10 Free Online Resources for Kids & Parents during COVID-19 Stay Home period

With the current escalating Covid-19 situation in Singapore, I guess bringing the kids out probably isn't a good prospect... especially if you are thinking of heading to the attractions, shopping malls or playgrounds. If you absolutely must head outdoors, then it's best to go somewhere ulu (remote) or nature boardwalks.

But if you are stuck at home with the kids - whether you are working from home or over the weekends - then it will be best for your sanity if you keep them ocuppied with ample activities. Fortunately, because of the worldwide virus outbreak, plenty of companies and organisations have made their resources online for FREE. And trust me when I say there are A LOT TO CHOOSE FROM!

You can just do a simple Google search for 'free online resources for kids' and you will find endless amount of activities and ideas to keep the kids entertained at home - be it homeschooling resources, eAudio Books & eBooks, Math & Science tutorials or music & foreign language lessons.

What I have done is picked a few of the more interesting ones and compiled them into this handy list for you. Hope it helps you and your kids through these challenging times! 🦾

1. TIME FOR KIDS

For 23 years, TIME for Kids has published a weekly magazine for students providing age-appropriate stories kids are excited about, information just for kids that explains the world around them, and high-quality, trusted journalism that teaches news literacy.

And for the rest of this year, TIME for Kids is granting free access to its library of four grade-specific digital editions of TIME for Kids and Your $ financial literacy magazine. Simply sign up with your email address to get your child to start reading!

LINK HERE

2. PIXAR IN A BOX

Always wanted to learn about animation? Now’s your chance! Dive into Pixar in a Box, a free online learning tool for aspiring filmmakers, artists, and more!

Pixar in a Box is a behind-the-scenes look at how Pixar artists do their jobs. You will be able to animate bouncing balls, build a swarm of robots, and make virtual fireworks explode. The subjects you learn in school — math, science, computer science, and humanities — are used every day to create amazing movies at Pixar. It's great for older kids who are fascinated with animation.

LINK HERE

3. audible eAUDIO BOOKS

Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of eAudio stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. There are books for various ages, from little ones to tweens to teens. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.

LINK HERE

4. NLB eBOOKS

You can borrow eBooks from National Library Board - and more than 3.5 million titles in 4 languages at that! - and download them into your electronic devices. In fact, the kids will be able to search for the books themselves and borrow them effortlessly without having to leave home.

Borrow up to 16 eBooks (including eAudiobooks) which lasts for 21 days each and the beauty of the system is the eBook will automatically expire after that so there are no fines to worry about for overdue items!

LINK HERE

5. CARING FOR EACH OTHER
by Sesame Street

To provide support during this period, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, is offering a broad variety of free resources to help children and families during the coronavirus pandemic through a new Caring for Each Other initiative.

The resources have been designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy. This marks the beginning of a commitment to support families for the duration of this crisis, with brand new content featuring the Sesame Street Muppets sharing messages of love and kindness, playful learning activities, and virtual play dates launching soon.

LINK HERE

6. CODEMANCER GAME

Originally US$10, the game is now available for FREE! Codemancer brings the mystery of magic and the exhilaration of learning to code together in a fantasy universe that uses spell casting as a way to teach and learn programming skills.

Codemancer’s fantasy universe is filled with rival sorcerers and their minions for players to encounter along their journey. Designed for 6 to 12 year olds as an educational game that teaches the magic behind coding, it is a non-violent, entertaining, and educational game which is accessible to learners at any stage... and can be fun for grownups, too!

Available for download for Windows, iOS, and Android.

LINK HERE

7. SCHOLASTIC LEARN AT HOME

If you prefer to follow a schedule, this will be perfect. Scholastic Learn At Home features day-to-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and learning. Great for kids from pre-kindergarten to 13-14 year old teens, the site includes daily reading quests as well as virtual video tours!

LINK HERE

8. THE KID SHOULD SEE THIS

TKSST is an unprecedented collection of over 4,500 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Focusing on science, art, technology, and more, the selections are grown-up-friendly too and it's ALL FREE!

LINK HERE

9. KHAN ACADEMY

Khan Academy is a free resource for students, teachers, and parents. The site offers free lessons in math, science and humanities from kindergarten through the early years of college. Students can use its exercises, quizzes, and instructional videos to learn and master skills... and get immediate feedback and encouragement.

LINK HERE

10. explore LIVE CAMS

Can't travel? No sweat, you can explore the world together with your kids from your home by checking out explore, which has a variety of live cams from seeing hummingbirds up close, to trying to spot gorillas in the wild, to seeing African wildlife, to even the Northern Lights (minus the cold)!

