Making the Best of Screen Time

Self isolation and social distancing means that more screen time for your little one is inevitable. Don’t worry – you’re not the only one reaching for an iPad to entertain your kids while you’re trying to get some work done. We’ve collated some educational websites, Youtube channels and TV shows to make sure you’re making the best of the screen time you give to your toddler. Here are our tips:

Crash Course Kids

Crash Course Kids has so many great videos explaining everything from engineering to space travel to plants. All the content is designed for little ones to help keep them learning as they watch. Check it out here

Nat Geo Kids

National Geographic has posted a bunch of videos on their youtube to help kids learn about the magical world of animals, nature and science. Weird but True is our favourite series – teaching kids heaps of fun facts about their favourite animals. Here’s the channel!

Acadia National Park Virtual Tour

Take a tour through Acadia National Park and explore the shore line, seeing the sea and wildlife. Take a virtual ferry and let your little one sail along the shores of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. It’s a cool way for your toddler to experience a different part of the world and escape from the indoors. Here’s the link.

GEOgraphy Focus

GEOgraphy focus is an amazing youtube channel that helps your kids learn about places all about the world. Check out the videos HERE, and travel from Hong Kong, to the Vatican,

The Learning Station

The Learning Station is another educational Youtube channel to help you feel less guilty about popping your little one in front of a screen. The channel has a bunch of songs, dances and nursery rhymes. Here’s the link!

Victoria Zoo Live Streaming

Victoria Zoo are live streaming all their animals, so you can watch all your favourite animals at any time of the day. What a great way to teach your kids about all of the wildlife out there! Workers also jump on the live stream to give talks, explain common questions and feed the animals! Check out the website HERE

Boston Children’s Museum

Use google maps and take a walk through all 3 floors of the Boston Children’s Museum. This is a great educational tool that might help your kids make the most of their screen time. The museum has exhibits from all over the world, and even has a ‘Construction Zone’. Here’s the website!

Storytime from Space

Storytime from space is exactly like what it sounds – Astronauts reading children’s books! Check out the range of videos from astronauts on live missions. This is such a great idea to keep your little ones entertained and fascinated! Check out the website here!

Casula Powerhouse

Casula Powerhouse have just gone virtual, offering comic creations, Claymation, drawing, science and art classes made available online for free. Families just like yours can join in and be part of the program, with a series of worksheets available for kids to use in the online workshops. It’s a great way to use the screen time to educate AND entertain!

Littlescribe

Littlescribe is an Australian online educational writing platform, which transforms kid’s writing by linking them with published authors! While we know it’s tricky to keep on top of school work, Littlescribe can help kids stay creative during lockdown. The platform is making literacy services free to teachers and parents working to keep home learning on track. Designed to be fun for kids (but also linked to curriculum), it’s the perfect place to learn and be entertained.
A free membership will be given to parents for the next 3 months to help access resources, including creative writing. Check it out HERE!