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COVID-19 Virtual Learning Guide

Posted

Free and low-cost resources to support at-home learning.


Resources For Students, Families, and Caretakers

Internet access and technology:

Spectrum provides low-cost Internet Services and low-cost computers for those who participate in a designated Federal assistance program.

Human-I-T is a nonprofit, charitable organization that provides low-cost technology and internet access to low-income individuals and households.

The City of LA's Get Connected portal helps Angelenos find options for low-cost internet services, access to computers, and digital literacy services in their zip code.

At-home learning:

Child360's Home Grown program helps parents take everyday moments and turn them into creative ways to support young children's early development.

Pediatric Therapy Network has created dozens of videos with at-home activities for children with and at-risk of developmental delays and disabilities to practice motor skills, sensory regulation, and other abilities.

The Los Angeles Public Library's “Library at Home" site features digital educational content and virtual events for kids, teens, and beyond.

MIND Research Institute is offering no-cost access to its ST Math instructional program for families with students in grades K-8.

PBS SoCal has curated digital content for parents and caregivers to entertain and educate their at-home learners.

Storyline Online has an online video library of children's books read by prominent public figures.

The Los Angeles Public Library Student Zone is offering homework help for K-12 students. Virtual Student Zone Helpers are available to help students during 25-minute appointments, Monday to Thursday 3:00 to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

Other resources:

LAUSD's Family Resources page has information about Grab & Go Food Centers, student and family wellness, and navigating the challenges of online learning.

The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools published an in-depth resource guide with food, medical, mental wellness, and legal resources for families.

The City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks is offering safe structured learning centers and after school programs for elementary and middle school students at sixty recreation centers. The centers include supervised learning spaces, free internet access, recreational activities, and more.


Resources for Educators

Virtual curricula:

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute is offering its “Virtual Voyage" science curriculum for free. The lessons align with K-12 standards and address topics such as the water cycle, the physics of sailing, and ocean pollution.

Two Bit Circus and Annenberg Learner have developed more than 150 free lesson plans for STEAM-based projects for K-12 students.

Centervention has free social emotional learning resources to help students learn to cope with this challenging time.

The Smithsonian Digital Learning Lab has resources, training, and support to assist caregivers, teachers, and students as they face new learning challenges. Its free, interactive platform allows students to discover millions of authentic digital resources, create content with online tools, and share in the Smithsonian's expansive community of knowledge and learning.

The Civics Renewal Network offers a wide range of content for teachers on important topics in civics and government with options for grades K-12.

Epic! Library has free books in English and Spanish for educators. Children can read them or listen and follow along!

Newsela has age-appropriate news articles for students about current events.

CommonLit has free reading and writing lessons for grades 3-12, including texts recommended for National Hispanic Heritage Month or about the 2020 Election and the Supreme Court.

Code.org has a guide for teaching its computer science curriculum via virtual classrooms.

Professional development and other resources:

Annenberg Learner has a library of professional development videos on a variety of different topics and subject areas.

LACMA is providing K–12 teachers with professional development opportunities and curricular resources that foster creativity, inspire personal growth, and enhance classroom learning online. Check out its Evenings for Educators program!

PBS SoCal has professional development resources, content suggestions, and more available free for teachers. For example, check out the article: “An Educator's Guide to Cultivating a Digital Presence with Purpose."

Watch a recording of the United Way of Greater LA's panel “ Transforming Education in a Time of Distance Learning"

The California Department of Education's CTE Online has published a wide array of distance learning resources for teachers.

AuthorLeAnn Kelch