Distance Learning Resources
Plano ISD Council of PTAs - August 2020
PURPOSE
Plano ISD Council of PTAs inline with our mission to engage, educate and empower our entire community so that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential have worked to gather resources across platforms and subject areas. Please note that while we have made an attempt to vet the resources, links change and break, websites are ever-evolving, and we are not endorsing one website or application over another.
Plano ISD Provided Resources
PISD Website for At-Home Learning Support - https://www.pisd.edu/athomelearning
Plano ISD District Updates - https://www.pisd.edu/covid-19updates
COVID-19 Communications & Information - www.pisd.edu/healthupdate
COVID-19 Resources - www.pisd.edu/closureresources
PISD How to Help - https://www.pisd.edu/howtohelp
National PTA Provided Resources
The resources listed on this page have been divided into the following categories:
Distance Learning | Talking to Kids About COVID-19 Resources | Google Classroom | Connectivity Resources | Video Meeting Resources | Educational Websites - Multiple Topics | Educational Apps | Physical Exercise | Stress Relief & Maintaining Focus | Teaching the Value of Fact Checking | Help with Math & Science | STEAM Opportunities | Science Opportunities | Math Opportunities | Writing Opportunities | Reading/Listening Opportunities | General Activities | Foreign Language Opportunities | Advanced Placement Study Tools | Enjoying the Visual Arts | Enjoying the Performance Arts | Go on Virtual Adventures | Play Virtual Games | Learn Something New | Art Projects | Outdoor | Parenting Podcasts
Distance Learning & Return to School
- https://www.teacherlists.com/
blog/parent-corner/home- learning-setup-ideas-and-tips/ - https://www.
goodmorningamerica.com/ backtoschool - https://www.childrens.com/
covid-19/for-patient-families/ back-to-school-guidance - https://www.childrens.com/
health-wellness/back-to- school-anxiety-during-covid-19 - https://www.childrens.com/
health-wellness/how-to- support-athletes-through- season-changes-during-covid-19 - https://www.childrens.com/
health-wellness/how-to- support-your-childs-at-home- learning
Talking to Kids About COVID-19 Resources
- https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/
25/app-news-section/cnn- sesame-street-coronavirus- town-hall-april-25-2020-app/ index.html - https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
- https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus
- https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
- Parent Mental Health https://www.checkupnewsroom.
com/parenting-is-hard-ask-for- help/ - Parent and Student Mental Health Resources - https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/13/texas-schools-mental-health-resources/
- Learning About the Coronavirus: Resources for Children and Families - https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/resources/coronavirus-resources-for-children-and-families/
- The 2020 Parent’s Guide
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PDVZvie0DnFbFEVFB8U3j89o1mD5BCUXTE6ymbb9y_k/mobilepresent
- Reviews.com - Internet Programs for Low-Income Students
https://www.reviews.com/jobs-and-education/education/internet-options-for-students/ - Low-Income Internet Guide
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/low-income-internet-guide
- Zoom for Kids: How to set up the Zoom App for students and parents
https://youtu.be/d7xXZxRDFUU
Educational Websites - Resources for Multiple Topics
- Khan Academy - Resources range from creating a schedule to maintain routines, early childhood education all the way through AP classes.
https://www.khanacademy.org/ - TedEd - video lessons and series by educators designed for kids
https://ed.ted.com/lessons?content_type=animations+talks&direction=desc&sort=publish-date&user_by_click=student - TedEd @Home Newsletter - Sign-up for a daily newsletter to see what is available for your students from kindergarten - college
https://ed.ted.com/daily_newsletter - Amazing Educational Resources - this is a living public spreadsheet with a ton of resources for you to find exactly what you need.
http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/ - Scholastic Learn At Home - Many Integrated Learning Opportunities for all subjects from Pre-Kindergarten - 9th grade
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html - CK-12 - Subject areas include math, science, and social studies for Kindergarten - College plus special interest topics including photography.
