HWDSB continues to review many additional online resources that support families. Below is a list of resources that cover a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents. It is important to note that these online resources are not mandatory or graded and are meant for families to use as resources to support independent learning.
You can also access our Learning4Success page. This page is a digital initiative of HWDSB Specialized Services. Here, you will find meaningful learning tasks for families to use with their child at home. These learning tasks are designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or a Developmental Disability who are on a modified or alternative program at school. All tasks use items commonly found at home.
Arts
| Resource | Description |
| Chrome Music Lab | Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments. |
| Mike Cope | Students can access a special series of animated videos and activity sheets that Mike Cope has created for young children (students in JK to Grade 3). Students can also draw with Mike by exploring his YouTube channel. |
Literacy
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| Early Literacy: An Activity Guide for Families | This guide is intended to be a springboard of sample activities. If your child finds an activity too challenging, then simply modify it or consider returning to it at a later time. Parents are encouraged to have fun with their children and be creative. |
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| Pebblego | Books for beginner researchers. Topics include animals, science and social studies. | Enriched with spoken-word audio, text highlighting and audio and video clips. |
| Identify labels and signs in the environment. | Go for a walk in your neighbourhood (or in your home) and point out words you know. Ex. Cheerios, stop sign, McDonalds sign etc. | |
| Snuggle up and Read | Choose a time in your day where you can read to/with your child. When reading to your child, ask questions like “What do you think this book about?”, “What do you think will happen next?” | |
| Scholastic Phonological Awareness Activities for Families | A variety of fun and easy activities for early readers to begin to develop early reading skills | A variety of hands on ideas that are easily accessible for students with low vision. |
| EMax (Sora) | Use this resource to find a book to read or to listen to.
eMAX (Sora) is the HWDSB’s e-book and e-audiobook library. It offers approximately 7000 popular titles which can be read in-browser or downloaded on computers, iPads and mobile devices. The Sora app is also available from the HWDSB App Catalogue. A valid Student OEN or Staff ID is required to borrow e-books. Enter your 9-digit OEN or 7-digit Staff ID to sign in. |
Audio books for students to listen to the texts. |
| Unite For Literacy | A multilingual free digital library for preschool and primary learners that celebrates cultures and languages | Read Aloud Multilingual |
| Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) | With over 200,000 books available for loan or download, CELA is a comprehensive and free database for students to use. Ebooks and audiobooks are shared as DAISY Text, DAISY Audio (synthetic voice), MP3 (synthetic voice), or Braille Ready Format. | |
| Tumblebook Library | Over 250 animated, talking picture e-books. The site features English, Spanish and French books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, quizzes, and games and puzzles. | Alternate book forms, provides multi-sensory approach (video, print), natural reader/voice over, highlighting, chunking of information (through tabs). Provides English, Spanish & French books. |
| Write a letter to someone in your family or a friend in the neighbourhood. | Use paper and pencils/markers/pens to tell someone two things about you. Ex. What is your favourite food? | |
| Go for a walk and draw a picture of something you see. | Use paper and coloured pencils/crayons to draw what you saw on your walk. Ex. flower, bird, car, house. Label your picture and read it to your family. | |
| Britannica School Elementary | An engaging website about a variety of topics for students to explore. Two different reading levels are available to match student level. | Text to voice capabilities so that students can hear the text. Read Aloud Translation Can change font options Reading level options |
| Britannica Fundamentals | Interactive games for reading, math, art. Simple texts that can be read aloud or that students can read themselves. Games include letter identification, opposites, vocabulary building and simple parts of speech. | Some text to voice capabilities so that students can hear the text. |
| Pearson Canada at Home | Open access to Pearson Canada Resources at Home. Lists of special days (Dr. Suess Day, World Health Day, Earth Day) with hands on activities and resources for students and families to read. Activities range from K-6. | A range of activities that can be adapted to meet a range of learners. Tasks can be hands on, visual or auditory in nature |
| Scholastic Story Starters- Interactive | An interactive website that generates writing prompts for students to write sci-fi, adventure or fantasy stories. Students can pick whether they write in a notebook, create a newspaper article or a post card. | Quick and focused writing to engage students. Activities are prompted and broken down into small chunks to make writing easier. |
| Scholastic-Make Your Own Phonics Game | Hands on, interactive games and activities that can be made from objects around the house. Great for students K-3, to help develop phonics skills. | Hands on activities that involve movement. Can be adapted for many learning styles. |
| Storyline Online | Video recordings of celebrities reading a huge variety of popular children’s books. Videos come with teacher and parent guides. | Closed Captioning Options. |
| @homelearning self registering HUB course
|
Access to Language, Math, Science, History and Geography Lessons
Search “@homelearning” and pick a family of school (Remote School pick any family) |
|
| Sound Bites | The enclosed activities are designed for educators to use with individuals, small groups, or large groups of students to address various components of phonological awareness. |
Math
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| mPower |
TVO’s mPower resource with grade level activities and tasks meant to improve student learning in math. |
|
| Mathies |
Virtual manipulatives to assist in student learning |
Available in French |
| Prodigy | Prodigy is an online math game that uses game-based learning to build student’s math knowledge and understanding. | |
| Khan Academy |
A repository of free lessons and tutorials to support students in math. If you’re stuck on a question you can search the site for a tutorial to help you along. |
|
| Other Suggestions |
Look for math in books (ex. How many do you see? How do you know that?) Play games with a deck of cards (ex. crazy 8’s; matching numbers) Count how many steps it takes to get from your bedroom to the bathroom! |
Physical Education
| Resource | Description |
| Ophea 10-Day Challenge – #DPAEveryday | Take a word from the list below and create a challenge for yourself and/or family members. Do a word daily. Join in with Ophea on Facebook or Twitter if you like.
