Family Resources

Social and Emotional Resources

• A wealth of information curated by West Lake High School's Media Specialist Carolyn Foote about mindful ways  to talk to your children about the coronovirus.
• Brainpop's engaging videos and lessons about the coronavirus outbreak, including tips on hand washing,
• Common Sense Media: reviews to help you choose the best resources for your family.

Educational Resources

All Ages: 

• Encyclopedia Britannica. Login with username: stfrancis // password: Ktwelve 
• Austin Public Library's Virtual Library: APL offers so many resources, from audiobooks, ebooks, to New York Times subscriptions. All of this can be accessed for free by using your library card number. 
• Austin Public Library FAQs (What's my library card number? / How do I get started with eBooks and eAudiobooks? / How do I find ebooks for children and teens?)
• BookPeople has gone online! Order your next read from BookPeople to support your local indie bookstore.
• Kids' and Teens' Calendar of virtual literary events (listed in Eastern time)

Elementary

• Brainpop and Brainpop Jr: fun and educational games! They are currently offering free access to communities affected by the coronavirus. 
• Texas Library Association Recommended Reading Lists:
  • 2x2 (recommended reading for children ages 2-grade 2)
  • Little Maverick (recommended graphic novels for K-5)
  • Bluebonnet (recommended reading for grades 3-6)

 

• ​Virtual Story Times
  • Storyline Online: famous actors  (Oprah Winfrey! Chris Pine!) read picture books.
  • PenguinKids: authors read books on Instagram every weekday at 10 AM. 
  • Stay at Home Story Time Author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers reads his picture books every weekday.
  • Story Time from Space: an astronaut reads stories!
  • Book Club Shows with Mac Barnett  Author Mac Barnett is going live on instagram at 10 AM every day to host virtual book clubs. 
  • San Diego Zoo: live animal cams + loads of information.
  • Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari: introduces animals and at home activities
  • TumbleBook Library (requires an Austin Public Library card) animated, talking picture books with educational activities and games. 

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Middle School​

• Texas Library Association Recommended Reading Lists:
  • Bluebonnet (recommended reading for grades 3-6)
  • Lone Star (chapter books recommended for grades 6-12)
  • Maverick (graphic novels recommended for grades 6-12)
  • Tayshas (recommended reading for grades 9-12)
• Open Access JStor: digital library features scholarly and peer reviewed sources. 
• Epic Reads: HarperCollin's bookish website for teens, Includes quizzes, suggestions, and Instagram hangouts with Young Adult authors on Fridays at 3PM.
• Fierce Reads: Macmillan's website for teens. Includes quizzes, suggestions and exclusive content from YA authors.
• Underlined: Penguin Randomhouse's teen reading community. Includes quizzes, suggestions and exclusive content from YA authors.

Inspiration and Activities

• St. Francis Library Instagram I'll be posting a bunch of community, bookish, and occasionally dachshund-related content!
• Down Dog is the highest-rated app for practicing yoga at home with a 4.9 rating across over 100k reviews. In addition to our main yoga app, we also offer apps for Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout.  They have made all of their apps completely free until July 1st for all students and teachers (K-12 and college). All  you need to do is download the app or go to www.downdogapp.com, and then create an account using  our school’s email domain. Once they confirm their email address, the free membership is automatically applied!
• ​Lunch Doodles with author/illustrator Mo Willems
• Drawing Everyday with JJK lessons with author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka