For Kids and Families
We made this page to support our families and caregivers of children during the closure period. We have highlighted our online resources that are made for kids and other resources that can provide activities and educational supports. Please check back often. We will continue to add content here, as we find or develop it.
ebooks and audiobooks
Discover classic and new titles, fiction, non-fiction. Separate collections for kids and teens/tweens. Offering simultaneous use. It’s as easy as browse, click, listen.
OverDrive Kid’s reading room
Did you know that our Overdrive/Libby catalogue has a collection of “Read-Along” kid’s books? These books are great for emerging readers. As the narrator reads the story out loud, each word being read is highlighted on the page for your child to follow along. A fun way to encourage literacy!
OverDrive Teen’s reading room
A collection just for teens and tweens. New release fiction and classic titles. ebook and audiobook format.
Crabtree Publishing
Crabtree Publishing is currently offering free access to their entire database of online books. This publisher specializes in high quality, educational non-fiction about a wide variety of topics. From a picture book full of dinosaur facts to a biography about your Teen’s favourite celebrity- whatever your child’s current interest may be, there’s a book to help them explore.
http://www.crabtreebooks.com/Digital/DigitalLibrary.aspx
To access the site use the Username: READ and Password: free
Talking to kids about COVID-19
Jasper and Tabitha Play a Trick on the Coronas
https://playatrickonthecoronas.weebly.com/
Dr. Taylor Purvis is a medical doctor who has written a cute and approachable story to teach children the facts about Covid-19. Her story discusses the ways different members of the community can contribute during this time as well as the ways that we can all keep healthy and safe.
Coronavirus a book for children
Published by Nosy Crow, and written by Nosy Crow staff, and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. This book was written with the assistance of Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Good resource to read to school age children about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. Free for anyone to read on screen or print out.
Kids, COVID19, and mental health video by Grey Bruce Public Health
Mental Health Resources
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/were-here-for-you-during-covid-19-novel-coronavirus/
Fun Family Activities
Storytime with Stephanie
Stephanie recorded a special edition of story time from home!
Covid-19 Time Capsule Worksheet Package
Created by Natalie Long of LONG Creations this fun and easy set of worksheets will preserve your child’s thoughts (and adorable penmanship) for years to come. There are French and Adult versions available as well!
St. John Ambulance Digital Therapy Dogs
Tinker the therapy dog visits with you virtually!
Educational
Learn at Home Ontario’s online learning portal for K-12
National Geographic Kids: Games, quizes and videos.
Scholastic Learn at Home: Twenty days of active learning journeys.
Math Games: Select your grade (K-8), the math skills you’re working on, and play!
Typing Practice Improve typing skills with fun challenges and lessons.
Story times
Brightly Storytime: A great selection of picture books read aloud by storyteller Ms. Linda.
https://www.readbrightly.com/topics/brightly-storytime/
Girl Tales Podcast: For middle school aged kids a podcast featuring re-imagined fairytales- with a feminist twist!
Story Pirates: A quirky and hilarious podcast for kids. Stories are submitted by children and then brought to life in a series of podcasts by talented performers.
https://www.storypirates.com/podcast