WOW! What a whirlwind 2020 has been – and strap yourselves in, there’s still a long time to go!
If we’re to believe any of the ‘time-travel’ movies I grew up watching, then it’s fair to say that the year 2020 will never, EVER, be revisited. Instead there will be documentaries and school history/science research projects comparing this unprecedented time with that of The Plague of the early 1900s.
I hope you are all coping as best as you can, and that you continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
Life as we knew it took a seismic shift in Australia, just as 2020 commenced. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted us with such an incredible force on our daily lives, and will continue to do so for some time.
Whilst keeping ourselves and our children healthy and safe is our primary concern, it’s also essential to provide positive learning experiences for our children during these dramatically changing times, and to maintain as much routine and normalcy as possible.
This has allowed us to create and share with you this jam-packed directory of free learning ideas, activities and resources to help learners stay engaged, entertained and excited to learn.
Like adults, children are navigating something they have never experienced before. Keeping kids motivated to learn during this time will be an ultimate challenge for many parents. Especially for those who still have work commitments (whether in an external workplace or from within their home), and continue to maintain other essential commitments too.
Amber’s Directory of Learning Resouces for Parents
- Maths
- English
- Cross-Curricular
- Science, Nature & Technology
- Geography, History & News
- Arts & Music
- Movement & Wellness
Maths Resources
- Maths made fun as a part of everyday life – http://bedtimemath.org
- Maths learning prep-6 – https://boddlelearning.com
- Geometry proof tool where students can solve proof problems independently and interactively – https://www.canfigureit.com
- Engaging maths lessons and learning for prep-8 – https://www.dreambox.com/at-home
- Teaches maths using real world concepts. A full curriculum with age-appropriate content for every grade level, and key subject area – https://www.hmhco.com/math-at-work
- A fun way to practice primary school maths, from problem solving and mathematical art to real world maths and thinking games – https://www.mathplayground.com
- Maths practice from counting to algebra and geometry – http://www.mathscore.com
- An educational channel about numbers for kids who are curious about maths – https://www.numberphile.com
- Helps students master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts – https://xtramath.org
- An award-winning series of educational math apps that are designed to engage and excite children about learning – https://www.dragonboxapp.com
- An adaptive learning platform that helps kids practice maths, reading, and spelling – https://www.scootpad.com
Maths Made Fun
- Maths and reading games for grades prep-6 – https://www.abcya.com
- Maths problems, questions, logic puzzles, and games on numbers, geometry, algebra for grades prep-8 – https://www.aplusclick.org
- Engaging maths and reading games for grades K-6 – https://www.funbrain.com
- Kids use mathematics to make and break secret codes – https://www.cryptoclub.org
- A maths resource where kids help Freddy the turtle navigate underwater through fractions and submarines to find the hidden treasure (grades prep-8) – http://www.mathchimp.com/freddysfractions.php
- Fun activities where kids can learn about Australian currency and the printing processes via the Royal Australian Mint – https://www.ramint.gov.au/just-fun
- An interactive, award-winning online resource that teaches real-world finance – https://www.teachbanzai.com
- Kids can learn about US currency and play free educational games from the U.S. Mint – https://www.usmint.gov/learn/kids
Reading
- Multimedia resource designed to help improve reading comprehensionfor grades prep-6 – https://reading.ecb.org
- For the early years, Reading Eggs is engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities – https://readingeggs.com.au
- Reading skill building for ages 3-8 – https://www.squigglepark.com/dreamscape
- An adaptive learning platform that helps kids practice maths, reading, and spelling – https://www.scootpad.com
Storytime
- A collection of online kids’ stories – https://www.freechildrenstories.com
- Favourite kid’s books read by famous people – https://www.storylineonline.net
- A story idea generator for all ages – https://thestorystarter.com
- Use voice-recognition to bring the stories you love to life – https://noveleffect.com
Literacy Made Fun
- Download and solve these fun crosswords, word searches and puzzles – https://bensguide.gpo.gov
- Online games, activities and adventures based around the bestselling book – https://www.magictreehouse.com
- Read and play games with Dr. Seuss – https://www.seussville.com
Phonics
- Phonics skills for grades K-3 – https://www.starfall.com/h/
- Phonics and dyslexia printables for learning to read – https://dogonalogbooks.com/ printables
- Phonics worksheets and free printable phonics workbooks for early learning – https://www.funfonix.com
Spelling & Grammar
