It’s that time again…The start of school is just around the corner! Kids, are you ready? Caregivers, are YOU ready?

As the beginning of the school year approaches, it’s time for our students to retrain those brains! You could always go the ole’ pencil and paper route by printing off some review worksheets, or ….you can switch it up! 

Here are a few ideas, virtual resources, and tips to help your kids get into school mode.

An unconventional way to exercise the brain is to play games since they are a great way to get the gears rotating. Board games, puzzles, playing cards, and digital escape rooms are all great examples of games that exercise the brain.

These types of games require higher cognitive skills, such as decision-making and problem-solving, all of which are necessary skills for a successful school year. Don’t have physical games? No worries. There are plenty of free puzzles and board games that can be found online. Here’s a link to a digital escape room we’ve created to get your student started: Pirate Ship Adventure: Digital Escape Room – Online Programs @ KCKPL).

Another way to get your student’s brain active is to use some of our online databases. Here is a list and an overview of just a few FREE databases you can access on our website at Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.

An interactive experience that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks to reinforce reading skills.

A collection of animated, talking picture book videos.

Provides live homework help and in-person tutoring services that connect students to a professional tutor online in math, science, social studies, or English.

Bookflix and Tumblebooks are fun and engaging for students. They both include small “lessons” in the form of games and puzzles to help students reinforce those necessary core reading skills. I would recommend these databases to all students, though generally, they are geared towards elementary-aged kids.

As for Tutor.com, it is geared toward our Middle and High School aged students. This site allows students to work directly, one on one, with a verified tutor. Students will also be able to find practice quizzes for various subjects. Our high school students can find ACT/SAT prep help. Tutor.com is definitely a great resource for our older students to use not only in preparation for school but to refer back to throughout the year for help.

Again, all of these databases are free!

However, you will need a library card to access any of these free resources. If you have a physical card, you can type in the number under the barcode. Your password will always be your birthday typed out as MM/DD/YYYY.

If you do not have a library card or you cannot locate your card, you can always sign up for an e-card to access all of our digital services! Follow these instructions on how to sign up:

Step 1: Go to https://ecommunity.kckpl.org/  and click “Get A Card” in the right-hand corner

Step 2: Fill in your information. The PIN will be your password (minimum 4 numbers). Birthdays should be entered MM/DD/YYYY. When you are finished, hit the “Register” button.

After you’ve finished registering, you should see this page which will have your eCard number displayed. This eCard number AND your PIN will give you access to all of KCKPL’s eContent. You should also receive a confirmation email with your eCard number and PIN number. Be sure to save this information for later.

We are entering this new school year with a lot of uncertainty in the air. At the Kansas City Kansas Public Library, our goal is to provide you and your families with some of the greatest resources possible.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. You can contact us by leaving a comment below, calling us at 913-295-8250 x 1013, emailing us at Refinfo@kckpl.org, or finding us on social media @kckpl.

Happy Brain Training!