List: skip, hop, jump, balance, dance, roll, twist, gallop, throw/toss, run, leap Make an obstacle course. Set up a bowling alley using objects you can safely knock over. Practice the underhand roll using a soft ball or rolled up sock. Try sending it with your feet, your other hand or striking it along the ground with your hand or an implement (like a pool noodle or a wooden spoon). |
| Design and make your own obstacle course inside or outside. Add elements of over, under, around and through. You can use string to make a rope maze, chalk, obstacles, sticks, pillows…
Use the alphabet. Create an action for each letter of the alphabet. For example, A: Spin around 5 times. Use the alphabet to spell out your full name. For variety, use other words you know. Get building! Build a tower of playing cards. Estimate how high you can get. Try to beat your highest structure. Using a ball or a rolled-up sock, create some tossing and catching games. For example: toss and catch; toss, clap catch; toss, clap, clap, catch; toss, touch knee, catch; toss, spin, catch; toss, touch the floor, catch, make more for yourself! Toss into objects too like laundry baskets, buckets, pots…over objects too…safely |
Science
| Resource | Description |
| Pebblego | A database for students in K-3 with leveled texts enriched with spoken-word audio, text highlighting and audio and video clips. It also features games and a “question of the day” feature. All connected to Science Topics. |
| Use of open-ended materials (loose parts) to help children investigate and actively construct ideas and explanations about physical properties of the nonliving world. | Encourage children to explore the loose parts. Ask questions such as “I wonder what you could build with…” to provoke ideas and active construction using the loose parts.
Examples of Loose Parts: Cardboard, newspaper, wrapping paper, pinecones, flowers, sticks, leaves, acorns, straws, beads, pom poms, cotton wool, buttons, sand, shells, sticks, stones, wood pieces, and different types and sizes of cups. Encourage children to tell you about what they are making by asking “Tell me about how you made this….” |
| The Kids Should See This | This free site houses over a 1000 short videos for young scientists using materials commonly found at home. The videos explore curiosities of young scientists. |
| Government of Canada Science Education Resources | Seven Printable Science Activity Books, Science Activities, Ask a Scientist, Science Videos |
We Help: Wellness Resources
| Resource | Description |
| 2020 COVID-19 Time-Capsule | Record personal, community and global facts, trends, and stories during the Covid-19 pandemic with the objective of passing this information on to others in the future. |
| Calm Down Brain Break Breathing Exercise Cards | A variety of breathing techniques designed to benefit both mental and physical health. |
| FACE COVID by Russ Harris | ‘FACE COVID’ is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by Russ Harris, an internationally acclaimed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and author. |
| Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep | A tip sheet for parents/caregivers on bedtime routines and sleep patterns highlighting challenges with computers and devices. |
| Kids Calm Down Bin | A calm down bin is used to help bring calm and comfort to times of unease. They are created using objects and tools from around the home that can help us to calm our mind. |
| Yoga for Kids Body Shape Cards | A well-illustrated variety of simple Yoga stretches for both the body and mind. |
| Home w/Kids, Now What? | Social and emotional support for families with tips on anxiety and stress, including fun activities, video clips, and other resources. |
| Take a Breath with Raffi | Listen/sing along to an uplifting tune by artist Raffi offering calming and breathing exercises. |
| Belly Breathe w/Elmo | A lighthearted music video by artists Common and Colbie Caillat along with Elmo, offering calming and breathing exercises. |
Arts
| Resource | Description |
| Naxos Music Library | Comprehensive collection of over 165,000 musical tracks including Classical music, Jazz, World, Folk and Chinese music.
