Parents across the country have quickly found themselves in an unexpected dilemma—schools and daycares are closed, and everyone’s at home. Health and safety are the top priority, but many are concerned about continuing their kid’s education while school is out.

How can I keep them focused (especially while I work on other things)? Are they getting enough activity? What about screen time rules? Do they miss their friends? It’s okay, we got you.

Here are some tips that you may find useful while trying to keep kids learning at home. We’ve also compiled a list of 15 incredible educational resources that cover various school subjects, creativity, imaginative stories, and more.

1. Try using a dedicated workspace. Being home during usual school time is a big adjustment. Try getting your kid in the habit of doing their school work or online learning in the same space every day (e.g. where they usually do homework).
2. Set or replicate their schedule. Structure plays a big role in how kids learn. It may be helpful to try replicating their school schedule, or setting a new one that works for you. For example, if they usually have spelling in math in the morning, you could try continuing that. Or if it’s easier for you to help them with math in the afternoons, make that the new routine.
3. Stay social. Let’s face it, we’re all probably missing our friends. Try coordinating with another family to schedule video chats during your kids’ usual lunch or recess time. They can catch up, share stories, and maybe even swap ideas about what they’re doing at home.
4. Be easy on yourself! These are all just suggestions, and everyone’s making a huge adjustment right now. More screen time isn’t the end of the world, and it’s okay to take a break from school if you or your kids need to. You’re a rockstar parent and only you know what’s best for you and your family.

Educational resources:

Khan Academy

A non-profit organization that offers free lessons in math, science, and humanities for children in kindergarten through early college. They’ve also created daily schedules for students aged 4-18 to help maintain structure at home during school closures.

Scholastic Learn at Home

Free, daily projects across multiple subjects, for kids in pre-k through 9th grade, to keep them learning and growing.

GreatSchools

A leading, national non-profit that provides free learning materials across subjects for kids in pre-k through 5th grade.

K5 Learning

Founded by parents who wanted better home-learning tools for their kids, K5 Learning provides free reading and math worksheets for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Jumpstart

Fun, educational, award-winning games and lessons for kids aged 3-12. They provide grade-based worksheets and activities for reading, English, math, and science.

Tinkergarten

Outdoor, play-based learning for kids aged 0 through 8+. Activities can be selected by age, time required, or subject including thinking skills, social and emotional skills, and body skills.

Helping with Math

Free, printable math worksheets in all topics for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade.

Kids Listen

A grassroots organization creating and curating podcasts for kids. Podcast content ranges from educational, fun stories, exploring imagination, and beyond.

FunBrain

A leader in free, educational games for kids in pre-k through 8th grade. They have hundreds of games, books, and videos for developing skills in reading, math, problem-solving, and more.

Kids Learning with the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian has an entire section on their website dedicated to kids’ education. Kids can play games, try new activities, meet the zoo animals, and learn about the intersection of science and art.

Easy Teacher Worksheets

A free resource for teachers, homeschoolers, and parents, with worksheets made for kids in pre-k through 12th grade, in subjects including math, science, language arts, social studies, and foreign languages.

Big History Project

A free, online social studies course for middle school and high school students. It starts with The Big Bang, covers many disciplines, and examines our past and present while imagining our future.

Creativity with Good Housekeeping

Get kids’ creative juices flowing with 50 DIY crafts that’ll keep them occupied for hours. Make your own jellyfish, tissue box monsters, thumbprint family trees, and more!

Adventure Academy

An online learning program, full of games and videos, for kids aged 8-13. It includes lessons for reading, math, science, and more, and the first month is free.

IXL

Individualized learning with a comprehensive curriculum for kids in pre-k through 12th grade. IXL includes lessons in math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish, and their membership model allows parents to curate relevant lessons.

Want more tips on keeping your kids active and engaged at home? You can find more exercises and fun activities here.