LINK HERE

Or if you prefer museums, you can take virtual tours of these 12 famous museums too.

BONUS!

PLAY MINECRAFT FOR FREE!

The original, classic Minecraft is now playable for FREE. Originally released as part of Minecraft's 10 year celebration, the original 2009 version of Minecraft can be played by everyone. No downloading required; you play on the web browser and you can play with up to nine other people. You can't save the game (since it's on browser) and it only has Creative mode but hey, it's free. So if you have been wanting to check out Minecraft and play together with your child, it's worth to check it out.

LINK HERE

Here's how to borrow up to 16 FREE eBooks for your Kids without leaving the house

Compared to life three months ago, we are living in vastly different times these days. In a time where social distancing and being socially responsible are drilled into everyone, it is great that we can all borrow eBooks from Singapore's National Library Board (NLB) without leaving the house!

Yes, in case you didn't know, you can borrow eBooks from the library - and more than 3.5 million titles in 4 languages at that! - and download them into your electronic devices. In fact, the kids will be able to search for the books themselves and borrow them effortlessly!

You can borrow up to 16 eBooks (including eAudiobooks). Each ebook lasts for 21 days and the beauty of the system is the eBook will automatically expire after that so there are no fines to worry about for overdue items! Plus, you don't even have to head down to the library to return the books!

How do you get started on borrowing eBooks from NLB?

Firstly, you need to be a Singapore National Library member AND have a myLibrary ID. If are already a NLB member but do not have the myLibrary ID, you can sign up via online HERE. Or you can download the NLB Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play to register as well.

If you are NOT a NLB member at all, you must first sign up to be one before having a myLibrary ID. Annual membership is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents but the latter will be charged a one-time registration fee of $10.50. Singaporeans and PRs can immediately sign up via online (for SingPass users aged 15 and above) while foreigners have to head to the nearest NLB library to sign up.

Next, download the NLB Mobile App onto your electronic devices.

Sign in with your myLibrary ID and password, and you can proceed to browse for book titles and borrow them if they are available.

In addition to borrowing eBooks, eAudiobooks, accesssing eNewspapers, eMagazines and online courses, NLB Mobile also lets you easily check your account and perform transaction like the payment of fines.

Search for the eBooks you want, and proceed to borrow if they are available.

But here's an IMPORTANT point: while NLB Mobile lets you read or listen to eBooks & eAudiobooks while you are connected to the Internet, it does not have an in-built reader for you to read downloaded eBooks.

How do I download eBooks so that I can read them offline?

Download the FREE Libby App from App Store or Google Play.

Libby is a third-party app which allows you to borrow and download NLB's eBooks and eAudiobooks, so that you can enjoy them even when you are offline.

Once you have downloaded the app, you have to set it up for the first time so that you are able to borrow eBooks from NLB. Don't worry, the set-up process is a breeze.

When asked if you have a library card, tap "Yes". Then, let Libby guess your library by tapping "Yes, Guess My Library".

National Library Board will be shown in the next page and tap "This Is My Library".

Enter your library account details (myLibrary ID and password) and you are all set!

You will then be brought to the main page of NLB where you can browse and search for eBooks.

There are loads of titles to browse, with a section dedicated for kids.

You can search for specific titles... for Ale, she wanted 'Dork Diaries'.

Unfortunately, most of the Dork Diaries eBooks' borrowing quotas were full but you can tap "Place Hold" to reserve the eBook. Once the next copy is available, it will appear in your borrowed books list.

For eBooks that are avilable, you can simply tap on "Borrow" and it will automatically be downloaded onto your device so that you can read them offline.

When the download is complete, just open the book to begin reading!

Frankly, it cannot get easier than this and everything is so simple that a child can do it. What I like about the eReader app is there is a scrub timeline for the eBooks so that you can drag the scrub control to shuttle forward or backward to the page that you had previously left off.

To see the eBooks that are currently on loan, just tap on "Shelf".

Empower the kids by allowing them to explore the eBooks listing and choosing which eBooks to borrow on their own. Even if an eBook is mistakenly borrowed, you can just tap on the eBook and return in immediately. No hassle!

More importantly, you don't even have to step out of the house, head down to the library and come into contact with the physical books. Of course, not every hard copy book at the library has an eBook version but I would say the selection is pretty adequate... plus the chances of borrowing a popular eBook is much higher!

And best of all, you can borrow up to 16 eBooks per account and everything's FREE!


For more information and FAQ on using Libby, click HERE.

Receive up to 20 tokens from Sentosa DAILY to redeem for Activities! ALL FREE!

