For schools that are doing remote learning this Spring Break there are lots of options for teachers to find materials, resources, and activities that will delight your students and that families will love. Each will be available at no cost during school closures.
Thrively
Thrively gives every child a strength-based assessment that uncovers the student’s talents, interests, and abilities. It also shows them via short videos the kind of lives and careers others have pursued who have similar strengths. Next, Thrively shows them how to pursue their interests via face-to-face and online activities, videos, experiences, and apps to inspire and challenge students- all personalized to their unique strengths. Finally, Thrively provides a digital portfolio for students to capture and share their accomplishments.
Genius Matters
Consider "Genius Matters: A Framework for Epic Transformation." This is an interactive guide by Angela Maiers that brings teachers and their students on a journey via 20 lessons which you can do daily, biweekly, weekly or whatever works best for your student’s learning environment.
Lessons address topics such as how to find your genius, how to connect with others to help you build your genius, how to collaborate effectively, and how to share your genius with the world.
Spring Break is the perfect time to help students find their genius.
Wide Open School
Common Sense created a powerful resource for teachers, students, and families called Wide Open School. It helps make learning from home an experience that inspires kids, supports teachers, relieves families, and restores community.
More than 25 organizations came together to support this effort and more are joining. Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense.
PBS / WNET
Digital media resources from WNET/PBS can be used to enhance remote learning such as:
- PBS Kids has apps and resources designed for younger learners, preK-2.
- PBS LearningMedia quick-start guide, to introduce you to the features of the site and help you find the right resources for your students.
- Mission US, a free online gaming series that immerses students in grades 5-8 in US History content.
- For students without consistent access to the Internet and devices, WNET can also provide meaningful learning experiences through our broadcast channels (Thirteen, WLIW, and NJTV), with tips to help families make TV time learning time.
EverFi
EverFi empowers educators to bring real-world learning into the classroom and equip students with the skills they need for success–now and in the future. Their interactive, standards-based curricula feature lessons and built-in reporting.
cross posted at The Innovative Educator
Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) has worked as a public-school educator and administrator since 1997. She is a prolific writer best known for her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator. Nielsen is the author of several booksand her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times,The Wall Street Journal, Tech&Learning, and T.H.E. Journal.
