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Online Resources
Tips for Using Online Resources
To effectively utilize online resources with older kids, encourage open communication about their online activities, set clear boundaries for screen time and online safety, and actively participate in their online experiences. Focus on fostering responsible digital citizenship and supporting their creative exploration online.
Grade 6 to Grade 8 Resources
Epic Kids - 40K+ kids' books online, classic storybooks, audiobooks, comics and more
Prodigy - A math platform for grades 1 to 8 that adapts to the students skill level
TVO kids - Free educational games and programming
TVO Learn - Free online learning, a source of free curriculum-aligned resources
Popular Book Company - Educational Books and Videos
IXL - Provides personalized learning experiences in math, language arts, science, and social studies, with adaptive exercises and skill assessments
Brainpop - Offers animated ecucational movies, quizzes, and activities across various subjects, suitable for different learning styles
Code.org - Introduces students to computer science and coding concepts
Twinkl - Offers teaching resources, worksheets, assignments, slides, powerpoints, and printables
National Geographic - Features engaging articles, videos about animals, science, history, and the world
Scholastic Learn at Home - Offers day-by-day projects and activities to keep kids engaged in reading, thinking, and learning
Wonderopolis - Provides short engaging articles and activities that answer kids' questions about the world
Khan Academy - Offers free courses, exercises, and videos for various subjects, including math, science, and humanities, aligned with many curricula
Coolmath4kids - A fun and engaging platform for learning math concepts through games and activities
Typing Club - A great resource for learning touch typing with engaging lessons and incentives
Duolingo - Offers language learning through interactive lessons and games
Rosetta Stone - Offers immersive language learning experiences for a variety of languages
Here's a more detailed breakdown of tips for using online resourses:
1. Foster Open Communication and Trust:
Have regular conversations:
Discuss their online activities, favorite websites, and any concerns they might have.
Be approachable:
Encourage them to come to you with any issues or questions they encounter online.
Share your own online habits:
Let them see how you use the internet and discuss your own online safety practices.
2. Set Boundaries and Manage Screen Time:
Establish screen time limits:
Work with your child to set daily or weekly limits for device use and stick to them.
Create tech-free zones:
Designate specific times and areas, like during meals or in their bedrooms, where devices are not allowed.
Encourage unplugged activities:
Promote hobbies, sports, and other activities that don't involve screens.
3. Prioritize Online Safety and Digital Citizenship:
Discuss privacy settings:
Help them understand how to adjust privacy settings on social media and other platforms.
Teach them about online safety:
Explain how to identify and avoid scams, phishing attempts, and cyberbullying.
Emphasize respectful online behavior:
Remind them that the same rules of politeness and respect apply online as they do in person.
Monitor their online activity:
Stay informed about their online presence, especially on social media, by becoming their friend or follower.
4. Encourage Meaningful Online Engagement:
Explore educational resources:
Help them find age-appropriate educational websites, apps, and online courses.
Support their creative pursuits:
Encourage them to explore online platforms for creative expression, such as art, music, or writing.
Promote positive online interactions:
Encourage them to connect with friends and family online and engage in positive online communities.
Be present and engaged:
Watch videos or play games with them and discuss the content to foster deeper understanding and critical thinking.
5. Stay Informed and Adapt:
Learn about parental controls:
Familiarize yourself with the parental control features available on devices and platforms.
Seek support from experts:
Consult with school counselors, online safety organizations, or other resources for guidance.
Stay updated on online trends:
Keep abreast of new platforms and trends to better understand your child's online world.
Age-Appropriate Activities
For students in grades 6-8, engaging activities include interactive learning games, team-building exercises, and creative projects that encourage collaboration and critical thinking. Examples include brainstorming sessions, "Two Truths and a Lie" icebreakers, and building challenges using blocks or other materials.
Interactive Learning & Teamwork:
Think, Pair, Share:
Students discuss a topic with a partner and then share their ideas with the larger group.
Brainstorming:
Generating ideas as a group on a specific topic or question.
Team Building Games:
Activities like tug-of-war or puzzles promote cooperation and coordination.
Scavenger Hunts:
Working together to find items or complete tasks, fostering teamwork and problem-solving.
Group Projects:
Collaborative assignments that allow students to learn from each other and develop social skills.
Creative Activities:
Design a How-to Book/Presentation:
Students choose a topic they know well and create a guide for others, showcasing their knowledge and communication skills.
Personal Values Charades:
Students act out different values, enhancing their understanding of character traits and building empathy.
Building Block Challenges:
Students use building blocks to create structures based on challenges, improving spatial reasoning and coordination.
Digital Postcards:
Students create and send digital postcards, practicing their communication and design skills.
Story Building:
Students collaboratively create a story, encouraging creativity and teamwork.
Other Ideas:
Book Bingo:
Students read books and mark off squares on a bingo card, promoting reading and exploration of different genres.
Event Planning:
Students plan an event, from conception to execution, developing their organizational and leadership skills.
New Year Reflections/Resolutions:
Students reflect on the past year and set goals for the future, fostering self-awareness and planning.
Interview a Historical Figure:
Students research and interview a historical figure, developing their research and communication skills.
Celebrate a City:
Students research and present information about a chosen city, developing their research and presentation skills.