Activities with NYPL: 3rd–5th Grade

Explore engaging resources for supplemental learning on core subjects such as math, science, and reading that include activities like games and puzzles.

STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design, Mathematics

Brains On
From American Public Radio, a science podcast for families to enjoy together. Topics are wide-ranging and include everything from how elevators work to exploring dyslexia.

Math Snacks
Short videos and games to introduce different math concepts to school-age kids.

National Geographic
There are a wide range of activities available, from games to videos and exploratory modules on a wide variety of topics like space, U.S. states, and animals.

Hour of Code
Fun, themed coding tutorials that are great for beginners as well as kids who are comfortable with coding but want to practice or tackle a fun challenge. Spend an hour making art or designing games using popular characters from Frozen, Minecraft, or Star Wars.

The California Academy of Science
Activities to highlight the importance of the natural world through interactive games and webpages, live wildlife video feeds, and closeups of creatures.

Scratch
Scratch is a programming language developed by MIT especially for beginning coders ages eight and older. Use the Scratch website or download the free software to create, remix, and share coding projects like games and animations in a safe online community.

Sketchpad
An online platform for making digital art. Paint and draw with a wide range of tools and special effects or add clip art and text. Sketchpad’s website can be used on a computer or a tablet.

Smithsonian Fun Stuff for Kids Online
Find activities, games, apps, and other learning resources from Smithsonian institutions as well as animal live streams from the National Zoo.

Literacy and Reading

Reading is Fundamental Literacy Central
An online hub for literacy and reading that features many lesson plans, activities, and printable materials such as book-themed word searches, crossword puzzles, and memory games. Click “Find a Book” to search for specific books and paired activities. You can also search by grade level and material type. Note that a log-in is required to access the Puzzle Creator.

Brightly
An online hub from Penguin Random House to “help raise kids who love to read.” Features reading tips, book recommendations, activities, and more.

Candlewick Press Resources
Candlewick Press has produced myriad resources featuring some of our favorite characters like Stink and Mercy Watson. Click on “Activity Sheets and Reproducibles” for printable resources.

Scholastic Parents
Resources, downloadable activities, booklists and more! Click on “Activities and Printables” to find printable learn-at-home activities.

ReadWriteThink
An online reading and language arts hub jointly hosted by the International Literacy Association and the National Council for Teachers of English. Features printable activities, book recommendations, and interactive tools like a digital comic book creator.

Reading Rockets
Resources, activities, and reading tips for parents focused on building reading skills and developing a love of reading in their children. Features downloadable Reading Adventure Packs with activities parents and children can do together.

Other Resources and Activities

PBS Kids
Play games online and watch fun videos.

iCivics
Learn about civics through games that place you in the White House or on the Supreme Court bench.

Wonderopolis
Created by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), this website features a "wonder of the day" to promote curiosity, imagination, exploration, and discovery.

NPR’s Kids and Families Podcasts
We especially love Wow in the World, “a podcast designed for parents and kids to listen to together,” with its content focused on learning more about the world.

The Fin, Fur, and Feather Bureau of Investigation
Storytelling and fun activities to teach kids about different places and cultures across the globe.