More and more schools and businesses are sending people home to work and study remotely. Colleges are going entirely on-line. Public schools are holding virtual classrooms. Meanwhile, parents are scrambling to find ways to keep their children occupied while they try to get work done.
Many KidLit/YAlit authors and illustrators are creating on-line content to help educators and parents. Some people offer mini-lessons for a writing workshop, others offer drawing tips, while some read aloud their books. (PLEASE NOTE: This is normally a violation of copyright law. You cannot read aloud books and post them on YouTube. These authors have gotten permission from their publishers due to extraordinary circumstances. In most cases, these videos will be taken down at the end of the school year).
Since I’m tapped into these resources, I’m compiling them here to help my readers find them. I will keep adding to this page as I learn about more.
My read-aloud of Flying Deep with musical accompaniment by Jeff Angelely of Southcost Lessons in New Bedford, MA.
I have resources here on my website. Click over to the “For Teachers/Homeschoolers” tab. Further, if any kids want to ask me questions about my book, my research, my life as an author, etc., parents can email me and I’ll answer. michelle(at)michellecusolito(dot)com.
Kate Messner is compiling a list of videos from authors and illustrators on her website. https://bit.ly/33ex9y4
Authors Everywhere! is a YouTube Channel focused on providing content for kids who are out of school. Includes writing prompts, read alouds, excercises, etc. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowhHSUaWp3KJDcuI0nR0vw
Illustrator Arree Chung is offering a FREE daily activity camp starting March 23rd. https://arree.com/camp/?fbclid=IwAR0o7RQh57Zs9xtpPLg1b56WN4w3G0nh3rQC-X04Yd2t6C2gdhsLW8t8pcU
Mo Willems invites viewers into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. So fun! https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
#StoryMarch is an idea that was dreamed up by The Greater Boston Illustrators Group. It includes daily illustration prompts that individuals can use to create one large art piece in any medium they choose. https://www.sarahbrannen.com/storymarch
This KidLit Google Calendar lists known livestreams and other virtual events. Authors and illustrators are adding to it daily. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=kidlitevent@gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York&fbclid=IwAR32dROSDdl5M54X07e6uuK31uYmq2jfjtHf0KqxV4O3Tk-Anllc51Jz8hU&pli=1
If you prefer the above information in a spreadsheet form, that’s here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sxU02heqtCoZgi4HZ_f5f0rtN8S2ZuFFaLKT6S0U19A/edit#gid=0
On Twitter: #WSID (What Should I Draw?) Parents tweet their children's idea. Illustrators draw it. https://twitter.com/DrawWhat
Non-fiction science author, Melissa Stewart, offers a selection of video mini-lessons. https://www.melissa-stewart.com/videos/video_mini_lessons.html
Author and comic artist Jarrett Lerner shares fun activities, including printable activity sheets. https://jarrettlerner.com/activities/
Author and Zoologist Jess Keating is adding printable animal activity sheets each day. https://jesskeating.com/printables/?fbclid=IwAR2EaXwvGL_NfBEozxnC1mLZQQ4R7eyde0EreAp1KEqWcF_fBy77mj6YvK0
Draw Everyday with JJK. Jarret Krosoczka shares daily drawing activities every day at 2 PM EASTERN. https://www.youtube.com/studiojjk
These aren’t from authors and illustrators, but they’re useful, so I thought I’d share them:
Skype with a Scientist! This is usually for classrooms, but they’re making themselves available to families right now. Super cool! https://bit.ly/2U5aXDy
Denver Public Library offers “Phone-a-Story.” You can call 720-865-8500 and listen to stories, songs and rhymes in English, Spanish, Amharic and Vietnamese. https://kids.denverlibrary.org/activities/phone-story-720-865-8500
Here’s a list of museums from around the world that offer virtual tours. https://bit.ly/3cYqT2b