From learning to fun, Digital Library is there for you

It wasn’t even noon yet when my oldest daughter sent me a text. “It’s been a long day already … with a few meltdowns.” The luster of homeschooling appears to have quickly faded as my grandkids get used to their new teacher-mom. I needed clarification, though, so I responded by asking “You or the kids?” with an appropriate emoji.

In the past, homeschooling parents could take their kids on field trips to the library for fresh learning resources. That hasn’t really changed just because the doors are closed.

Teacher-dads and teacher-moms can still discover tons of great educational resources at the library — the Digital Library — at ebonnerlibrary.org. There are resources for each grade-level, so no matter how old or young your students are, you can keep them engaged.

I will share one resource for each age group, but you will want to dive into the Digital Library yourself to see the full selection.

Help your high school student research topics that will expand his or her worldview with “Issues and Contro-versies.” Teens learn to see current issues with opposing viewpoints. This is a great tool for writing research papers or just learning about timely topics.

Middle school kids can get lost in learning about wildlife, foreign countries, and ancient cultures with Gale In Context – Middle School. Subject matter is geared for 6th through 8th grade students and is categorized alphabetically to make it easy to find interesting topics.

Elementary school-age students can choose their own studies with a click! Show them Explora Primary Schools to choose from animals, art, biographies, geography, language arts, math, science, and social studies. Being a teacher-parent is super easy with this one!

If you have young students at home, Scholastic Teachables is going to be your new best friend. It has ready-to-go printable lessons and activities for every grade, subject, and skill level.

We recently added Tumble Books and Tumble Math to the Digital Library. Choose from a huge selection of picture books and mathematical picture books to bond and learn with your little ones.

There are lots more educational resources in the Digital Library to reduce the number of meltdowns at your new homeschool. You will find fun and fascinating content that will last the rest of the school year, but hopefully, you won’t have to.

All library classes and events have been suspended until further notice, but here are a few things you can do while social distancing, socially:

Mango Languages. Choose a language to learn “together.” Mango has over 70 different languages including Wine and Cheese French, Pirate, and Italian Romance. Language is a great way to connect. Find Mango Languages in the Digital Library at ebonnerlibrary.org and download the app.

Hoopla Book Club Hub. Hoopla makes it easy to start a book club – no experience necessary! Each quarter, Hoopla releases a new Spotlight Selection title, along with materials including a discussion guide and exclusive author interviews. You also get eight curated recommended titles for your group’s diverse interests. No holds, no late fees, and you can get titles in eBook or audiobook formats. Use #discoverreadshare and #hooplabookclub to join the conversation. Get started at www.theclub.hoopladigital.com.

StoryWalk™. Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. In March, enjoy “Bear Came Along” by Richard T. Morries at Dover City Park and “Searcher and Old Tree” by David McPhail at McNearny Park.

Read, connect, & get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of The Library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. For more information, visit Facebook.com/BonnerStoryWalk.