VIRTUAL EDUCATION FOR LITTLE

A Virtual Learning Experience for Little Ones Because little learners want to explore, too!

By Laura Byrne

The big kids aren’t the only ones with plentiful resources online to take their learning to the next level! There are some pretty amazing programs designed just for our littlest ones in Tampa Bay.

LEARN & PLAY TAMPA BAY:

We know that play is so important for the development of our children. It is how they learn to build relationships with others, how they explore and get to know their world, and it sets the foundation for lifelong learning. Learn & Play Tampa Bay was created by Glazer Children’s Museum with the support of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County to give families no-cost access to play sessions and classes at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers across the county.

There is a weekly lottery to attend the 90-minute in-person classes to help keep class sizes small, but you can also attend the 30-minute Virtual Zoom Play sessions each week. If you need something a little more f lexible on time, there is also a YouTube channel featuring songs, activities, crafts and more!

glazermuseum.org/learnplaytampabay Instagram: @learnplaytampabay

Designed for ages 5 and younger.

WEDU EDCONNECT:

For the PreK student in your house, WEDU EdConnect opens the virtual doors to an online curriculum of lesson plans, games, activities and more. If there are older siblings in the house, they can take advantage of the virtual learning too-WEDU EdConnect offers a virtual learning experience for kids ages PreK through high school.

WEDU.org/edconnect Designed for PreK through high school.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN AND BABY BUNGALOW:

Just like our schools, the educational playgroups and classes offered by Champions for Children and Baby Bungalow went virtual after the pandemic hit and they are continuing to provide those services for families who aren’t quite ready to venture out yet. Some favorites among local moms: Baby and Me and Wonder Years. For a full list of in-person and virtual classes and playgroups, visit cfctb.org.

cfctb.org Designed for children ages birth to 5 years old.

WHEN IT'S TIME TO UNPLUG: If you’re looking for ideas on how to maximize screen-free time with your little ones, Unplugged Play is coming to the rescue to this month on Aug. 18. There are three new books: Unplugged Play: Toddler, Unplugged Play: Preschool and Unplugged Play: Grade School. Each book is $12.95 workman.com