For families in Ohio, and nationwide, the typical schedule of what once was a “normal day” has transformed. For some, our kids are now learning from home and we are finding new ways to ensure they can keep learning. As we finish out the school year, and as we head into the summer months, there are lots of learning materials to help keep kids engaged and excited about education.

1. The Ohio Department of Health’s website, has a page dedicated to at-home learning material for students for kids ranging from K-12. 

2. NAEYC has advice online for parents on how to choose technology for young children. 

3. Common Sense Media is also a good resource for parents to determine which websites, movies and books are age-appropriate.

4. The Kennedy Center holds a daily lunch doodle with children’s book author Mo Willems. 

5. The PBS Kids Play and Learn Science app provides ideas for hands-on, non-screen science projects. 

6. "Dog Man" author Dav Pilkey has activities and read alouds each Friday morning. You can also find these on the Scholastic and at the Library of Congress websites.

7. The Smithsonian website is offering a wide range of resources for children of all ages. 

8. The Library of Congress website is sharing books, activities, entertainment, and more. 

9. Scholastic Learn at Home offers stories, videos, and learning activities. 

10. Ohio’s Learning Standards lays out the skills Ohio’s students preK-12 should have.

11. The PAST Foundation is offering online courses, workshops, and STEM activities.

The coronavirus pandemic is asking families to make extreme changes to their lifestyle; as the father of two children in elementary school, we’ve had our fair share of struggles too. Your decision to follow the guidelines by staying home is making a difference. Thank you for your efforts. I will continue to serve as a resource and if you have any questions on education, or any other matters, please call my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968.