Enrichment Resources For Children Ages 10-14

As I was doing my research for this article, I found myself thinking back to when I was 12 years old. My folks were good parents, but they didn't have the means to enrich my elementary and junior high school education. I always did my homework and practiced piano pieces, but I wanted more. That's why the Westmount Public Library became one of my favorite after-school haunts. I could explore anything and everything, and I did. That was then. Now, look at the resources my grandchildren have in a device that fits in their hands.

So, with that in mind, here are some apps, YouTube Channels, and podcasts suitable for enriching the studies of students ages 10-14. (We'll look at resources for younger and older students in another article.)

Apps

You can find most of these apps in your smartphone's store. Most are free. Take time to review and sample these apps yourself. Doing so will lead to some interesting conversations with your child. Exchanging ideas and opinions will help forge a strong relationship with your young person.

1. Khan Academy: This app provides a wide range of free lessons on various subjects, including math, science, history, and more.
2. Duolingo: Duolingo is a language learning app that can help students to learn a new language in a fun and engaging way.
3. Quizlet: This app allows students to create flashcards and study sets for various subjects, including math, science, history, and more.
4. Scratch: Scratch is a free programming language and online community where students can create interactive stories, games, and animations.
5. TED-Ed: TED-Ed is a free app that provides students with animated videos that explain complex ideas and engagingly.
6. Google Earth: Google Earth is a virtual globe that allows students to explore and learn about different countries, cultures, and landmarks.
7. BrainPOP: BrainPOP offers animated educational videos on various topics, including science, math, history, and more.
8. Tynker: Tynker is a fun and interactive way for kids to learn programming skills and create their own games and apps.
9. Reading Eggs: Reading Eggs is an app designed to help students improve their reading skills through interactive games and activities.
10. Mathletics: Mathletics is a fun and engaging way for students to practice their math skills through interactive games and activities.

This video offers some suggestions for enriching your child's education.

YouTube

Trusted channels such as the Smithsonian and Nationa Geographic channels will reassure parents. Add to those old standbys some exciting new channels, and you have many hours of visual exploration to open new vistas and stimulate critical thinking.

1. Crash Course: This channel provides animated educational videos on various subjects, including science, history, literature, and more.
2. National Geographic Kids: National Geographic Kids offers videos on nature, animals, and the environment.
3. TED-Ed: TED-Ed provides animated videos that explain complex ideas and engagingly.
4. SmarterEveryDay: This channel offers science and engineering videos that explore how the world works.
5. SciShow: SciShow offers educational videos on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.
6. Numberphile: Numberphile provides videos on math and numbers, exploring the beauty and wonder of mathematics.
7. Geography Now: Geography Now offers educational videos on the geography and culture of different countries worldwide.
8. The Brain Scoop: The Brain Scoop offers educational videos on biology and natural history, focusing on museum collections and specimens.
9. It's Okay to Be Smart: This channel provides educational videos on science, history, and culture, focusing on curious minds.
10. Smithsonian Channel: The Smithsonian Channel offers educational videos on history, culture, and science, with a focus on the Smithsonian Institution's collections and exhibits.

This video explores the ways AI will impact education.

Podcasts

I've given links to these podcasts on Spotify. But you can find them on your favorite podcast platform.

1. Wow in the World: This podcast explores the latest news in science and technology and offers fun and engaging activities for kids.
2. Stuff You Should Know: This podcast offers informative and engaging episodes on various topics, from history and science to pop culture and current events.
3. But Why: This podcast explores the answers to curious questions that kids ask, with episodes on topics like why we dream and how airplanes fly.
4. Tumble Science Podcast for Kids: This podcast offers stories and experiments about science, focusing on how scientists work and what they discover.
5. Brains On!: This podcast explores the science and the world around us, with episodes on how toilets work and bees make honey.
6. Smash Boom Best: This podcast invites kids to debate between two things (e.g., ice cream vs. pizza) and supports them with facts and humor.
7. Short & Curly: This podcast covers ethical questions, philosophy, and social skills.
8. The Past and the Curious: This podcast engagingly tells exciting stories from history, with episodes on pirates and presidents.
9. Classics for Kids: This podcast explores classical music and composers, with episodes on famous works like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
10. Eleanor Amplified: This podcast features a journalist who goes on exciting adventures to uncover the truth, with episodes on espionage and treasure hunting.

Kindle

I saved reading resources for last. You know what your child enjoys reading. These sites will offer some additional reading pleasure.

1. Amazon FreeTime Unlimited: This subscription service for Kindle provides access to thousands of books, games, and educational apps for children, including popular titles like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
2. Epic!: This digital library for kids offers a wide selection of books, audiobooks, and educational videos and is available on Kindle and other devices.
3. National Geographic Kids: This Kindle magazine features articles, quizzes, and photos about science, animals, and nature and is designed specifically for kids.
4. Brain Quest: This series of educational workbooks is available on Kindle and covers various subjects, including math, science, social studies, and language arts.
5. Big Nate: This popular comic book series by Lincoln Peirce is available on Kindle and follows the misadventures of middle school student Nate Wright.
6. The Land of Stories: This fantasy book series by Chris Colfer is available on Kindle and follows twins Alex and Conner as they travel to a magical world filled with fairy tale characters.
7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: This popular book series by Rick Riordan is available on Kindle and follows the demigod Percy Jackson as he navigates a world of gods and monsters.
8. The Hunger Games: This dystopian novel series by Suzanne Collins is available on Kindle and follows teenager Katniss Everdeen as she fights to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: This humorous book series by Jeff Kinney is available on Kindle and follows middle school student Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of adolescence.
10. Harry Potter: This iconic book series by J.K. Rowling is available on Kindle and follows the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I've listed 40 resources to help you enrich your child's education. While these resources offer fascinating materials, please don't take my word for it. Check them out yourself.

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