It’s summertime and pandemic or not, parents are doing the very same thing we were doing pre-pandemic…looking for ways to keep our children entertained in healthy and productive ways.  While the past 15 months brought us a lot of tough moments, online learning and interactive opportunities have expanded in number and variety.  You’ll be happy that your kids will have a jumpstart on next year.

Enjoy this short list of FREE resources and share with friends.

• Learn how to code with org

Get started with coding today! This app offers free courses and activities at all age and skill levels. This app is a great way to get your kid interested in coding and computer programming, without overwhelming them.  Try Code Bytes – quick mini lessons. And join millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries who participate in an Hour of Code. These one-hour tutorials range from Dance Party to Minecraft to learning about AI (artificial intelligence).  Find more here on the code.org site.

• Consider a Geocaching challenge. If you haven’t heard of this latest trend that melds science, technology and nature, it’s time to get started.  Start your search for more than 2 million geocaches with modern day treasure hunting in Texas State Parks. https://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/activities/outdoor_recreation/geocache/
• 4-H Camp at Home. You’ve heard of 4H – and now they offer educational activities you can do at home under varying levels of supervision. Enjoy free activity guides on topics ranging from animal care to growing beans in a bottle to financial literacy and college readiness. https://4-h.org/about/4-h-at-home/
• Crafting! Spending dedicated time creating something beautiful is an incredible way to focus and relieve stress.  Check out these free online arts and crafts classes offered by Michael’s craft stores. https://www.michaels.com/onlineclasses#curated_tours_list_name=Michaels_Online_National_Classes
• Culinary experience Lettuce Cook joins the many options for free online cooking classes. In addition to free Covid-19 classes, you can also register and pay for summer camps and private instruction. https://lettucecook.net/free-covid-19-lessons
• Looking for exercise that actually relaxes you? Check out Cosmic Kids Yoga https://cosmickids.com, which offers several free programs online and on You Tube. Of course, you can opt for a subscription, but start getting the health benefits now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbCjkPlsaes&list=PL8snGkhBF7ngiFwW6-b9aV5eCgY0FAAB4&index=4
• org is a great resource for parents who want to know more about how to avoid the “summer slide” and even has specific programming in summer science and summer reading. Kids 3-12 can pick a topic they are interested in and find books, activities, and videos that make learning fun and interactive on their own terms. Topics vary from civics and math to dinosaurs and fairy tales. https://www.startwithabook.org/