Coronavirus (COVID-19) Home Learning Resources
The Governor of Massachusetts has ordered all public and private schools must remain closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. We are compiling home learning resources for families to support you and your children's education during this time. This page will be continuously updated.
- Page last updated at 12:00 PM on May 8, 2020.
- View all resources in our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Family Resource Toolkit.
Table of Contents:
- Free and Low-Cost Internet Access
- Free and Low-Cost Computers
- IEP and Special Education Resources
- English Language Learner (ELL) Resources
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- WGBH Distance Learning Center
- Boston Public Schools (BPS)
- Boston Public Library (BPL)
- Boston After School and Beyond
- Free Home Learning Resource Websites
If you need home access to the internet:
- The City of Boston has compiled several free or low-cost options available to all Boston residents here: Internet Connectivity Supports During COVID-19 Response.
- Tech Goes Home has compiled a list of several resources for low-cost or free internet and technology access.
- EveryoneOn provides an online search tool to help you find low-cost internet service and computers in your area. Enter your zip code to get started. The search tool is available in Spanish here.
If you need a computer:
- Boston Public Schools is coordinating the distribution of portable Chromebook laptop computers to BPS students who do not have consistent access to a computer at home.
- Use this form to request a Chromebook for your family.
- Visit this website for more information about how to set up your Chromebook.
- If your child goes to a school that is not part of BPS, please contact your school directly.
- PCs for People is a non-profit organization that provides affordable computers and low-cost internet eligible individuals and nonprofits. Learn more here.
- EveryoneOn provides an online search tool to help you find low-cost internet service and computers in your area. Enter your zip code to get started. The search tool is also available in Spanish here.
If your child has an IEP and/or other special education needs:
- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has compiled a Family Resource Toolbox for families with children who have special education needs. This resource is available in 17 languages here.
- Boston Public Schools (BPS) has created a resource page just for Special Education needs here.
- The Massachusetts Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) has created an open-access resource folder for Massachusetts educators in order to exchange educational resources. General education and special education teachers are encouraged to share resources through this online forum. For ease of use, MCEC has created individual folders by grade level, from preschool through secondary transition.
- Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MAFOC) has organized MatchUs, a community-driven educator/related service provider and family response to support our students (and their families!) with disabilities/IEPs/support needs during this time of social distancing. If you need IEP support at home, please complete this form online (available in English and Spanish) to be matched with someone from MAFOC.
- Understood.org has compiled several helpful resources for families.
- The Oklahoma Parents Center has put together a one-page guide with Parent Tips for Virtual IEP Meetings (PDF file available in English only).
If your child is an English language learner (ELL):
- Boston Public Schools (BPS) has created a resource page just for English language learner support here.
- The New Teacher Project (TNTP) offers a PDF document of resources to support English language learners, including guidance, tech tools, and resources for continued literacy and language development for multilingual learners including printable worksheets, whether or not an adult is needed to complete the work, and how to access these resources.
- Khan Academy: Available in 40 languages, Khan Academy has outlined support for parents and educators on how to use their resources during remote learning. Khan Academy is a free resource for students, teachers, and parents with a library of lessons covering kindergarten through early college math, grammar, science, and history, plus AP courses, SAT preparation, and more.
- ColorinColorado: This bilingual website has compiled resources for educators and families of English learners.
- Duolingo: For students to practice conversational English.
- Immigrant Connections: From YouTube channels to multilingual reference guides, the site has compiled a comprehensive resource list to assist English learners and immigrant parents support the temporary home education of their children.
- Listenwise: Supports listening comprehension with stories and non-fiction in English language arts, social studies, and science. A subscription is free and includes supports for English learners.
- Newsela: Digital subscriptions for free in English language arts, social science, and science and supports social emotional learning and English learners.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
DESE, the state agency that oversees education in Massachusetts, has compiled a comprehensive list of resources organized by subject (English/Language Arts, Math, STEM, Arts, etc.), as well as resources for ELL and special education support.
