FOSEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KEEPING KIDS ENGAGED WHILE HOME 

Compiled by Tracey Bolotnick

We know that many South End families rely on the library not only as a source of reading material for kids, but also as center of educational activity and community connection.  Although libraries across the Commonwealth, including the South End library, are closed for now, there are many great options out there for keeping kids connected to books and learning while staying safe at home.  We all look forward to the day when we can safely convene again in our beautifully renovated library.  Until then, here is a list of some recommended online alternatives for keeping kids engaged:  

 BOOKS AND READING

Boston Public Library Online Resources.  It is still possible to borrow books and other resources from the Library even while it is closed by visiting:   https://www.bpl.org/stream-and-download/.    You can download or stream eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, and more.  (Contact Anne Smart at asmart@bpl.org, (339) 203-0997 or Matt Krug mkrug@bpl.org for help using the library’s online services.)  

International Children’s Digital Library.  A free and easily searchable source of online access to books from around the world in multiple languages for kids ages 3 to 13:  http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

Author Hosted Readings and Activities.  Browsing You Tube or the web for live or recorded readings of your favorite children’s book authors will pull up loads of options.  Here are some favorites:    

 Grace Lin, an illustrator and author of middle-grade novels and picture books, is posting readings and drawing tutorials from her books on her You Tube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQet5ij4zAuR_QGOQ1vAxQ.    

 Oliver Jeffers, author of The Day the Crayons Quit and many other much beloved picture books is doing a daily live reading and posting the recordings on his web site:  https://www.oliverjeffers.com/books#/abookaday/

Story Time from Space.  On this site astronauts read children’s books in space (!) from the International Space Station: https://storytimefromspace.com/

Audible Stories.  Audiobooks for kids in six languages, free during the pandemic:  https://stories.audible.com/discovery

BPL Recommended Online Story Times and Do-It-Yourself Story Times: http://guides.bpl.org/c.php?g=1012154&p=7331668 http://guides.bpl.org/remote_resources_for_families/diy_storytimes

Everywhere Book Fest.  In response to the dozens of canceled books festivals, three young adult writers decided to start the Everywhere Book Fest, “a virtual gathering of kid-lit authors, books and readers that will bring the book festival experience to everyone” on May 1st and 2nd:  https://everywherebookfest.com  

ABC Mouse.  A digital education site for kids ages 2-8 with stories, games, and puzzles.  This is a paid service but offers a 30-day free trial: https://www.abcmouse.com/abt/homepage?8a08850bc2=T1240128372.1585770828.7485&cjevent=805ea6cb745211ea8328002d0a240613

BPL’s Booklists.  Book recommendations for different ages from the BPL: http://guides.bpl.org/c.php?g=1012154&p=7331685

Thumbs Up Books.  A resource for parents of young children looking for picture book recommendations:  https://thumbsupbooks.weebly.com/

 SCIENCE AND ARTS & CRAFTS

Tate Kids.  A dedicated kids’ website from the Tate Galleries in the UK with an assortment of art-themed games and quizzes: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/games-quizzes.

BPL Crafts and Games List.  Links to a variety of crafts and games for kids from the BPL:  http://guides.bpl.org/c.php?g=1012154&p=7331687

Draw Everyday with JJK.  Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady books, hosts a basic illustration lesson every weekday at 2pm:   https://www.youtube.com/studiojjk

Mo Willems Doodling.  The popular picture book author of the Knuffle Bunny series and other picture books is hosting doodling sessions on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzjCPQv3y8&feature=emb_title

The ArtisTree Community Art Center.  Videos with ideas for how to stay creative while staying at home: https://www.youtube.com/user/artistreevt

 Ology.  A science website for kids from the American Museum of Natural History with videos, games, activities, etc. on a variety of subjects:  https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology

New England Aquarium:  Visit the aquarium from the comfort of home:  https://www.neaq.org/visit/at-home-events-and-activities/?fbclid=IwAR2Psh0apSlCIn7VbS6X0UfbjYD9z6E8Bry7-gq0-F7Y-2T1R0tO-M3CJTA

The San Diego Zoo.  A site for kids including behind-the-scenes videos and stories, as well as a variety of printable activities and online games:  https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos

Explore Live Cams.  Live footage of elephants in Africa, of Earth from the International Space Station, of oceans, birds, stars and much more:  https://explore.org/livecams

Ranger Rick Magazine.  A kids’ nature magazine that normally requires a paid subscription but is free for now with games, activities, information, and back issues:  https://rangerrick.org/stuck-indoors/

Farm Food 360.  Canadian farm and food tours—from raising pigs to making milk and cheese, and virtual egg farm field trips and egg-speriments from the American Egg Board:  virtual egg farm field trips /  https://www.farmfood360.ca/

Skype a Scientist.  A program that allows kids to request to speak to a scientist and then connects them for a Skype conversation:  https://www.skypeascientist.com/for-families.html

The Kid Should See This.  A website of interesting and educational videos on a host of subjects:   https://thekidshouldseethis.com/

Science Kids.  Facts, games, quizzes, experiments, and more on a variety of topics:  http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/

Architecture for Young Adults, An Exciting Introduction, featuring a Kanopy Film on Architecture.  A 57-minute film telling the stories of ten influential works of architecture:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DA8L9dvyp0

Kiwi Co. Innovation Factory.  A website with loads of art and science project ideas for kids of all ages:  https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home.  

The Trustees at Home.  Virtual events and activity ideas from the Trustees of Reservations while their properties are closed:  http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/month/virtual.html

Kids/Kanopy Movies: Now, Kanopy offers children’s programming with Kanopy Kids. Parents can browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity in young minds. We have partnered with Common Sense Media™ to provide developmentally appropriate age ratings for videos on Kanopy Kids. www.kanopy.com