SFPL kids multicolored banner with crayon drawings of children

human figure at the entrance to a gigantic maze

“I came to parenting the way most of us do —knowing nothing and trying to learn everything.”

— Mayim Bialik, actress and neuroscientist

Spanish Fort Public Library staff members know parenting is hard.

We have compiled a collection of free online resources we have found to make it just a little bit easier.

Let us know if any you have a problem with any of the links below. 251-410-7323

Funny long-faced dog with glasses and open book

Homework is tough.

frustrated, young child at table with pencil and notebook

SFPL Staff have gathered a few resources to help make studying a little easier.

The Alabama Virtual Library provides all students, teachers, and citizens of the State of Alabama with online access to essential library and information resources. It is primarily a group of online databases that have magazine, journal, and newspaper articles for research.

All students in grades K-12 with a library card can use HomeworkAlabama to get help with homework, class projects, papers and test preparation. HomeworkAlabama would like to help your child be better prepared for class each day by providing one-to-one assistance right when they need it most, at homework time. Tutoring is available in all core K-12 subjects – math, science, English, social studies and writing, including AP level assistance.

HomeworkAlabama.org "We can help" ad with link

DPLA connects people to the riches held within America’s libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. All of the materials found through DPLA—photographs, books, maps, news footage, oral histories, personal letters, museum objects, artwork, government documents, and so much more—are free and immediately available in digital format.

Khan Academy Kids provides a free, fun educational program for children ages two to six. With original interactive activities, books, animated videos, and creative lessons to captivate children’s attention.

Khan Academy Kids image with link to website

ABCya provides over 400 fun and educational games for grades PreK through 6. Games are categorized by grade and subject, and cover topics such as multiplication, parts of speech, typing, pattern recognition, and more.

PBS Kids Parents offers a variety of parenting resources and tips on raising children, planning birthday parties, and kids activities.

On the Starfall website, children have fun while learning in an environment of collaboration, wonderment, and play. It is a place where any child can learn reading and mathematics through exploration.

PBS KIDS content helps preschool and school aged children in each of the four key areas of childhood development – cognitive, social, emotional and physical.

Finding safe, educational online video content that you and your child can agree on is tough! Try one of these selections!

This series from the producers of Crash Course is all about grade-school science. We'll look at Earth, Habitats, Space, Chemical Reactions, Engineering, and much much more with host Sabrina Cruz. This series is beginning with 5th grade science, so we'll be delving into Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, Engineering, and Astronomy.

Find videos for elementary aged children on internet safety, cyberbullying, online privacy, copyright, and more. Plus for parents and teachers, we have reviews of the latest and greatest in edtech as well as tips for how to use these tools in creative and engaging ways.

SciShow Kids explores all those curious topics that make us ask "why?" Jessi and her robot rat, Squeaks, answer your questions and explain fun, complex science concepts for young, curious minds. Whether conducting experiments, researching new questions, or talking with experts, there's always something new to discover with SciShow Kids, no matter what your age!

These sing-a-long videos cover a vast array of educational subject matters including the solar system, geography, the human body, and much more. People of all ages love Kids Learning Tube's fun and unique approach to education, and teachers and parents most often comment that their students, children and they themselves are smarter for watching.

TED-Ed is TED’s youth and education initiative. TED-Ed’s mission is to spark and celebrate the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Featuring TED-Ed Animations, their signature content: short, award-winning animated videos about ideas that spark the curiosity of learners everywhere.

Math & Learning Videos 4 Kids make animated math videos to teach the basic math concepts in elementary school. The math videos not only help students get a strong understanding of the concepts but also help teachers and parents to assist in the learning effort.

Math Videos header with link to Math & Learning Videos 4 Kids channel

Is your child ready for an interactive program to engage them at home? Try one of these free, online curriculum. Kids will be having so much fun playing the "game" they will not realize they are learning!

Scratch is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. As children create with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS features educational games, videos, and other activities, centered mostly on animals and the natural world. Kids also can get a virtual tour of different countries, featuring fun facts and other information. Find amazing facts about animals, science, history and geography, along with fun competitions, games and more.

Duolingo believes that anyone should be able to learn a language. Duolingo offers free, bite-size lessons that feel more like a game than a textbook, and that's by design: Learning is easier when you're having fun. Duolingo was created so that everyone could have a chance. Free language education – no hidden fees, no premium content, just free.

The Code.org website includes free coding lessons and the initiative also targets schools in an attempt to encourage them to include more computer science classes in the curriculum. Code.org offers all of the curriculum and course content completely free worldwide, without any sort of needed partnership to use the materials.

TypingClub is the most effective way to learn how to type. It is web based, and highly effective. TypingClub is (and will always be) free for both individuals and schools. A full range of experiences from games, videos and different typing challenges makes learning fun.

The Lego Kids site offers children the opportunity to play free, safe online Lego themed games for kids, find fun Lego mobile apps, and watch trailers for new Lego products. The games and activities are free. Parents, there are Lego printables available for download on this site, also.

Below you will find links that can be followed to find lists compiled by various organizations containing numerous other links to valuable information for parents, guardians, and caregivers.

This US Department of Education webpage lists dozens of free resources including: tips on helping your child prepare for reading in early childhood, special educational needs resources, homework tips, college funding, and more.

This OpenCulture page includes free educational resources for K-12 students and their parents and teachers. Including video lessons/tutorials; free apps; free textbooks; quality YouTube channels; free foreign language lessons; test prep materials, etc.

Big Brown Bear is a UK based organization offering interactive software programs developed in support of the National Literacy Strategy, an initative of the UK govt aimed in particular at improving the low levels of reading and writing skills. It features a free Pre-K typing program and phoneme-based literacy learning tools that can be used at home.

Big Brown Bear Software website header image with link

The Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception. Their mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide. Use this link to check out the free STEM activities, apps and printables on their website.

Parent Toolkit includes information about almost every aspect of your child’s development, because they're all connected. Healthy, successful children can excel in many areas – in the classroom, on the court, and in their relationships with peers and adults. Also covers important topics for navigating life after high school.

"Expecting all children the same age to learn from the same materials is like expecting all children the same age to wear the same size clothing."

- Madeline Hunter