WonderCon lives on! Due to the necessary cancellation of large gatherings, WonderCon is sharing recordings of panels online.  An amazing group of educators got together to record a panel on analyzing graphic texts with students -- this is one of the best panels I've ever been a part of! Each teacher walks you through how they use and analyze comics with students, covering all levels from kindergarten through high school and beyond.
​
You Have to Read the Pictures, Too: Visual Literacy and Analyzing Graphic Texts with Students 
In this crash course in text analysis for graphic novels, educators demonstrate techniques and tools for building students' critical literacy skills with graphic texts at all grade levels. Join us as we demonstrate how to lead students in analyzing the elements of comics and the unique combination of art and text, share resources, and discuss challenges. We share tips, activities, and vocabulary you can use with your students tomorrow!   

Panelists: Laurence Tan (LAUSD and Teaching Tolerance Teacher of the Year), Derek Heid (high school English Language Arts, TVUSD), Shveta Miller (Literacy Specialist and Author), Jennifer Naumann (7th Grade ELA), Tracy Edmunds (Graphic Novels Are Elementary!), and moderator Betsy Gomez (Banned Books Week)

Resources:

Moderator Betsy Gomez's slides from this panel, including many links to resources

Tracy Edmunds' slides on analyzing not-so-simple Hello Kitty comics

Laurence Tan's slides on an ethnic studies approach to critical media literacy using comics

Jennifer Naumann's resource on analyzing splash pages

Shveta Miller's slides on analyzing panels from Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis

Derek Heid's slides on analyzing Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon

Now that all school is homeschool, parents are in need of help! You don't need to freak out -- there are so many amazing free things for kids and parents out there. Here are some of my favorite free online resources.

Free Resource Lists

Common Sense Media provides a ton of links to great resources, including schedules for live classes and activities, lesson plans, virtual tours and storytimes, and games.   

We Are Teachers has put together a huge list of resources, including lists of the best educational TV shows, videos, and apps. 

Excellent activities and videos, searchable by grade level, from PBS Learning Media. Their lessons and interactive activities are excellent for all grade levels.  

YouTube Learn at Home (partnered with Khan Academy) lists channels for different ages, e.g. Families with kids 13 and older, families with kids 5 and up, families with preschoolers.

Look for your favorite authors and artists on Twitter and Facebook – many are doing read aloud or draw along videos and providing free activities.

For Younger Kids

Sesame Workshop offers free videos, activities, coloring pages, ebooks, and more. 

Ranger Rick is offering free digital magazines. 

Free super-fun videos and activities from Go Noodle for families. Highly recommended!

Here's a parent-friendly guide to the free Khan Academy Kids app, along with schedules, printable resources, and circle time videos. 

For Older Kids
​
Khan Academy provides free learning resources and information for parents, including examples of daily schedules. It's the go-to site for students looking for help in any subject area.

This is cool: sign up to Skype a Scientist! You can also view their recorded events with scientists who study everything from bacteria to planets.

MIT Full STEAM Ahead provides activities, tools, and lessons for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 

Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) for kids, in partnership with the New York Times, offers creative writing tools and challenges. 

Dealing with Feelings

How to Talk to Little Learners About Coronavirus from PBS  

Supporting Kids’ Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic from We Are Teachers.