Click on Naxos image in the top left corner. Login using: |
Literacy
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| Tumble Books | Over 250 animated, talking picture e-books. The site features English, Spanish and French books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, quizzes, and games and puzzles | Text to voice capabilities so that students can hear the text. |
| EMax (Sora) | Use this resource to find a book to read or to listen to.
eMAX (Sora) is the HWDSB’s e-book and e-audiobook library. It offers approximately 7000 popular titles which can be read in-browser or downloaded on computers, iPads and mobile devices. The Sora app is also available from the HWDSB App Catalogue. A valid Student OEN or Staff ID is required to borrow e-books. Enter your 9-digit OEN or 7-digit Staff ID to sign in. |
Audio books for students to listen to the texts |
| Britannica School Elementary | An engaging website about a variety of topics for students to explore. Two different reading levels are available to match student level. | Text to voice capabilities for students to listen to the text. Read Aloud Translation Can change font options Reading level options |
| Pearson Canada at Home | Open access to Pearson Canada Resources at Home. Lists of special days (Dr. Suess Day, World Health Day, Earth Day) with hands on activities and resources for students and families to read. Activities range from K-6. | A range of activities that can be adapted to meet a range of learners. Tasks can be hands on, visual or auditory in nature. |
| Scholastic Story Starters- Interactive | An interactive website that generates writing prompts for students to write sci-fi, adventure or fantasy stories. Students can pick whether they write in a notebook, create a newspaper article or a post card. | Quick and focused writing to engage students. Activities are prompted and broken down into small chunks to make writing easy. |
| Storyline Online | Video recordings of celebrities reading a huge variety of popular children’s books. Videos come with teacher and parent guides. | Closed Captioning Options. |
| Wonderopolis
|
Reading and Writing prompts | |
| @homelearning self registering HUB course | Access to Language, Math, Science, History and Geography Lessons
Search “@homelearning” and pick a family of school (Remote School pick any family) |
Math
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| Prodigy | Prodigy is an online math game that uses game-based learning to build student’s math knowledge and understanding. | |
| mPower |
TVO’s mPower resource with grade level activities and tasks meant to improve student learning in math. |
|
| Khan Academy |
A repository of free lessons and tutorials to support students in math. If you’re stuck on a question you can search the site for a tutorial to help you along. |
|
| Mathies |
Virtual manipulatives to assist in student learning. |
Available in French |
Physical Education
| Resource | Description |
| Design and make your own obstacle course inside or outside. Add elements of over, under, around and through. You can estimate how quickly you can go through or just time yourself and repeat for your own personal best. You can also create it for your family members.
Create a short dance routine to your favourite song. Create a hand-clapping routine alone or with a partner. You can make your routine more interesting by snapping your fingers, slapping your thighs, crossing your hands over your heart. Wash your hands before and after playing with a partner. Play paper plate badminton. Grab a balloon and make some paper plate racquets or use your hands. Set up a playing area to send it over by using string, a blanket a skipping rope, etc. No balloons? Create your own version. Rolled up sock? A latex glove? Make a birdie? You can play alone against a wall. |
Science
| Resource | Description |
| Government of Canada Science Education Resources | Seven Printable Science Activity Books, Science Activities, Ask a Scientist, Science Videos |
| NASA Science | Interactive model of the solar system. |
We help: Wellness Resources
| Resource | Description |
| 2020 COVID-19 Time-Capsule | Record personal, community and global facts, trends, and stories during the Covid-19 pandemic with the objective of passing this information on to others in the future. |
| Calm Down Brain Break Breathing Exercise Cards | A variety of breathing techniques designed to benefit both mental and physical health. |
| FACE COVID by Russ Harris | ‘FACE COVID’ is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by Russ Harris, an internationally acclaimed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and author. |
| Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep | A tip sheet for parents/caregivers on bedtime routines and sleep patterns highlighting challenges with computers and devices. |
| Kids Calm Down Bin | A calm down bin is used to help bring calm and comfort to times of unease. They are created using objects and tools from around the home that can help us to calm our mind. |
| Yoga for Kids Body Shape Cards | A well-illustrated variety of simple Yoga stretches for both the body and mind. |
| Home w/Kids, Now What? | Social and emotional support for families with tips on anxiety and stress, including fun activities, video clips, and other resources. |
Arts
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| Britannica Middle | Use this resource to find articles, media, and biographies. Search Arts, Music Drama, and Dance. | Read Aloud Translation Can change font options Reading level options Accessibility support |
Literacy
| Resource | Description |
| EMax (Sora) | Use this resource to find a book to read or to listen to.
eMAX (Sora) is the HWDSB’s e-book and e-audiobook library. It offers approximately 7000 popular titles which can be read in-browser or downloaded on computers, iPads and mobile devices. The Sora app is also available from the HWDSB App Catalogue. A valid Student OEN or Staff ID is required to borrow e-books. Enter your 9-digit OEN or 7-digit Staff ID to sign in. |
| Media Smarts – Break the Fake | Use this resource and “Break the Fake” lesson to learn how to think critically about digital media.
