Search
Close this search box.
Photo: Whitney Hale

Local Resources to Keep You and Your Kids From Cutting Class

First, let’s give a hand to all of the teachers in our lives. As a former educator, I understand the daily grind of school life — from grading to lesson planning. Now with the coronavirus, we all do. 

With schools shut down around the city, your living room has become the new classroom. During week one, we probably were all rocking it. But now, we thought you may need some reinforcements.

We gathered some fun, local resources that’ll help you and your little ones resist the urge of cutting class, and keep right on track with learning:

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Online Lesson Bank

The Brooks has a ton of online lesson plans for teachers (and now parents) for grades K-12. They were designed to go with in-person tours, but the museum also has moved their collection online— so, you and the kiddos can go on a virtual tour after the lesson! Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on virtual programming. 

Memphis Public Libraries Virtual Events

Memphis Public Libraries are still offering storytime and a whole host of virtual activities. There’s programming for all ages, plus, if you have a library card and download their Libby app, you will have access to hundreds of books at home. Check Facebook for their most updated content.

National Civil Rights Museum Online Learning

How about some lessons on social justice? The National Civil Rights Museum has plenty of great resources for students and educators that you can use at home!  Hit the “Students” tab and find resources like the Character Traits word search and the Privilege Aptitude Test. Under the “Educators” tab, you can find complete e-lessons and learning links that dig deep into the history of civil rights. 

Memphis Museums’ “Museum to Go” Series

The Pink Palace Museum is a one-stop-shop for virtual activities. Featuring educational movies on everything from mummies to dinosaurs, and a variety of at-home activities for your budding scientists and anthropologists, there’s plenty for your kids, and even yourself, to explore. 

Dixon at Home Series

Your little ones can join Mr. JT for virtual art adventures on Facebook and Instagram Live. JT Willbanks, Art Instructor for the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, shows kiddos how to create cool art projects without having to leave their house or backyard! 

Novel – Miss Marjorie on Facebook Live

Novel Bookstore and Miss Marjorie (Marjorie Anders Bowman on Facebook) are back, and broadcasting live story time events on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11AM!  Make sure to tune in live because they can’t archive story times due to publisher rights.

Shelby County Schools on TV

Shelby County Schools pulled out all the stops to support students and address the digital divide! SCS and WMC Action News 5 partnered up to bring the classroom to your TV screen,  broadcasting lessons from SCS teachers on its multicast station Bounce, and on Dish Network. Check out Bounce on channel 5.2, Comcast Cable on channel 906, and for Dish, watch on channel 6.

SCS has also joined forces with WKNO to provide SCS Class is Still in Session, an educational instruction series airing from noon -5PM Monday- Thursday, and 12PM-3PM on Friday. 

All Memphis Literacy Instruction

Local nonprofit, AllMemphis, is offering their signature literacy instruction on Facebook every Tuesday at 11 am! AllMemphis partners with schools across the city to provide multi-sensory phonics instruction. Now, families can access videos and other resources to help students continue to work toward their reading goals while schools are closed. 

Collage Dance Collective Live Classes

Your homeschool schedule should also include time to get up and move! Collage Dance Collective is hosting Instagram and Facebook Live dance classes that the people of all ages can enjoy. You’ll get to experience a full body warmup, award-winning choreography, and instruction from classically trained dancers that will keep you moving while staying #SaferAtHome!

Memphis Zoo “Bringing the Zoo to You” Series

The Memphis Zoo is bringing the zoo to you with virtual wild encounters that would be a great introduction for a science lesson. You can get up close and personal to the animal kingdom with the Zoo Dude, relive the fun of the Zoolympics, or simply get updated on how our fierce friends are faring day-to-day. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the best updates, and consider donating to their Emergency Animal Support Fund so the animals can continue to receive the best care. 

Memphis Escape Rooms Print and Play

You can escape the boredom and cabin fever with Memphis Escape Rooms‘ new Print & Play Adventures! These fun activities are designed for K-12, and align with Tennessee Educational Standards in several subjects. Post pictures and tag Memphis Escape Rooms on social media after you’re done! 

Orpheum Theatre Virtual Engagement

The Orpheum Theatre has found ways to thrive online, and you’re invited to thrive with them. From creative challenges that encourage the use of art to impact the community to the “In Their Shoes” series that follows the journeys of their alumni from Memphis to their careers in the performing arts around the country, they’ve got content to keep local students involved and informed.

Do you have other great local homeschooling resources? Drop them in the comments.

Looking for other virtual events, check out our virtual events guide for life in the M. 

Guest post by Ashley Davis Executive Director of Kifani Press 

Share Article:

More Articles