There is so much out there on the internet - it can be daunting. We've gathered and organized some resources that we hope can help. You can find online games, virtual tours, and learning resources here.

Too much screentime is not recommended for kids. They should be outside and active! Some of the resources here will provide excellent suggestions to engage kids with art and nature activities, science experiments, and cooking.

SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY! Kids should not be secluded in their rooms when on the internet, time should be limited, and their activity monitored. Be aware of what your child is doing when online!

Online Games K - 8

Here are links to educational online games which are engaging and fun! Several of these links will take you to sites which list and organize games according to subject area and grade level so that you can find the specific skill your child needs to practise. For children learning to read, Starfall is an excellent site. Preschool kids love the interactive alphabet found there.

 K - 12 online learning tools and resources

In school, your child has many 'hands on' tools, which are so important for children. Concrete materials engage different modes of learning rather than just hearing instruction. Concrete concepts must first be understood before children can move on to more abstract thinking, especially in math. Below are some places you can find online tools to help with concrete understanding. IXL provides tools all the way up to Grade 12.

Safe search engines and research sites:

Read to Me!

 The absolute number one thing you can do to help your child academically is READ! READ! READ!
Here are some great places to find online stories but please remember that young children should connect pleasant experiences with reading - the laptop is not a substitute for your lap! Be an example of a competent reader and let your child see you spending time enjoying reading too.
*Please note that Storyline Online will give you the option to choose SchoolTube instead of YouTube. You should definitely make that choice and, again, supervision is a must.

Parent Resources

 Some great places to find ideas for activities to do at home! Be sure to explore our links to local Lambton County resources. Older kids will be interested in spending time visiting these sites. Go on a virtual tour together! 
​You will also find worksheets and other printable resources here. While worksheets are not developmentally appropriate for very young children, school aged children often enjoy them and they are useful for developing spatial skills and small muscle strength and coordination. If your youngster does not like worksheets, you can also develop those same skills through puzzles, working with playdough, cutting with safe scissors, and playing with toys with small parts (e.g. lego).
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Click on the image to learn more about supporting your child's mental health.
With the pandemic lasting so long, in person learning being replaced by online schooling, closure and cancellation of activities, and isolation from extended family and friends, it's no wonder our kids are struggling. This project consists of a series of videos along with accompanying resources on a website channel dedicated specifically to childhood mental health. The concept is endorsed by Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program) as well as the Thames Valley District School Board (Mental Health Strategic Planning Committee).
This program has been developed in partnership and with the support of The Child and Youth Development Clinic  Faculty of Education, Western University,  The Thames Valley District School Board, The London District Catholic School Board, Vanier Children’s Services and The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, LHSC.

Kids connecting with other kids:

Meeting online - it's our new reality - so let's help our kids stay connected too. There is a cost connected to these sites. If you want to host meetings, Zoom does have a free plan, but group meetings are limited to 40 minutes. You can sign up for a paid plan which costs less than $20 per month. There is no cost to attend a meeting to which you are invited.

Disclaimer:

***Care has been taken in providing these links as suitable reference resources. Providing these links does not imply any endorsement, support or commercial gain by APFO. Many of the sites listed contain affiliate links and advertisements. The internet is an ever-changing landscape and it is your responsibility to monitor your child's use and make your own decisions regarding the value of these resources.