- Easy online spelling and practice and games for prep-8 – https://www.spellingtraining.com
- Games that makes spelling fun (prep-8) – https://brainbox.games
- Grammar practice for grades prep-6 via printable short stories – https://www.classroomcereal.com
Cross-Curricular Resources
- Directory of printable worksheets across all subjects for grades prep-8 – https://www.123homeschool4me.com/home-school-free-printables
- Voice-based cross-curricular learning through Alexa – https://bamboolearning.com/resources
- Online, mobile flashcards covering all subjects for all ages – https://www.brainscape.com
- Web-based curriculum ideas for every day of the week – https://clickschooling.com
- Free educational materials for grades K-8 students including online textbooks, videos, exercises, flashcards, and real world applications – https://www.ck12.org/student
- Engaging projects to keep kids thinking, learning and growing (prep-grade 9) – https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
- Online educational resources including lesson plans – https://www.curriki.org
- PDF format activities providing design and thinking challenges for primary students, with an emphasis on engineering, art, maths, science, tech and music – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T4CZCt8hJqYLVT5ZVYpR7Sg HLWDWaaUO/view
- An educational site covering subjects such as history, science, geography, maths, and biographies. Pages are written to be easy to read and understand (grades prep-8) – https://www.ducksters.com
- Rich multimedia content such as videos, animations, and simulations based around all education subjects – https://hippocampus.org
- Expert-created content and resources for every subject and level – https://www.khanacademy.org
- Early learning site for educational themes, curriculum ideas, and toddler activities such as language, art, games, songs, crafts, printables and more – http://www.preschoolexpress.com
- A fantastic resource of ideas and inspiration for early learning activities – https://preschoolinspirations.com
- Simple online learning tools such as flashcards and games that let kids (prep-8) study anything – https://quizlet.com/en-gb
- The world’s largest educational resource marketplace – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Literacy-With-The-Littles/Price-Range/Free
Cross-Curricular Fun
- Loads of fun activities for kids centred around their favourite show characters – https://www.abc.net.au/abckids/
- Educational games for grades prep-6 – https://www.abcya.com
- Crafts, activities, dot to dots, mazes and more – https://www.allkidsnetwork.com
- Loads of indoor activities for busy early learners – https://busytoddler.com
- Fun, online, high-quality browser games with new games every day – https://www.crazygames.com
- Worksheets, games, lesson plans, songs and stories – https://www.education.com
- The premiere online destination for learning, including loads of fun, creative activities, games, jokes, trivia, science experiment, recipes and more – https://www.funology.com
- A place for children of all ages to play games and discover new jokes, surveys, answers to science questions, and fun crafts and recipes – https://www.highlightskids.com
- Premium online jigsaw puzzles – https://www.jigsawexplorer.com
- Loads of fun at-home ideas for kids, both indoor and outdoor – https://kidsinadelaide.com.au/category/home-activities/
- Play with fun characters and learn too – https://pbskids.org
- Online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations and share them with the world – https://scratch.mit.edu
- Fun stuff for kids and teens. Learn and create via art, history, and culture. Loads of educational activities and games – https://www.si.edu/kids
- Interactive fun for kids (K-3) on a range of subjects – https://toytheater.com
- Fun and educational online games for kids (K-6) – https://www.turtlediary.com
Science Resources
- National Geographic brings the world into the classroom with interesting online resources and activities for K-12 – https://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html
- Stories, interesting facts and cool activities to explore. Learn about moon phases and more – https://www.almanac.com/kids
- Kids can ask questions and explore science, technology, engineering and maths with Dr. Universe and friends – https://askdruniverse.wsu.edu
- Biology simulations for K-12 – https://www.biologysimulations.com
- Detailed cell diagrams, 3D models, animated cell cams and other activities – https://www.cellsalive.com
- Periodic table learning, with user-friendly element data and facts. Online chemistry videos, dictionary, and forum – https://www.chemicool.com
- A free resource providing fun facts about animals, planets, science, geography, history and more – https://www.coolkidfacts.com
- Everything kids could ever want to know about earthquakes – https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids
- Fun science activities (prep-8) – https://elementalscience.com/blogs/news/80-free-science-activities
- An interactive program teaching Earth Science how students naturally learn – https://www.everyday-earth.com/
- A virtual 3D body that brings to life thousands of medically accurate anatomy objects and health conditions – https://human.biodigital.com/login