From now to 14 April 2020, Sentosa is giving away a FREE Sentosa Fun Pass that comes loaded with up to 20 tokens per person EVERY DAY! The tokens be used to redeem fun activities at various attractions on the island.

But before I go into the details, let me preface this post by saying that in view of the challenging times now, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stay at home if you or any one of your family members are feeling unwell. If you are not feeling well, even with the slightest hint of sore throat or drippy nose, please stay at home. This post is by no means encouraging everyone to head out, queue and congregate but I also understand that some families may wish to spend some time outdoors with the kids instead of being cooped up at home. By all means, do so but please do it sensibly, stay away if there are large crowds and practice good personal hygiene at all times.

So if you are planning to take the kids out, you may wish to pay Sentosa a visit because the island is giving away FREE activities in the form of tokens!

How does it work?

In order to redeem the free tokens, you must first register online for a Sentosa FUN PASS account. You will then receive a personalised link through email which you can use to redeem for the tokens.

Redemption of the tokens must be made in person at only at the following Sentosa Ticketing Counters: Resorts World Station, Beach Station, Imbiah Lookout & Imbiah Forecourt.

You will need to present the link and NRIC/FIN registered to the account. All parties to be present during redemption, which means if you have used your kids' birth certificate numbers to register too, you will need to bring along their actual birth certificates OR student passes in order to redeem.

Each person is entitled to redeem up to TWO complimentary Sentosa FUN PASS (10 tokens) per day - that means each person can choose to receive a maximum of 20 tokens a day. Do note that the tokens cannot be combined when redeeming; you cannot use 20 tokens to redeem for a 20-token-valued activity but only use the 10 tokens for different activities.

*NOTE: When redeeming at the counter, you have to specify if the FUN PASS tokens are meant for adult or child entry.

The tokens have a 2-day validity period, and is valid for 2 consecutive days and time stipulated, or until closure of attractions, whichever is earlier.

This promotion is valid from now to 14 Apr 2020, on a first-come-first-served basis, while stocks last. Promotion is only open for participation by Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents and Singapore work pass holders.

What can I redeem for 10 tokens?

Actually, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an activity to redeem!

For 10 tokens, you can redeem one of the following:

NESTOPIA (Unlimited Play)

AJ HACKETT: Skybridge Walk

GOGREEN: Segway Fun Ride (30 mins)

HEADROCK VR: One ride from Orange or Green Zones

4D ADVENTURELAND: Desperados + 1 Free Cornetto Ice Cream

MEGA ADVENTURE PARK: Megabounce

All sounds fun, right? Especially for the kids!

In fact, this is the full list of activities you can redeem for either 5 or 10 tokens:

And since you can redeem up to 20 tokens per day, this means that you can visit Sentosa EVERY DAY for FREE FUN! 😁

How do I register online?

To register for the tokens, visit https://stayandplay.sentosa.com/


Visit www.sentosa.com.sg/en/campaigns/stay-and-play for more information.

Kids (& adults) can learn all about Invisible Braces at Singapore’s first Invisalign Centre

Advertorial

When someone mentions braces, what normally comes to your mind?

Straightening crooked teeth? Painful? Troublesome? Only for teenagers? Well, the first point is true but as for the rest, it need not necessarily be.

Invisalign invisible braces are the alternative to the conventional metal braces. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, removable and most importantly, comfortable. In fact, with over 22 years of research and development, Invisalign was the first to start clear aligners. Today, Invisalign has partnered over 150,000 doctors worldwide and helped to straighten the smiles of more than 8 million users!

But I've got to admit - braces are something I am not entirely in the know of. Sure, there are tons of information available online but because every individual is different, the experience with braces may not be similar. So rather than just doing my research online, I took the monkies down to the Invisalign Centre at Wisma Atria!

Located at #B1-14 of the mall, the Invisalign Centre is a first in Singapore and offers a personalised and immersive experience for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Invisalign treatment.

And no, the centre does NOT sell anything. I couldn't even place an order for a set of Invisalign braces even if I wanted to. 😂 What the centre offers is a one-stop location for people to walk in and feel first-hand how the invisible braces feel like.

Also equally important, they are able to find out more about the various cases that are treatable through Invisalign. But more on that in a bit.

Because the Invisalign Centre is much more than just showing you samples and case studies - it actually comprises of FOUR stations which brings you through the entire Invisalign experience.

So if you are thinking of starting your kids on braces, I strongly recommend bringing them down so that they are able to fully understand the entire process.

STATION 1: Teeth Straightening Simulation

Using the iPads at the station, you can snap a selfie of your teeth when smiling and through its SmileView technology, you can see how your smile would look like after undergoing Invisalign treatment!