- View the DESE Educational Resources for Students and Families here.
WGBH Distance Learning Center
DESE and public television station WGBH have partnered to bring educational resources to students and families through television programming and digital resources through PBS LearningMedia. Resources are available by grade level as well as by subject collections and are aligned to national and state education standards. These resources include videos, comprehensive lessons, and other activities:
- Pre-K Resources
- Grades K to 2 Resources
- Grades 3 to 5 Resources
- Grades 6 to 8 Resources
- Grades 9 to 12 Resources
Special distance learning programming aligned with PBS LearningMedia resources will air on the WORLD CHANNEL on television Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM each weekday.
- WGBH WORLD can be found on the following television channels: Comcast 956, FiOS 473, RCN 94, Cox 807, and Charter 181.
- Click here to view the daily schedule of distance learning programming airing on television.
Boston Public Schools (BPS)
Family Helpline by Phone
- BPS will remain closed through the 2019-20 school year due to the coronavirus pandemic. You can find resources and updates from the district by calling the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Home Learning Websites by School
- Click here to view a list of all BPS schools with individual, dedicated home learning sites beyond what BPS offers
Home Learning Resources by Grade
BPS TV
- BPS hosts programming on Boston Neighborhood Network Community TV. Videos are available live-streaming at the website and on-demand to watch later.
- Superintendent Brenda Cassellius hosts "Good Night Scholars" nightly for a bedtime read aloud at 7:30 PM with special guests.
Online Classrooms and Apps
- BPS primarily uses two applications to host apps and websites for students: Clever and Google Classroom.
- Students can login to both platforms using their BPS Gmail (______@bostonk12.org) and BPS password.
- Unsure about your student’s email or password? Check out this tip sheet or contact the BPSTechnology Help Desk at 617-635-9200.
- Más información en español: Clever para Las Familias, Cómo unirse a Google Classroom
Boston Public Library (BPL)
Please note: all BPL branches are currently closed. BPL offers a number of online resources for readers of all ages. You only need a BPL Library Card to access these services; the BPL Library Card is free to all residents in Massachusetts.
- Get a virtual eCard for free online here.
- Read newspapers
- Learn a new language
- Take an online course
- Pursue your hobbies
- Enjoy the performing arts and music, and more
Boston After School and Beyond
Boston Beyond has gathered resources for enrichment and learning at home from its network of more than 300 programs. The resources are intended for other programs to use and for students and their families to access directly.
- Click here to view Boston Beyond's list of home learning and enrichment resources, updated frequently.
FREE Home Learning Resource Websites
- almanac.com/kids: educational resources for Pre-K and elementary grade
- amazingeducationalresources.com: continuously-updating list of free educational resources available across the internet.
- code.org/athome: coding and computer science resources that can be accessed at home with or without a computer.
- coolmath4kids.com: math resources for ages 3 to 12
- coolmath.com: math resources for ages 13+
- earlyliteracylearning.org: literacy and reading resources for ages 0 to 5
- exploratorium.edu: educational resources for elementary grades
- first8studios.org: math and science resources for elementary grades
- funbrain.com: educational resources and games for grades Pre-K to 8
- highlightsforkids.com: reading resources for Pre-K and elementary grades
- kids.nationalgeographic.com: science and social studies resources for Pre-K and elementary grades
- learninggamesforkids.com: educational games for all grades
- pbskids.org: educational resources for young children
- playworks.org/get-involved/play-at-home: at-home play and recess resources for kids of all ages.
- scholastic.com/learnathome: educational resources for all grades
- sesamestreet.org: educational resources for elementary grades
- teach.starfall.com/lv: printable classroom worksheets and resources for grades Pre-K to 3
- TIMEforKids.com: history and social studies resources for grades K to 6
- youngmathematicians.edc.org: family math games for children ages 3 to 6
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