- An educational resource for learning about human anatomy and physiology – https://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html
- At home science activities, tips, and explainers to help kids of all ages – https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home
- Great science podcasts for kids of all ages – https://medium.com/kidslisten/19-great-science-podcasts-you-can-listen-to-with-kids-6fe46ac506b8#.rb23iuaw6
- Open-and-go lessons that inspire kids to love science – https://mysteryscience.com
- A games-based website that stimulates interest in science, tech, engineering and mathematics – https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html
- Online tools designed to make physics fun for all learners – https://www.positivephysics.org
- A great site for fresh, interactive ideas on teaching science (grades 3-8) – https://sciencespot.net
- An amazing experiment library by Steve Spangler – https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiment-library/
- Award-winning lessons in biology and life-learning – https://www.superchargedschool.com
- Play interactive games and learn about animals – https://switchzoo.com
- Kids learn science from taking items from everyday life and using them in new ways to do simple things – https://thehomeschoolscientist.com/paper-structures-engineering-challenge
- Designed by a meteorologist to show kids the fascinating world of weather – http://www.weatherwizkids.com
Nature & Environment
- Inspire kids to protect the planet while learning about science, history, nature and more – https://www.natgeokids.com/au/
- Scouts have pulled together inspired at-home activities and ideas to keep kids entertained and learning – https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors
- A guide to the world of fun and clever gardening for kids – https://web.extension.illinois.edu/firstgarden
- Nature-based activities for kids – https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/ 2020/03/kids-nature-activities-self-isolation/
Technology
- Teaches coding and computer science for grades prep-8 – https://code.org/starwars
- Learning to code for kids – https://www.codecademy.com
- A fun and educational facts-based site. A free resource for everyone which includes fun facts about animals, planets, science, geography, history and more – https://www.coolkidfacts.com
- View 3D images of a search result with the super fun Google AR – https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/googles-hidden-ar-tool-will-blow-your-mind
- An educational site developed by Kids Design Collaborative introduces young people age (grades 3-8) to the world of design and important 21st century skills – http://www.kidsthinkdesign.org
- Kids learn core programming concepts through engaging games developed with real teachers and kids – https://www.kodable.com
- Typing practice and races – https://www.nitrotype.com
Geography
- A geography game which takes kids on a journey around the world (Grades 2-8) – https://www.geoguessr.com
- Google Earth is an excellent educational learning tool for kids –https://www.google.com/earth
- Interesting content for all ages, about the cultures and countries of the world – https://www.countryreports.org
- An informational site that answers interesting questions and fascinating facts about the world – https://wonderopolis.org
- Lesson plans, activities, and resources about the wonders of the oceans – https://ocean.si.edu
- Bring the entire world into your home with free video content that fosters global awareness and cultural understanding – https://www.projectexplorer.org
- This site ties historical photos to Google Maps, so you can tour familiar streets to see how they looked in the past – http://www.whatwasthere.com
- National parks you can explore from your couch, from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone National Park – https://www.insider.com/national-parks-america-virtual-tours-3d-visit-2020-3
History
- History classes for grade 2+ – https://school.bighistoryproject.com/bhplive
- Journey through nearly 14 billion years of history – https://www. breakoutedu.com/funathome
- A digital archive of history – https://www.bunkhistory.org
- Kids can become super-sleuths – https://www.carmensandiego .com/resources
News & Languages
- A site where children can learn about current news and events shaping their world, in a simple, engaging and interactive way – https://www.youngzine.org
- Learn a language online – https://www.memrise.com
- A fun way to learn a new language – https://www.duolingo.com
Virtual Tours
- Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover – https://accessmars.withgoogle.com
- Take a virtual trip to the San Diego Zoo – https://kids.sandiegozoo.org
- Travel to Paris, France to see amazing works of art at The Louvre with this virtual field trip – https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
- This London museum offers virtual tours of the Great Court, Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies – https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com
- Virtual tour of the Great Wall of China – https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
- Melbourne Zoo live cams from the giraffes, snow leopards, penguins, zebras and more – https://www.zoo.org.au/animal-house