https://www.ck12.org/student/ - Starfall - Many learning opportunities for Pre-Kindergarten - 3rd grade
https://www.starfall.com/h/ - Time for Kids - Journalism Designed for Kids
https://www.timeforkids.com/ - Kids Discover - Current events, science, geography and more presented in appealing videos for all ages
https://online.kidsdiscover.com/ - School House Rock YouTube Channel - All the Videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KiZzoWB0Wdq3xiTQzmFlw - https://bealearninghero.org/ - Scroll to the bottom to see learning tools in many subjects and grade levels for both Parents and Students
- https://www.schools.nyc.gov/
learn-at-home/activities-for- - Resources for PreK - 12th; Multi-lingual; and Special Education; PE - This page is from the Education Department of New York but much of the resources are universal.students - https://learnzillion.com/
resources/73932
Educational Apps - Apps for iPhones and Androids
- Common Sense Media - Mostly Apps for Apple Devices - Some Android and Website options
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/free-educational-apps-games-and-websites
- Online PE Classes
https://sports-safety.hss.edu/courses - Training at Home Resources
https://blog.teamsnap.com/general-sports/how-to-train-at-home - Physically Active activities to do in your own backyard or home
https://activeforlife.com/ - Apps to Help Get Kids Active
https://activeforlife.com/6-apps-to-get-kids-active/ - Kidz Bop Dance Along Videos
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMr-d2PLsO95ydptpBnsxdQNSKc9iUNU0 - Cosmic Kids Yoga
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga - Go Noodle - Indoor Energy Releasing games
https://www.gonoodle.com/ - YMCA Online Classes - No membership Required
https://ymca360.org/ -
Plano Parks & Rec - ways to stay healthy and active
Stress Relief & Maintaining Focus
- Common Sense Media - Stress Relief Apps - Many for Apple platforms; some for Android and other platforms
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/meditation-apps-for-kids - Common Sense Media - Attention Focusing Apps - Many for Apple platforms; some for Android and other platforms
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-to-help-kids-stay-focused - Common Sense Media - Time Management Apps - Many for Apple platforms; some for Android and other platforms
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/top-time-management-apps - Podcast - Growth Mindset focused https://
biglifejournal.com/pages/ podcast - Social-Emotional Learning tools (designed for teachers but could be used by parents, too) https://jenniferfindley.
com/free-daily-check-in- google-forms-distance- learning/
Teaching the Value of Fact-Checking
- Common Sense Media Article
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/teaching-kids-media-smarts-during-breaking-news
Parents may want to use this first to brush up on the latest concepts in math and science before handing the apps over to the kids just to stay in the know.
- Common Sense Media Recommended Apps (Mostly Math)
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-that-act-like-math-and-science-tutors-for-homework-help - Khan Academy - has help for our parents and students alike on a variety of topics
https://www.khanacademy.org/
- PBS Design Squad for 2nd - 8th grade
https://pbskids.org/designsquad/ - 30 Days of Legos!
https://theshirleyjourney.com/lego-play-free-printable-calendar - Disney Imagineering in a Box
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/walt-disney-imagineering-partners-with-khan-academy-to-bring-you-imagineering-in-a-box/ - Pixar in a Box
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar -
STEAM Resources from Destination Imagination
- Free Mini Science Lessons from Kindergarten - 5th grade
https://mysteryscience.com/school-closure-planning - Kennedy Space Center Video Playlists
https://www.facebook.com/pg/KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex/videos - Two Weeks of Science Experiments
https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/here-are-two-weeks-worth-of-fun-and-easy-science-experiments
- Prodigy Math - Game for up to 8th grade where math problems are solved in order to interact with the game play
https://www.prodigygame.com/ - Math Game Time covering math topics from Pre-K to 7th grade
http://www.mathgametime.com/ -
Elementary Math Resources https://blog.
reallygoodstuff.com/45-fun- math-ideas-from-teachers/
- Take advantage of the Free Rebel Girls Journal offer for girls from 6 - 12. In addition to writing and drawing prompts, there are activies for inside and outside that your whole family might enjoy.
https://www.rebelgirls.com/collections/rebel-girls-at-home/ - Writing Prompts and Writing Tips from Kate DiCamillo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA1CTuZ27Bs&feature=emb_title - Story Starter - Random Prompts available at the push of a button
http://thestorystarter.com/junior.html - What’s Going on in This Picture - Create your own caption and compare your idea with other students
https://www.nytimes.com/column/learning-whats-going-on-in-this-picture
Reading/Listening Opportunities
- See how many of the books kids should read before they are 12 each member of the family can check off!
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/50-books-all-kids-should-read-before-theyre-12 -
Online resources from the City of Plano Library System including classes and story times
- Plano Public Library Options
Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/planolibrary/- Storytime
- Rhymetime
- Dance Parties
- Science Experiments
- And more! Check it out each day for live videos and recordings!
- Several Authors are reading their books online
- Audio Books
- Audible.com - As long as schools are closed, Audible.com is offering free listening opportunities. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen - Little House in the Big Woods of the Little House on the Praire Series
https://tokybook.com/little-house-big-woods/
- Audible.com - As long as schools are closed, Audible.com is offering free listening opportunities. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
- Start a new kid-friendly podcast. Find a curated list from the Today Show below.
https://www.today.com/parents/10-best-podcasts-kids-t170569 - Welcome to Wonderopolis®, a place where natural curiosity and imagination lead to exploration and discovery in learners of all ages. Each day, we pose an intriguing question—the Wonder of the Day®—and explore it in a variety of ways.
https://www.wonderopolis.org/ - Story Online on Youtube (includes Spanish)
https://www.youtube.com/user/StorylineOnline -
Elementary - Stories Read Outloud in the language of your choice https://www.
