School’s out for summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning needs to take a break! Keep your kids entertained and engaged with this list of eight great online resources and activities from Iowa-based organizations that make learning at home fun and interactive.
- Iowa Department of Education: Looking for a variety of interactive games, virtual field trips, coding activities and e-books to keep your kids entertained this summer? The Iowa Department of Education compiled a list of learning resources for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. While they could never replace what the students learn at school, they can help students practice or enrich the skills and strategies taught by their teachers.
- Des Moines Performing Arts: This summer might look a little different due to COVID-19, but the show must go on at the Des Moines Performing Arts. They are offering virtual summer classes and camps to provide students a summer filled with creativity, movement, skill-building, confidence and new friends.
- Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium: For the history buffs and animal lovers, visit the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Social Distance Learning page featuring history, animal enrichment and adaptations. Also, check in with Museum Conservation Curator Jared McGovern, as he posts daily videos to the Better Together Facebook page.
- Next Step Adventure: Next Step Adventure’s creative Home Learning Resources are the perfect addition to your summer itinerary. They have print-and-go activities and lessons covering the outdoors, mindfulness and movement, art and social justice, all aimed at helping your family learn, grow and connect with each other and the world around you.
- Iowa PBS: Iowa PBS launched a Virtual Learning Camp complete with games, videos and activities focused on building literacy and math skills as part of their overall goal to educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans throughout the state.
- State Historical Museum of Iowa: Want to pass along your Iowa pride to your children and teach them all they need to know about our beautiful state’s history? Luckily the State Historical Museum of Iowa is bringing Goldie's Kids Club to you! Goldie at Home programs and activities are designed to introduce children aged 12 and under to Iowa history right from the comfort of their own homes.
- Iowa State University Camp: To keep the tradition of summer camps going, while also following guidance for social distancing, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach youth staff in Northwest Iowa have created Clover Crates, take-home camps with optional virtual components, enabling youth to participate in the camp activities from home with other youth, guided by their summer educators.
- Des Moines Public Library: If that isn’t enough, the Des Moines Public Library compiled a list of “Boredom Busters” or resources and activities — both from the Des Moines Public Library and external sources — to help both entertain and educate children this summer. They even have a Boredom Busters for adults!
