ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 1 A Special Message to Parents During School Closures: You’ve Got This!
Hi there! I’m Caroline Hu Flexer, one of the co-founders of Khan Academy Kids. I want to give a big shout-out to all the amazing parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers out there. These are unusual and challenging times, and you’re doing an incredible job juggling so many roles at once.
With schools closed and lots of worrying news around us, many of you have become not just parents but also teachers, counselors, and playmates. As a mom of two, I understand how much you’re handling, and I want you to know that we’re here to help.
If you’re caring for children aged 2 to 7, Khan Academy Kids is a free and easy-to-use educational program. It’s designed to help your kids keep learning, focusing on reading, writing, math, and social-emotional skills. It’s not meant to replace school or playdates but to support you in teaching the basics while spending quality time with your family.
We’ve created daily schedules to help balance learning with reading, playtime, outdoor activities, and family fun. We’re also launching daily Circle Times on our new YouTube channel, where Sophie from my team and I will read books, do learning activities, and even some fun exercises to get kids moving.
We’ll talk about big feelings kids might have during these changes and start with a special episode on handling these times. Plus, we’re offering daily offline activities like Math Mondays, Tongue Twister Tuesdays, Writing Workshop Wednesdays, Thoughtful Thursdays, and Fun Fridays. Everything we do is fun!
On our website, you’ll find a parent’s guide with all the resources we’re creating for you. This list will keep growing, and we’ll also host live webinars to get your feedback on what you need most. We want to hear from you, so please reach out!
Everything we offer is 100% free forever. As a non-profit, our mission is to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Especially now, we feel it’s our duty to support you.
As a mom, I worry about my kids missing out, too. But remember, this is new for all of us. Focus on the basics, try to keep a routine, and be kind to yourself. You’re doing great!
Activity: Create Your Own Daily Schedule
Just like Khan Academy Kids has a daily schedule, you can create your own! With the help of an adult, draw a big rectangle on a piece of paper and divide it into sections for each part of your day. Include time for learning, playing, reading, and even a special activity like a dance party or a nature walk. Decorate your schedule with drawings or stickers. Share your schedule with your family and see if they want to join in on any activities!
Activity: Feelings Journal
During the Circle Times, Sophie and Caroline talk about big feelings. Start your own feelings journal! Each day, draw a picture or write a few words about how you’re feeling. You can use different colors to show different emotions. For example, use blue for calm, red for excited, or green for happy. Share your journal with a family member and talk about your feelings together.
Question: What Makes Learning Fun?
Think about the activities you do with Khan Academy Kids. What makes them fun for you? Is it the games, the stories, or maybe the songs? Talk with a friend or family member about what you enjoy most and why. Then, think of one new fun activity you can try at home that helps you learn something new, like a science experiment or a cooking project.
