3 Apr 2020

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Parents and caregivers grappling with home schooling can pop onto the Christchurch City Libraries website to check out a range of School at Home electronic resources for all ages.

The School at Home page covers a wide range of learning resources to help parents and caregivers as they suddenly take on a teaching role during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says whether families are taking a structured approach to the home classroom, or offering youngsters more autonomy in their learning, the city’s digital library offers access to a wealth of resources for everyone – from tots to teenagers.

“By maintaining school classes at home, we can keep youngsters informed and entertained while bringing some normality and reassurance during a trying time for everyone,” Ms Robertson says.

“Our eResources enhance learning, fun and play. They are free, and all you need is your library card number and pin. You can also join the library online if you are not already a member.

“It’s important that children and young people feel safe and secure, and by immersing themselves in a new world of online learning, they can focus on the present and stay on track with their education.

“With the School at Home page, youngsters can access educational activities and thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks, while older students can delve into an extensive library of eResources to help prepare for NCEA.”

One of the latest additions, the Story Box Library, allows children to watch special storytellers as they read celebrated books.

“It is a wonderful literary resource for pre-schoolers through to primary age, with actors, sportspeople, authors and illustrators all using their unique voices to tell a story,” she says.

Younger learners can also check out Busy Things, which offers fun educational games and activities covering maths, English, science, art and music and much more for three to 11 year olds.

The TumbleBookLibrary features a great collection of eBooks, storybooks, graphic novels and read-along stories while Britannica Library Kids offers activities, quizzes and videos.

Both World Book Kids and World Book Early World of Learning offer more learning options.

“For older students, the online library provides access to eDS (eResources Discovery Search) – so that anyone can find the answer to most questions,” Ms Robertson says.

“Young people can also experience a virtual science lab via Gale Interactive Science, Human Anatomy and Chemistry.”

For quick reference tools, open up an online encyclopaedia, such as Britannica Library Teens or World Book Student.

“If your children have run out of reading material, they can still borrow a book from the library,” Ms Robertson points out.

Check out OverDrive and BorrowBox, which offer thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Go online at Christchurch City Libraries to find out more about our services.