Constructive Screen Time for Middle Schoolers

Whether it's distance learning, a summer in which all group activities are cancelled, or just another day at home, your middle schooler likely has some spare time on their hands. What are some ways middle schoolers can stay engaged with learning in meaningful (and enjoyable) ways when they find themselves with "nothing to do"? Sure there are countless video games, movies and TV shows available at their fingertips, but what are some more constructive ways middle schoolers can use screen time for learning and growing? Below are some teacher-recommended ways to keep middle schoolers engaged:

Math Resources for Middle Schoolers

  This is a website with free access to comprehensive age-specific math lessons, practice, and quizzes for learners and parents (there is no cost for registration but learners must provide their date of birth, name, and email address to sign up) 

This is a website with free access to math lessons; students can choose by subject or grade level and learn, practice, play, or explore any particular math topic (no registration or sign up required)

Science Resources for Middle Schoolers

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the science zone app is a free downloadable application "featuring hundreds of exciting videos and high-resolution photos from a dozen areas of science" (like astronomy and space, biology, engineering, physics, etc.). If your middle schooler is not particularly interested in science, checking out some of this app's video content may pique their curiosity. If you have a budding scientist, this app may be a great place for them to dig deeper into a topic that interests them.

NASA's website is for more than just space cadets and astronomers...their pages for students are stellar resources with ideas on at home STEM projects, science-based educational videos, and lots of ideas on things to make, build, exercise like an astronaut and more, all age-specific and free. 

Language Resources for Middle Schoolers

This web-based learning program (with app available) allows learners of all ages to choose from a list of 23 languages to learn through practice listening and reading comprehension via short stories and games. It's highly interactive and goal-oriented, allowing learners to set a pace of learning based on minutes of use per day. There is also a free assessment for students that may already have some knowledge of a language they want to continue learning. The site and app are free, and there are premium versions available for a fee.

This is not your average dictionary! The Merriam-Webster website has a plethora of word-based interactive games to both test and expand a student's vocabulary. Whether it's reading their featured "Word of the Day," word puzzles or weekly quizzes, there are lots of engaging ways for middle schoolers to pick up new words on this site.

Reading Resources for Middle Schoolers

The Columbus Metropolitan Library website has recently changed to reflect the growing need for digital reading material. Make sure to check out their recommended resources, including instant access eAudiobooks (you can filter for juvenile fiction and non-fiction). 

Music Resources for Middle Schoolers

This is a music appreciation website where learners can explore composers, different styles/cultures of music and composition, and some music theory. There are games, podcasts with quizzes, a place to compose your own music, and a neat page where learners can see, hear, and read about all types of orchestra instruments.

This is a visually appealing yet simple website at which students can engage with different music "experiments," learning about elements of music like rhythm, chords, harmonics, and more. There have a composer feature in which learners can make their own music. 

Bible Resource for Middle Schoolers

This website is chock full of engaging material on the Bible. Learners can choose to read, listen to, or watch Scripture and Bible-based studies. There are many 5-10 minute attention-keeping videos explaining the books of the Bible, how to read different parts of the Bible, and more.