 I have to say the results look amazing!

Look, no more gaps in between teeth for both Ayd and Ale!

Amazingly, they were more inclined to find out more about Invisalign after seeing the results. 😆 I guess it has to do with being able to see the eventual positive outcome that piqued their interest.

STATION 2: Hands-on with Invisalign clear aligners

This forms the main portion of the centre where you truly get to touch and feel the clear aligners for yourself. What's interesting is Invisalign compiled six of the most common teeth misalignment problems and showcased individual case studies at the panels.

These are REAL Invisalign cases collected from around the world, including nationality, age and duration of treatment.

Personally, it is never enough for me to just see braces on a teeth model when I go to the dentist. I want to see in reality how the aligners had changed in the real-life cases displayed in the centre – and that was also when I found out that you don't wear the same aligner throughout the entire treatment. C'mon, who else thought the same... I can't be the only one right???  😅

So yes, turns out that couldn't be further away from the truth.

The whole Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners, as you can see from the rows of clear aligners for one particular case below.

As time passes, the teeth will shift according to the clear aligner and that's when you change into another set of clear aligner which provides a better fit for the teeth.

Like this clear aligner for crowded teeth. Do you see the 'single tooth' portion which juts out of the aligner?

This is the first stage of treatment. Fast forward to the final stage of the treatment and the final clear aligner looks like this.

Amazing progression! I feel it's great for both parents and kids to be able to see something so tangible; to see the progression of the teeth being straightened in the series of customised clear aligners displayed. There are even teeth models which you can fit the clear aligners to during the mid-stage treatment.

And having touched the aligners, the monkies and I were surprised to feel that they are so lightweight and flexible. Definitely a plus considering one has to wear it for 20-22 hours a day. But no worries, they are removable which makes it super convenient for everyday tasks like brushing teeth or eating. Yes, no worries about getting food stuck in between the teeth AND you can still eat whatever you want!

Even better, it's much safer too especially if your kids play sports. There will not be a case of broken wires, or the dreaded need to head down to the dentist at the last minute with an exam looming the next day!

If you need more assistance, there are also Smile Consultants stationed within the centre to answer all your queries.

 STATION 3: See how a digital teeth scan is done

Gone are the days where kids have to sit on the dentist's chair for long periods of time just to have their teeth moulds done. That process is tedious, takes a longer duration for the aligners to be custom-made and more importantly, is frowned upon by kids because they just can't seem to sit still!!!

Now, thanks to the marvels of the iTero intraoral scanner, a scan of the teeth can be obtained digitally and on the spot.

It's fast, efficient and can let you see the desired outcome of the treatment even before you begin.

Once the scan is done at the dentist and you are okay to proceed, the dentist will place an order for the custom-made aligners which will be ready in a few weeks' time.

 STATION 4: Smile Consultant Assistance

If you have more questions about Invisalign, you can approach the friendly onsite Smile Consultants. They will be able to assist you in any queries about the treatment that you may have, and even help you find a preferred Invisalign dentist based on your location and book the first appointment.

And if you do book an appointment with your preferred doctor at the centre, you will receive a voucher of up to $200 off your Invisalign treatment! Terms and conditions apply, do check in-store for more details.

After the 4 stations, I had a clearer idea of what to expect from an Invisalign treatment so I didn't have any questions for the Smile Consultant.

But Ale did.

"Can I go for Invisalign?"

I thought to myself she is too young for this (she's 9) but I was wrong. Turns out that there is a treatment called Invisalign First which is designed specifically for kids aged 6 to 10 years old. The Smile Consultant shared that even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as Phase 1 treatment and for growing children with a mix of baby and permanent teeth.

That is because at this stage, orthodontists can see issues that may need early treatment to address a developing problem. This can include preventing existing bite issues from getting worse, fix existing teeth straightening issues and even correct oral habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Best of all, getting started early can mean that when Phase 2 comes along - that's the treatment for teens or when most of the permanent teeth have erupted - it will be considerably shorter and easier.

If you are thinking of getting braces for your child, it pays to head down to the Invisalign Centre to find out more for yourself. And do bring along your child too so that he or she can interact with the displays and will not find it too intimidating when the actual treatment begins.

Like I had mentioned, there is nothing to buy in the centre, so there isn't any obligation to do anything. Just walk in and browse and touch and ask. 😄

No time to head down?  You can do the teeth assessment online first - www.invisalign.com.sg/free-assessment


Useful Information

Invisalign Centre
435 Orchard Rd, #B1-14
Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Opening Hours: 11am - 8pm daily
Website