JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As a working mom who home-schools, I know what it’s like to have kids home all the time, and what it’s like to be responsible for teaching them. When I first started homeschooling it was overwhelming, but after several years we are now in a good routine. Fortunately, I’ve got the help of their Florida Virtual School teachers, and their curriculum is laid out for me online in an easy-to-use format.
My children are in third and fourth grade and are enrolled in the FLVS Flex program. It’s free and has year-round enrollment, so that is always an option, and your children can stay on track even this far into the school year.
Here are some other options that I've discovered are great resources to entertain your children.
LIST:
- Color Me Mine Jax - Pottery to Go
- Munchkin Fun at Home - Activities for kids
- 12 Famous Museums - Virtual Tours
- Jacksonville Zoo - Backyard Bingo
- Free online classes from YMCA - From Boot Camp to Yoga
- Artist Shares Drawing Tips - Watch here
- Card Games - Turn Students Into Math Aces
- List of Children’s Authors - Online Read Alouds and Activities
- NASA - STEM Activities
- Cursive - Writing Worksheets
- Disney Artist - Painting Castles
- Virtual Disney - Ride the same rides at Disney from home!
- Recipe - Bread in a Bag
- Recipes that are learning opportunities
- Math Nation
- How to make a cardboard house
- Live Virtual Concerts
- National Aquarium - Livestreaming Exhibits
- Cincinnati Zoo - Resources
- Betty White reading Harry the Dirty Dog
- Kid Yoga Videos
- 33 National Park Tours
- Virtual Field Trips
- Scholastic - Learn at Home
At my house, exercise is an important part of my children’s day, and we make it fun. We will go play a game of H-O-R-S-E outside or tag. Art projects are another great activity to help keep kids occupied indoors. I’m amazed at what my daughter has learned to draw by watching one of her favorite YouTube channels, Art for Kids Hub. We also have fun making homemade play dough and being creative.
One of our favorite games (that I don’t think my kids even realize is educational) is one we made up. We have a world map on the wall, and my husband and I will call out a country or city and whoever points to it first gets a point. The first to get 20 points wins.
If your kids are anything like mine, they will want a lot of screen time. Instead of letting them watch mindless videos encourage them to use educational apps like ABCya! or expand their knowledge by reading free books on the website Unite for Literacy.
When it comes to mealtime, my kids love to help me plan and prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner. We love the Tasty app and trying new dishes.
Whatever you do, just have fun and treasure the time you have with them. Before you know it, they’ll be grown up and out of the house. I’d love to hear your favorite ways to entertain your kids at home. Join our First Coast Moms Facebook group and join in on the conversation.