- FarmFood 360 in Canada offers virtual tours of farms – from pigs, eggs, cows, sheep and more – https://www.farmfood360.ca
- Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art – https://www.metmuseum.org
Arts & Crafts
- Interactive arts games for kids of all ages – https://artsology.com
- Kids can create digital art using a range of tools – http://bomomo.com
- Experiential learning for students of all ages from craft to cooking – https://www.instructables.com/member/EdgertonCenter/instructables
- Arts & Crafts activities for kids – https://www.jumpstart.com/parents/activities/craft-activities
- Daily arts and craft activities for grades prep-8 – https://www.facebook.com/iheartcraftythings
- Art and mixed media workshops from world-renowned teachers for all ages and skill levels – https://www.facebook.com/NorthEastArtWorkshops/
- An Australian art teacher has created ‘Art at Home’ involving items found around the home – https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCqNFQIX6OXvoauLN-NzIkaw?view_as=subscriber
- A list of arts and crafts YouTube channels for kids – https://www.northshoremums.com.au/best-art-craft-youtube-channels-for-kids/
- Online colouring pages for kids with a rich variety of colourful patterns, gradients, fabrics, papers and textures – http://scrapcoloring.com
- Online, interactive colouring pages – https://www.thecolor.com
- Bestselling children’s author Mo Willems teaches kids how to draw on YouTube – https://youtu.be/RmzjCPQv3y8
- A family YouTube channel with art and drawing lessons – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGM_VhNXMmo
- The NGAkids Art Zone app contains eight interactive activities inspired by works in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, plus an online sketchbook for all ages – https://www.nga.gov/education/kids.html
Music
- Music and daily creative arts challenges – https://www.facebook.com/OnlineArtsAcademy/
- A music teacher and party entertainer incorporates music, movement and lots of bubbles – https://www.facebook.com/SingalongSally/
- A website for all ages, which makes learning music interesting through fun experiments – https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Experiments
- Introductory to intermediate music theory lessons, exercises, ear trainers, and calculators – https://www.musictheory.net
- Songs and educational music for grades K-8 – https://www.songsforteaching.com/preschoolkindergarten.htm
- Kids songs, shows and free resources – https://supersimple.com
- Learn to play virtual guitar, piano, drums, pan flute and bongos online – https://www.virtualmusicalinstruments.com
Movement & Wellness Resources
- Home workouts for kids – https://app.sworkit.com/collections/kids-workouts
- Movement and mindfulness videos – https://www.gonoodle.com
- Fun stretches, poses, creative movements, breathing & calming techniques, for kids aged 2+ – https://littletwistersyoga.com/online-store
- Illustrated recipe picture books that get kid chefs excited about cooking – https://www.nomsterchef.com/nomster-recipe-library
- Ways to celebrate birthdays while in quarantine – https://www.northshoremums.com.au/how-to-celebrate-your-childs-birthday-while-quarantined/
- Fun and creative outdoor activities for kids – https://www.northshoremums.com.au/outdoor-play-ideas/
- Fun ways to stay social during quarantine – https://www.northshore mums.com.au/how-to-stay-social-while-social-distancing/
- Provides resources on occupational therapy activities and tips, development, movement, & function through play – https://www.theottoolbox.com
I hope you enjoy using these resources to help your children with their home learning. If you would like to download a copy of this extensive resource list, to save and refer back to on a daily basis, you can do so here:

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Amber Morgan, and I am the founder of Amber’s Tutelage – a unique online and face-to-face personalised tuition service for people of all ages and capabilities, and an experienced teacher of nearly 30 years.
Amber’s Tutelage identifies the ‘potholes’ in our students” learning, particularly any foundation concepts in English and Maths, then focusses on filling them in. So, each learner travels their own very unique journey to empowerment in a safe one-on-one learning environment.
We also ensure that confidence, positive thinking, resilience and independence are embedded in one’s memory and become a natural response to events and experiences, which is more important than ever in these uncertain times.
I understand how stressful all of this is for you, as parents, as you try to juggle commitments in what seems like an impossible situation. We are all doing whatever we can to live through this historical event. Not only do you have the added stress of trying to keep your children engaged and connected… you’re experiencing a sudden upheaval of life as we knew it.
This is why we have created the Facebook group ‘Learning Resources For Parents’, so that we can all connect, combine and share our ideas and knowledge of learning resources.
Let’s be thankful for technology and for having such incredible learning resources at our fingertips.
Stay safe everyone!
Amber x