25 + Educational Ways To Keep The Kids Busy- From a Former Teacher
Ok, if I’m being honest I’m playing a little fast and loose with the term teacher. I never technically had my own classroom. But I do have just a few units left before I earn my Masters in Education, and I spent over a year in a local elementary school as an in-house sub. Plus I do have a current GPA of 4.0, meaning I know a thing or two or writing a lesson plan.
That said, I’ve had many years of experience learning how to create meaningful lessons for littles- ones that often use free, everyday resources that we all have at our fingertips.
So in the midst of this craziness, I thought I could share a few resources you can use while home with the kiddos over the next few- or several- weeks.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, just a jumpstart for those of us that have run out of ideas, so please share your resources below!
Good luck!
Online Resources
StoryTime at Awnies- FREE resource on YouTube that makes for great story time during the day
Scholastic Learn At Home- Recently launched in light of the current crisis. Scholastic is now offering free day by day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing
Pinterest- My go-to resource for finding easy, accessible hands-on ideas for learning
Khan Academy- FREE educational app for kids ages 2-7
PreKinders - FREE preschool lessons and activities
ABC Mouse- Educational games, books, and puzzles. Offering a FREE 30 day trial.
Speakaboos- Our favorite reading app. Great for kids ages 2-6
Cosmic Yoga- Our favorite streaming yoga class for kiddos
virtual field trips
Yesterday I shared a link to several virtual field trips on Instagram Stories, and they were a huge hit. Here’s that link, plus a few more:
learn a language
Rock n Learn Spanish- Songs to enforce learning
Rock n Learn French- Songs to enforce learning
10 Everyday Activities that enforce learning
Activity: Baking + Cooking // Skills Reinforced: Math, Number Sense, Science
Activity: Dancing // Skills Reinforced: Spatial Awareness, Motor Skills, Imagination, Flexibility, Coordination, Self-Expression
Activity: Make Music // Skills Reinforced: Motor Skills, Imagination, Self-Expression
Activity: Dress Up // Skills Reinforced: Practice Imagination, Creativity, Empathy, Fine Motor Skills, Problem Solving, Emotional Development
Activity: Soccer // Skills Reinforced: Hand Eye Coordination, Perseverance, Team Work
Activity: Plant a Garden // Skills Reinforced: Planning, Organization, Nutrition, Responsibility, Science, The Five Senses
Activity: Chores // Skills Reinforced: Teamwork, Responsibility, Planning + Time Management
Activity: Write a Handwritten Letter // Skills Reinforced: Handwriting, Fine Motor Skills, Empathy, Interpersonal Skills, Emotional Development \
Activity: Yoga // Skills Reinforced: Gross Motor Skills, Flexibility, Concentration, Calmness, Spatial Awareness
Activity: Art // Skills Reinforced: Patients, Creativity, Fine Motor Skills, Imagination, Self-Expression
Resources I’ve Bought
Lesson Plans
Here’s a lesson plan I created for first grade. It can be adjusted for different grades and skill level- but if there’s a specific grade you’re looking for, let me know and I’ll try to find one!
You can also find free lesson plans here.
