watch the virtual read aloud here.) ]]> 2020-04-09 23:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/501378296 Mo Willems: Lunch Doodles csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/503217934 A chance to hang out with Mo Willems in his studio. Lots of fun, doodling and chatting with the famous author/illustrator of the Pigeon books (and Elephant and Piggie books, and Knuffle Bunny books, and... lots more). The link below takes you to Episode 1 recorded on 3/16/20 (where Mo shares the original artwork for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and shows you how to draw the Pigeon); you can easily search for other episodes on YouTube.)]]> 2020-04-12 00:44:48 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/503217934 The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito: Online Learning Resources csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/503734809 Online learning resources intended to aid families and teachers in guiding children of all ages to learn more about marine mammal health, science and conservation.]]> 2020-04-12 19:37:11 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/503734809 Khan Academy Kids csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/504996901 Resources for preschool, kindergarten, & 1st grade students including daily schedules for home learning, printable activities for teachers and parents, e-books, etc. The app is free for everyone and available for iOS and Android.]]> 2020-04-13 17:52:39 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/504996901 At-Home Learning with Crayola csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/513739388 All sorts of digital resources including art-infused lesson plans, parent resources and free family projects every Monday.]]> 2020-04-17 21:23:41 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/513739388 Common Sense Media - Wide Open School Virtual Summer Camp csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/519020011 Our new site, Wide Open School, offers a huge range of free, grade-based activities to keep kids busy and learning all day. At Virtual Summer Camp, kids can explore lessons in STEM, music appreciation, language arts, art and creativity, and more—all designed to stimulate curiosity, deep thinking, self-awareness, and joy. Summer themes include Animals, Plants and the Planet, Self-Expression and Story-Telling, and Space, Exploring, and Experiments—start now. ]]> 2020-04-21 02:01:38 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/519020011 Candlewick Press - "Stay at Home" Resources csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/521336117 including a downloadable Coronavirus book for children
Activities, videos, book clubs, podcasts and more, featuring authors and book characters you'll all know -- Kate DiCamillo, Mercy Watson, Timmy Failure, Waldo...
You can also download an informative and accessible guide for young readers, Coronavirus: A Book for Children, which defines the coronavirus, explains why everyday routines have been disrupted, addresses key questions with child-appropriate answers and explanations, and details how everyone can do their part to help. ]]> 2020-04-21 20:16:19 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/521336117 Laughs & Live Drawing with Ben Clanton, author/ illustrator of the Narwhal & Jelly series csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/542919947 Recorded Thursday, May 07, 2020 at 12:00 noon
Author/illustrator Ben Clanton brings his beloved deep-sea duo Narwhal (the happy-go-lucky Unicorn of the Sea) and his pal Jelly (the blue worry-wart jellyfish) straight to you in this exclusive webcast. Learn the story behind these underwater besties and their aquatic adventures, plus meet Otty the Otter, whose adventurous spirit wows Narwhal but leaves Jelly feeling a little iffy. Join us as Ben reads from the latest book in the series, Narwhal's Otter Friend, and sketches his famous characters!
Target audience grades K-2 but all are welcome! Visit juniorlibraryguild.com/virtual-visits]]> 2020-04-30 19:39:07 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/542919947 TamingGaming.com: Family Video Game Database csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/547238976 A unique way to find games for children, teenagers and young adults. Every game is presented for parents and carers to empower informed choice.
The database is supported by the Get Smart About PLAY campaign, that provides parents, carers and guardians with the information they need to get the most out of the games they play. ]]> 2020-05-03 17:16:44 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/547238976 Top Podcasts for Kids csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/581025782 There are a lot of great podcasts out there for curious, young listeners and they’re a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged, while limiting screen time. Here are some favorite choices from Staples  — plenty of options for all ages on a variety of topics, from science to storytelling to just plain fun!]]> 2020-05-18 21:00:12 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/581025782 J.K. Rowling Releases New Children's Book Online, and Announces Illustration Competition csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/595516233 Beginning May 26th, J.K. Rowling is releasing an unpublished manuscript online, chapter by chapter, every weekday through July 10. The Ickabog (a standalone fairy tale that has nothing to do with the Harry Potter universe) will be published in November, and Rowling is conducting an international competition for children to illustrate it.  Find out more by clicking below.]]> 2020-05-26 19:07:46 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/595516233 Elementary Enrichment with East Bay Students in Service csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/629176624 Hello everyone! We are East Bay Students in Service, an organization of high school and college students in San Ramon working to assist our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that kids at home can feel isolated from their friends and support systems. So, starting the week of June 29, we are offering an elementary enrichment program! These are totally FREE, virtual weekly sessions led by our team via Google Meet, where your student can participate in fun and educational activities with friends. If your child is interested in joining us, sign up at tinyurl.com/yap6lzqm! If you are interested in Students in Service, you can find more information at https://sites.google.com/view/studentsinservice/home.]]> 2020-06-16 15:48:35 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/629176624 Lindsay Wildlife Experience: Virtual Summer Camps! Sessions begin July 20 csharrock1 https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/652078219 Calling all budding nature lovers! Our new e-camps are the perfect way to learn about wildlife in a fun, educational and interactive online environment! 
Crafted by our team of wildlife education specialists, these nature-themed online camps will keep kids busy with challenging projects ranging from bee hotels to desert habitats. Each camper will be provided with a kit in advance of the camp session. A computer with an internet connection, web camera and microphone is required.
Choose from these hands-on camps:
July 20: Build a Bee Hotel. For ages 4-6
July 22: Eggs — One Size Does Not Fill All! For ages 5-10
July 27: Build a Solar Powered Car. For ages 10-14
July 29: Desert Dwellers. For ages 7-10
August 3: Build a Bat House. For ages 7-10
August 5: Slithering Snakes. For ages 7-10
Camp sessions run from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. with the exception of the solar powered car camp, which runs from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. 
Join us for some virtual summer fun!]]> 2020-07-10 22:53:31 UTC https://padlet.com/csharrock1/uqxjxh5ilugs/wish/652078219