This is the third and final blog post in the homeschooling and distance learning series I’ve been doing over the last couple of months. This post will focus on community resources for people looking for more information and help with homeschooling and distance learning. I’ll also be including some odds and ends that I have come across since starting this series of blog posts.
Community Resources
A Way With Words and Numbers (AWWW&N)
AWWW&N is offering free virtual tutoring services for students in Columbia. They have a team of graduate and undergraduate students who are trained to effectively provide one-on-one support in reading or math. In addition to offering general homework help, this year they will also be offering an evidence-based literacy program to better support students’ reading needs. This service is open to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. During a tutoring session your child will work with an MU student via a secure Zoom session for approximately 30 minutes. Sign up for a tutoring time slot online.
Ragtag at Home
Find a collection of free resources that pair films with a ready-made curriculum developed by Community Partnerships and Education Team. Watch films for free through Kanopy, an online film collection accessible for DBRL cardholders, and follow the activity guides for a greater understanding of the film’s meaning.
State Resources
The Missouri Prevention Science Institute (MPSI)
MPSI has pulled together tips and techniques to help families during this stressful time. It includes resources for parents and students.
Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP)
MOCAP has developed a catalog of virtual online courses for students. Students are able to take an entire course from any internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MOCAPs mission is to offer Missouri students equal access to a wide range of high quality courses, flexibility in scheduling, and interactive online learning.
Educare Books
Previously the Educare books on the first floor the Columbia Public Library (CPL) branch were all reference copies and could not be checked out. We also had some circulating copies of Educare books spread throughout the second floor nonfiction area. Now all the Educare books at the CPL branch have been moved to the first floor and are available to checkout. These books cover a variety of education topics and can be helpful for both local daycare centers and parents that are teaching from home. Take a look at the library’s online catalog to see what Educare books we have available to check out or put on hold.
Odds and Ends
I wanted to also highlights some items in our collection that can aid in learning and be fun!
STEAM Kits– Provide hands-on learning experiences for kids with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The library currently has three different types of STEAM kits.
- Dash Robot Kit (ages 6+)
- Cubelets (ages 4+)
- Code-a-pillar Twist (ages 3-6)
Play As Learning Kits– Help parents and children explore learning in a play-like atmosphere. PAL kits contain books, toys, and music or a video for young children age birth-2 years. PAL was founded by Educare Boone County and the Daniel Boone Regional Library and is continued through DBRL.
Little Red Reading Bags– For parents, grandparents, child care providers, or anyone who cares for young children. The bag contains books, DVDs, music CDs, and toys on 12 different themes, along with a skill sheet with activities to support children’s early literacy skills. For ages 3-5 years.
Parent Packs– For expectant or brand-new parents, these kits include books about pregnancy and parenting, a yoga DVD and a set of pamphlets for you to keep. The pamphlets include a list of books for children about new siblings, information on breast-feeding, child safety, and getting assistance form social service agencies. Parent Packs are made possible by a generous donation from the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.
And don’t forget, if you would like to stay informed about this topic or similar topics from the library please consider signing up for the Kids & Parents newsletter from the library.
