The best online learning programs for kids with a free trial
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When school moved from in-person attendance to distance learning right after Spring break here in Texas, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, reactions were mixed. Kids were excited to be able to sleep in, wear their pjs and have classes online, teachers struggled with adapting to an online model that came to life onscreen, and parents chewed through fingernails, concerned their kids weren’t getting the full learning experience. And now well into summer, COVID-slide (what you may remember as the summer slide, in years past.) is at the back of many parents’ minds.
Don’t worry. This too will pass.
Yes, we’re going through a crazy season right now.
Yes, this is a new normal that will take a little getting used to.
And yes, we will get through this.
We will!
Don’t worry about your kids. They’re resilient.
Continue online learning through the summer
I agree the summer months are a time for kids to enjoy being outdoors and travel, but so many states are still encouraging families to quarantine and self-isolate. Instead of having the kids spend all day binge-watching their favorite tv shows or playing video games, factor in some online learning to keep their minds sharp.
Ever since my kids were little, we’ve always encouraged them to keep their minds sharp through the summer. Brain Quest workbooks have been staples in our home, as also School Zone workbooks, when they were preschoolers. But if your child would prefer to do something on their iPad or computer, consider these great educational programs.
Online learning programs with a free or inexpensive month trial option
The neat thing about all these programs shared below is all of them allow you to try out their program, for FREE (or for an incredibly nominal price) for a month. This allows you to see what works best for your child.
Simply click on the sign up for your trial button under each program to be taken to each site’s respective registration page.
If you feel the program is not helpful for your child, cancel before the trial ends, no questions asked.
ONE MONTH TRIAL: $1 with FREE Math kit If your child fusses, struggles, and groans at the thought of Math, OR you need ways to keep him learning this summer, to avoid the summer slide, then you NEED to sign him up for this fun math program, specifically designed for 2nd-5th graders. My 4th-grader-who-groaned-at-the-thought-of-Math is hooked and looks forward to his Monday Revolution Math sessions eagerly. That's testament enough! * Interactive hour-long class sessions * Less than 4 kids to a class * A certified tutor * Math games * Rewards that can be redeemed for mail-in prizes. * Free math kit (Over $40 value) ONE MONTH TRIAL: FREE This is the most downloaded kids learning app on iOS and Android this year. ABC Mouse's step-by-step curriculum covers reading, math, science, social studies, arts, music, puzzles and other fun activities. Kids as young as 2 can start on the program and thrive! ONE MONTH TRIAL: FREE For children who want to be challenged over the ABC Mouse curriculum, most often in the 8-13 age range, Adventure Academy's curriculum is a must-try. Reading, Math, Social Studies and Science are skills that are developed and fine-tuned through fun games. Your child can even play with their friends on this monitored, safe, online learning platform. One Month Trial: FREE Homer is another Learn-To-Read program for younger kids. Includes online and offline activities to reinforce reading skills that are incorporated into the program. ONE MONTH TRIAL: $1 Hooked on Phonics has been proven successful by over 5 million parents who have used this program to help their child learn, practice and read. Videos, games, music and online books help build up a child's confidence in reading and equips them to become happy, proficient readers.The best online learning programs for kids with a free (or almost free) trial
Revolution Math (2nd grade- 5th grade)
ABC Mouse (Ages 2-8)
Adventure Academy (Ages 8-13)
Learn with Homer (Ages 2-8)
Hooked on Phonics (Ages 3 onwards)
We were also introduced to Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited that provides access to over 20,000 educational apps, learning games, Audible books, and shows from PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Sesame Street, and Disney. The kids are yet to check it out but for reference, they do offer a one-month free trial.
Looking for fun ways to keep your toddler learning, while having fun at the same time? Visit the link to check out 5 engaging toddler activities that include how to make your own homemade playdough!
Is there an online learning program your child enjoys? I would love to learn more about it.
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