MediaSmarts promotes critical thinking about media and digital literacy and teaches students how to analyze the content of various types of mass media. |
| National Film Board of Canada | Use this resource to access the National Film Board’s collection of films. These films include content that is important to Canada and Canadians. |
| Pobble 365 | Use this resource to find a picture and to write or speak a response to the picture. |
| Teen Book Cloud | TeenBookCloud is an online database of eBooks and educator resources perfect for middle school or high school students offering a robust selection of Graphic Novels, Enhanced Novels, eBooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks. The collection is available online around the clock. No downloads, no waiting! If you can access the internet, you can be reading, watching, or listening to fantastic content. |
| Wonderopolis | Reading and Writing Prompts |
| @homelearning self registering HUB course | Access to Language, Math, Science, History and Geography Lessons
Search “@homelearning” and pick a family of school (Remote School pick any family) |
Math
| Resource | Description | Features for ESL and Accessibility |
| Prodigy | Prodigy is an online math game that uses game-based learning to build student’s math knowledge and understanding. | |
| Khan Academy | A repository of free lessons and tutorials to support students in math. If you’re stuck on a question you can search the site for a tutorial to help you along. | |
| Mathies | Virtual manipulatives to assist in learning. | Available in French |
| Courseware | The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (University of Waterloo) offers courseware materials featuring lessons, interactive activities, enrichment challenges, and unlimited opportunity for practice with feedback. Courseware is free to use and requires no registration. |
Physical Education
| Resource | Description |
| Minute to Win It | Create challenges that you can try to accomplish in under a minute. For example: Give it a Spin – A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright). If playing alone, spin the coin and stop it yourself. It’s a win if you do it in under a minute.ORKeep 3 balloons up in the air at one time. Share with family and friends where possible.Design and create a board game and play it with your family. If possible, make it active.Create a short dance routine to your favourite song or just create an original to share. |
Science
| Resource | Description |
| Science Measurement Challenge | Accurately estimate the length, width and height of a small plastic block and calculate the block’s volume. Then predict the mass of the block—without a balance—by using the block’s known density. |
| Government of Canada Science Education Resources | Seven Printable Science Activity Books, Science Activities, Ask a Scientist, Science Videos. |
We Help: Wellness Resources
| Resource | Description |
| 2020 COVID-19 Time-Capsule | Record personal, community and global facts, trends, and stories during the Covid-19 pandemic with the objective of passing this information on to others in the future. |
| Calm Down Brain Break Breathing Exercise Cards | A variety of breathing techniques designed to benefit both mental and physical health. |
| FACE COVID by Russ Harris | ‘FACE COVID’ is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) by Russ Harris, an internationally acclaimed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and author. |
| Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep | A tip sheet for parents/caregivers on bedtime routines and sleep patterns highlighting challenges with computers and devices. |
| Teen Calm Down Bin | A calm down bin is used to help bring calm and comfort to times of unease. They are created using objects and tools from around the home that can help us to calm our mind. |
| Yoga for Kids Body Shape Cards | A well-illustrated variety of simple Yoga stretches for both the body and mind. |
| Home w/Kids, Now What? | Social and emotional support for families with tips on anxiety and stress, including fun activities, video clips, and other resources. |
Accessibility and Special Education Supports
Special Education
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Meaningful learning tasks for families to use with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or a Developmental Disability, and are on a modified or alternative program at school. All tasks use items commonly found at home. |
 |
Parent Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Distance Learning. This guide answers some commonly asked questions and recommends resources to support your child’s auditory learning at home. |
iPad
iPads are great learning tools that are used universally in classrooms to support student learning. Understanding many of the basic features of the iPad is a great place to start supporting student learning using technology.
The iPad has many built in Accessibility features that help to support the use and functionality of the iPad for all students.
Laptop/Desktop
The Centre for Success team also supports students with Laptops/Desktops in addition to iPads. This page will provide an overview on assistive technology tools available on Laptops/Desktops.
ClaroPDF Read IRIS
ClaroPDF and Readiris are accessible apps that use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert typed text on a printed paper into text that can be read by the speech recognition tools on an iPad.
HWDSB would like to thank the Hamilton Public Library and other partners for the above resources. Every effort has been made to acknowledge original sources and to comply with copyright law. If cases are identified where this has not been done, please use the Contact Us tab. Errors or omissions will be corrected
Updated on Thursday, January 06, 2022.