Elementary Learning Resources

Updated April 15, 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this platform is to provide Oxford Community Schools students and families with optional remote learning ideas, links, and resources to keep students engaged in learning during the state mandated COVID-19 school closure.


We know that these resources and options will never replace the face-to-face, daily learning with our staff, but we hope they will go a long way in letting our students and families know that the connection is still there, that we care, and we are very much invested in our students' learning and well-being.


Below, you will find a variety of ideas, links and resources laid out by subject. This resource platform will update live (just refresh the browser) if we make additions.

Making the Most of COVID-19 School Closures

By: Sophie Bellenis

Occupational Therapist; Real-life Skills Program Manager and Coach


COVID-19 was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it is quickly becoming a pervasive force that we are all attuned to. As our healthcare providers, scientists and officials focus their energy on social distancing recommendations and public health measures, it seems as if time spent at home with our families – whether self-imposed or mandated – is inevitable. With our hardworking community members and officials focused on large-scale responses and issues, let’s take some time to discuss how we can create positive and productive environments in our own homes with our children while so many schools are closed.


This post includes: the importance of setting a routine or daily schedule, using screens wisely, setting playtime/recess, movement, bolstering life skills, etc.. It also includes helpful websites.


Check out the sample, optional schedule someone created as a starting point/example should you want to set-up a daily schedule for your home! Click HERE!

Talking to your kids about COVID-19

Below are a few links for you to access for ideas on how you might talk to your kids about COVID-19. Sometimes, during stressful times, it is nice to have a few articles and tips to read to help us reflect, gather our thoughts, and prepare for the conversations with our children.


The Conversation

http://theconversation.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-covid-19-133576


Kids Health

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html


Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/

Detroit PBS Kids

Free activities, games, and resources for families and caregivers. Click HERE to access:

  • A sign-up for a daily newsletter
  • Distance learning resources
  • How to talk to kids about COVID-19
  • Access the Molly from Denali show, activities and games

Scholastic- Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing

Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers. Just find your grade level and let the learning begin! Click HERE to get started!

-The Editors of Scholastic Classroom Magazines.

Reading, Writing, and Phonics Resources

Typing Club

Click HERE to access over 100 FREE lessons for typing practice! Our writing state standards list word processing as an essential skills for students in grades 3 and up! Proper practices is important!

More books!

Epic!

Epic! is the Leading Digital Library for Kids 12 & Under. Instantly access 35,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes and more! Click HERE to start! In the next few days, you can expect to get an email invite from your child's teacher to be able to access this service. Also, please note that some teachers have already been using this with their students, so you may already have a login. Please use the same one your child already has.


Unite for Literacy

Click HERE to access books for younger readers that can also be narrated for students as well.


LOVING2READ

Click HERE to access books for our younger readers. You can find leveled books, ABS books, vowel books, digraph books, etc.. This site is amazing!


Read, Wonder, and Learn! (Kate Messner)

Here, you’ll find a growing collection of resources that include everything from first-chapter and picture book read-alouds (all shared with permission!) to drawing and writing mini-lessons. Be sure to check back often, as new resources will be added every day.

Math Resources

Printable Home Activity Packs for Reading and Math

iReady

Click HERE to access printable reading and math resource packs for your child by grade level. These may feel more like "school" to your child. I would encourage no more than 1-2 pages/activities each day. The resources are available by grade level. It is important to note that these are grade level packets. Some skills may not have been taught yet to students. It could be upcoming learning. We strongly encourage you to have students use the strategies they learned at school, especially when it comes to solving math problems. Families who speak Spanish can also navigate this site in Spanish.


Hand2Mind

Click HERE for sample lessons and printables by grade level.

Science and Social Studies

Generations Genius Science

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), get instant access to hours of fun, standards-based learning. Videos are available by grade level spans (K-2, 3-5, and 6-8). You can find lesson plans, discussion questions, key vocabulary to discuss, and a quick assessment with each.

Spanish

Social Emotional Learning and Movement

Lunch Doodles (Art at Home!)

Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together.


New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1:00 p.m. ET and then remain online to be streamed afterwards. Check back each weekday for new LUNCH DOODLES!


Click HERE to access!

BrainPOP

BrainPOP is an animated educational site for kids - Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Arts & Music, Health, and Technology. We have a district access. Click HERE to access.


Login: oxfordvirtual

Password: wildcat2013

Oxford Schools' Great Internet Links!

Click HERE for a variety of links on the Oxford Schools Website for a variety of areas/topics including IB, art, typing skills, math, music, kid friendly search engines, etc.