Libbyapp.com 

Libbyapp.com 

This week's gem is like a million digital gems rolled into one link. And the fact that it is free is mindblowing. You know that place where you go, to touch books who knows who has touched, walk through aisles to search for what you need, then possibly face a late fee if you don't go back?  Yes, you don't have to do that anymore. Libbyapp is used by 1000s of libraries in the US. You can get ebooks, audiobooks, magazines... it is freaking amazing. You can 'borrow' books and put the links in Aneta for your kiddos and feel like a Greek God - all without leaving your home.  This is screen time you can truly feel good about. 
Highlights Hidden picture game

Highlights Hidden picture game

This free resource is one of many resources on www.highlightskids.com. There's a paid version which has tons more pictures too if your kiddos cant get enough.  What's a hidden picture game you say? It's those busy pictures that have random objects hidden in plain sight. Look closely to find for example that the duck's wing is really a banana. Everyone loves that sense of satisfaction. This is screen time you can feel good about.
KidNuz

KidNuz

This amazing and yet free resource for current events and stories is what we all need.  When the CDC puts out guidelines on limiting watching the News to protect our mental health (yes they did!), you know things are bad. KidNuz manages to produce a daily newscast that is totally kid appropriate, informative, and entertaining to boot. You can listen directly on the website or anywhere podcasts are available. The website itself is a gem of news-related resources and quizzes for the kids. This is screen time you can feel truly good about. 
You know a podcast with a name that plays on toilet humor really gets kids. Who Smarted? is one of the rare gems that is as high on the ‘edu’ as it is on the ‘tainment’. Did you know that frogs shed their skins like snakes – and then eat it!? I didn’t think so. Trusty Narrator drops knowledge on kids ages 5 – 10 (and you!) and they’ll beg to listen to more. This is a gem you can set and forget and feel awesome about. Listen on car rides to keep bickering at bay or let the kids go to town themselves by putting this in their Aneta Homeroom.

Greeking out from Natgeokids

This free kids podcast comes from National Geographic kids. Every superhero story we have today is inspired by these Greek Myths so you know the kids (and you!) will be entertained.  The stories are recounted with kid-friendly redactions and are simply hilarious.  You can put the link in their Aneta Homeroom and let the kids go to town. Play Greeking out on every car ride and keep the peace and increase the wisdom.  This is screen time you can truly feel good about. 
An Ode to Kids’ Podcasts

An Ode to Kids’ Podcasts

Kids Podcasts are the biggest perk of parenting in the 21st Century This week, we’re letting you in on the most awesome, sanity preserving, pat on the back deserving and…
Who Smarted?!

Who Smarted?!

You know a podcast with a name that plays on toilet humor really gets kids. Who Smarted? is one of the rare gems that is as high on the 'edu' as it is on the 'tainment'.  Did you know that frogs shed their skins like snakes - and then eat it!? I didn't think so.  Trusty Narrator drops knowledge on kids ages 5 - 10 (and you!) and they'll beg to listen to more. This is a gem you can set and forget and feel awesome about. Listen on car rides to keep bickering at bay or let the kids go to town themselves by putting this in their Aneta Homeroom. 
It’s not about time

It’s not about time

We’re the guinea pigs for parenting in the era of screens  This isn’t your grandparents’ parenting. There isn’t any age old advice on kids and screens. We are running on…
Seeing is believing

Seeing is believing

We’ve got some videos and podcasts we think will show kids the possibilities.  Our world has big troubles but we also have some great perks.  You can impart great life lessons and all you have to do is lift a finger to click play.   Here are three categories of resources with some examples that you can casually insert into your kids' digital repertoire. They do the triple duty of entertaining, educating, and inspiring. 
Homeschoolmath.net

Homeschoolmath.net

This free website is a treasure trove of resources for kids in grade 1 all the way through high school. Want to help your scholar to practice money, multiplication, or mixed numbers? This site has got you. It's not a digital gem you can set and forget as not yet-literate kids can't navigate it. If you've got a printer, the worksheets (and answers!) are great. Not to worry if you don't - there are games and activities that you can link to for some screen time you can truly feel good about.