uniteforliteracy.com/ Elementary or Junie B. Jones fans https://www.readbrightly.com/junie-b-jones-activities- printables/
- A variety of FREE worksheets for Kindergarten - 5th grade basically focused on Math & Reading but also for Cursive
https://www.k5learning.com/free-worksheets-for-kids - Free worksheets and other resources from scholastic for Pre-K through 8th grade
https://teachables.scholastic.com/teachables/learn-at-home. html - Josh Gad who might be better known as Olaf from the Frozen movies, reads several children's books on Twitter each night and this site has them all in one place
https://cincinnatiparent.com/story-time-with-josh-gad-the- voice-of-olaf - Coloring and Activity Pages for kids to adults FREE from Crayola
https://www.crayola.com/featured/free-coloring-pages/ - Walking Scavenger Hunts made by Mae Reedy, Weatherford PTA President
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ug9nmr7o3nahm79/Walking%20Scavenger%20Hunts.pdf
Foreign Language Opportunities
- Duolingo - Learn one or more of 36 different languages for free
https://www.duolingo.com/
Advanced Placement Study Tools
Advanced Placement testing is still being planned to take place. It will look different but there are still plenty of reasons to study for the tests.
- Fiveable - Free resources to help prepare for the AP
https://fiveable.me/ - AP Study Resources - https://apstudents.
collegeboard.org/coronavirus- updates
This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill or to broaden a current one individually or as a family.
Art Lessons
- https://www.youtube.com/studiojjk
- https://www.facebook.com/makepaducah
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGM_VhNXMmo
- https://homeschoolhideout.com/art-lessons-on-youtube/
- https://www.creativebloq.com/
free-kids-drawing-lessons
This is a great opportunity to take in the arts as a family to be used as a conversation starter or a bridge into a brand new experience
- Common Sense Media Music Apps & Games - Many for Apple platforms; some for Android and other platforms
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-music-apps-and-games-for-kids - Common Sense Media Best Documentaries - Not all of these are available but are great to reference for the future. The site will look to find where the videos are available to stream or for rent/purchase.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-documentaries - Common Sense Media curates TV Shows that multiple ages will enjoy watching together - The site will look to find where the videos are available to stream or for rent/purchase.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/sibling-watch-together-tv - Common Sense Media curates movies that the whole family can enjoy watching together - The site will look to find where the videos are available to stream or for rent/purchase.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-lists/family-movies-we-love - Broadway Musicals & Plays to watch at home via rental, purchase or streaming
https://www.playbill.com/article/15-broadway-plays-and-musicals-you-can-watch-on-stage-from-home - Educational Programming on Netflix
https://homeschoolhideout.com/educational-shows-on-netflix/ -
Plano Symphony musical activity website
This is a great opportunity to check out places you may want to see in person in the future - national parks, museums, and cities are at your fingertips.
- National Parks
- https://crafty.diply.com/121060/you-can-virtually-tour-a-whole-bunch-of-national-parks-from-your
- https://www.insider.com/national-parks-america-virtual-tours-3d-visit-2020-3
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
- https://totallythebomb.com/heres-33-national-park-tours-you-can-take-virtually-from-the-comfort-of-your-home
- Museums & other Historic Sites from Around the World - These museum tours may have an artistry that is not appropriate for all viewing audiences. Parents are strongly encouraged to view the virtual tours first before sharing them with their family.
- https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/14-virtual-museum-to-visit-during-social-distancing-and-quarantine-2905827/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2020/03/18/these-historic-sites-attractions-are-offering-virtual-tours-during-coronavirus-pandemic/
- https://interestingengineering.com/11-science-and-tech-museums-you-can-tour-virtually
- https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-white-house
- International Cities
- Virtual Field Trips
- Theme Park Rides
This is a great opportunity to connect as a family by playing games together online or socially through online board games.
- Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflNxNM0jzbZJjUqOcXkwhGTfii4CM_CA3kCxImbY8c3AABEA/viewform - Online Board Games
https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2020/03/18/board-games-online-with-friends
https://lifehacker.com/you-can-play-these-games-online-with-friends-1842347093
Learn a new life skill
- Touch Typing
https://www.typingclub.com/ - Sewing
https://www.sewasoftie.com/
- https://theartofeducation.edu/
2020/05/12/5-ways-to-use- notebook-paper-to-create-art/ - https://theartofeducation.edu/
2020/04/10/6-art-activities- that-require-minimal-supplies/ - https://theartofeducation.edu/
2020/04/01/8-ways-to-use- toilet-paper-tubes/ - https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZutxI1UnH9N3Fh_TeQ4Kw/featured
- https://planomoms.com/the-top-
30-things-to-do-in-june/ - https://happyhooligans.ca/fun-
things-kids-do-at-home-this- summer/ - https://kidsgardening.org/
- http://cityblossoms.org/resources
- https://www.lifelab.org/
- https://netgeneration.usta.com/us-en/tennis-at-home.html
- https://www.geocaching.com/play
- The Growing Brain
https://momentousinstitute.org/blog/archive#podcasts
