Learning at Home

Mizzen by Mott: Check Out Mizzen’s Line-up of Creative Activities for December

With winter afoot, in a year like no other, check out 23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December from the folks at Mizzen by Mott. From “Action Packed ABC” for younger children and “Dance, Dance, Dance” for middle school kids, to “Mindfulness” for teens, this weekday December calendar shares art, music, yoga, social emotional learning, and indoor and outdoor projects and games to help kids feel better

Mizzen by Mott is a new app built with and for afterschool professionals to provide high-quality, engaging learning content to the afterschool field. To meet the needs of this moment, the Mizzen team has added new activity playlists and multi-week modules that can be done at home or in small-group settings. Through support from the Mott Foundation, the app and all of its content are available for free to afterschool providers. Click here to learn more about Mizzen and how to download and share the app.

Michigan Department of Education Resources

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is providing information and guidance – developing numerous resources to assist local school districts, educators, and families. Education information and resources can be found on the MDE COVID-19 Education Information and Resources page.

Detroit Public Television Arranges Age-Specific Programming in Crisis

Detroit Public TV (WTVS) has adjusted its daytime programming schedule to respond to the needs of families with children at home during the COVID-19 crisis. Geared to specific age groups are blocks of programming on its main broadcast channel (56.1), as part of a collaboration with other Michigan’s public television stations and the national PBS system. Additionally, the station produces a Family Newsletter and Educator Newsletter with ideas to explore, Curious Crew investigations and PBS Learning media resources. The Family Newsletter is provided daily with subscription and the Education Newsletter is provided weekly.

WKAR Public Media Provides At-home Learning Experiences

During the stay-at-home mandates, WKAR Public Media based in East Lansing has been offering high-quality educational resources, at-home learning experiences, and multimedia programming that engages, entertains and educates. View their resources at https://tv.wkar.org/athomelearning/

Additionally, the station produces a Family Newsletter and Educator Newsletter with ideas to explore, Curious Crew investigations and PBS Learning media resources. The station also provides quality learning experiences through the Zoom platform. So far, they have hosted two 5-week bookclubs via zoom for 4-6th graders and 7-12 graders. Click here for a clip.

With Schools Closed, MSU Extension Has Resources for Parents/Caregivers

Michigan State University Extension is offering a variety of educational resources for parents and caregivers for children of all ages. Its webpage includes access to activity books, guides and other resources to help children remain engaged in educational experiences while school is out.

It’s Amazing: Courtesy of Amazing Educational Resources

Amazing Educational Resources has assembled a significant list of free educational resources for students of all ages. There are links to free book sites, sites that help adapt lessons for students with special needs, virtual tours, and much more.

NJSACC Virtual Afterschool Resource Guide

The NJSACC Virtual Afterschool Resource Guide is a collection of activities and resources curated by NJSACC staff members. The guide is aimed at supporting the afterschool professionals who are innovating to support kids in new ways to help keep them engaged and learning, and to stay connected with young people during this difficult time.

Indiana COVID-19 Program Resource Guide

Indiana Youth Services Association and partners Indiana 21st Century Community Learning Centers and IAN have created a resource guide for organizations serving youth and families. The guide is intended to be reference for agencies to use when helping families address the challenges the care facing during this time. It is not an all-inclusive guide, but rather contains information in four areas: Education and Enrichment, Social- Emotional, Food/Nutrition, and Agency Operations. View the guide here.

National Summer Learning Association Founder Authors Resource for Parents

“How to Keep Your Kids Learning When Schools Are Closed” is a new book authored for parents by the founder of the National Summer Learning Association. Matthew Boulay delivers immediate, practical advice to parents who are asking urgent questions about how best to support, nurture and educate their children during periods of social distancing and quarantine. Also included are 40 Digital Learning Kits for students in elementary and middle school. The e-book is available on Amazon for $2.99.

National Governors Association Launches Education-focused Child Care Page

The National Governors Association has compiled information on state COVID-19 education and child care responses. The page includes a range of resources to support states on various high-profile topics related to COVID-19 and education. This page also includes a tracking table of education reopening plans and child care reopening guidance, as well as information on summer camps, summer learning, and higher education reopening plans.

Michigan.gov Provides Child Care Providers with Need Info in Crisis

Michigan.gov offers web-based information on what child care providers need to know during the coronavirus crisis. Included is guidance from the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, plus news releases and video messages.

ECIC Provides Crisis Updates for Those Serving Young Children

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation has created a webpage dedicated to resources around the Coronavirus crisis for child care providers, families, and organizations that serve young children and families. It is updated daily.

University of Michigan Offers Guide for Child Care Assistance and More

The University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions Initiative has created a COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide with information on how to access programs aimed at supporting Michiganders during the coronavirus outbreak. Resources include child care assistance, unemployment and worker assistance, food assistance, utility and housing assistance, Detroit assistance and general assistance.