10 Instagram accounts to follow for crafts and activities while schools are closed amid the coronavirus

• In the US alone, more than 2 million students are at home due to school closings related to the coronavirus.
• As parents suddenly transition into developing a homeschool environment, they can turn to a number of experts on Instagram who have long shared crafts, activities, and lessons that will keep kids busy and learning.
• Scroll through the 10 inspiring accounts below that are run by teachers and creative parents whose ideas may only require items you already have around the house.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

More than 2 million US students are home due to coronavirus-related school closings, which has suddenly thrusted parents into the role of homeschool director without much warning or preparation.

For parents who are also working from home, this new role can be especially daunting. 

A number of museums, zoos, and education groups are offering online resources to help keep children busy. Parents can also turn to experts on Instagram who have made careers out of sharing their crafts, activities, and lessons with their followers. 

Check out the 10 accounts below, managed by teachers, parents, and others for ways to keep your child learning, and away from screens — at least for a little while.

thedadlab

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We have done a test to see what happens if we try putting a pencil through the hole in a nut while one eye is closed. As it happens, it could be a challenge because we are losing a sense of how far away the pencil is #TheDadLab #simplescience #playandlearn #learningthroughplay

A post shared by Sergei Urban (@thedadlab) on Feb 24, 2020 at 7:19am PST

Sergei Urban, a London-based father, whose account is called thedadlab, posts DIY science experiments and art projects on his Instagram account. 

busytoddler

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⭐️NAME SORT⭐️ Paper, marker, stickers and there you go ?? That's all you need for this quick and easy kids activity ? This is Sam (he's 4 here) working on matching the letters in his name to the mixed up letters on a sheet of dot stickers (these are @avery brand from Amazon) ✨ So easy and yet so effective in buying me time to unload the dishwasher, drink a cup of luke warm coffee, and have a minute to breathe without being asked "but why….?" ? These are my life hopes and dreams ? I did this activity with construction paper for each letter because IT WAS PRETTIER (lol) – you can do this on any kind of paper ? I was feeling very fancy and rainbow-y this day ? If your child has repeating letters in their names (like my Kaitlin does with her letter i), I just ask the kiddo to show love to both as they match and sort ❤️ WHAT AGE IS THIS GOOD FOR?! It depends on the kid (how's that for a non-committal answer from the activities lady?) ?Hear me out: kids are develop differently. I don't know when your child will learn the letters in their name or the letters in the alphabet so I can't commit to when they'll be ready for this ? Instead CONSIDER THE SKILLS: the child needs to know the letters in their name, understand how to match similar shaped objects, and have at least a 5 minute attention span ? This might be age 3. It might be age 5? It all depends on your child and what's right for them ?? This is an activity that I leave up on the wall for a few days to let my kids bounce back to as a nice quiet, independent option – it’s just a good one to have around ?

A post shared by Susie Allison | Busy Toddler (@busytoddler) on Mar 11, 2020 at 1:23pm PDT

Susie Allison, AKA busytoddler, literacy and math activities. The former teacher focuses primarily on projects geared for the younger set — toddlers up to children who are about 7. 

teaching2and3yearolds

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COLOR MIXING FUN ? Want a super easy activity for the kids? Squirt food coloring into some sort of mold or ice cube tray and, just as the water is forming a layer of ice, cut a popsicle stick in half and insert it. ?Then keep it in the freezer until the water is completely frozen. Since I wanted this to be a color mixing activity I chose blue and yellow. As the ice started melting, the children saw a 3rd color – green! ? I used our color bottles for reference. This was super fun as the ice started melting. It was like painting with watercolors – on a stick! . . #preschool #kidsactivity #art #preschoolactivity #childhoodunplugged #earlylearning #homeschool #littlelearners #kidsofinstagram #iteachtoo #teaching2and3yearolds

A post shared by Sheryl Cooper (@teaching2and3yearolds) on Mar 16, 2020 at 8:44am PDT

Toddler and preschool teacher Sheryl Cooper offers fun and colorful projects on her page, teaching2and3yearolds. Projects include DIY birdfeeders and making collages with common household materials. 

iheartcraftythings

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?CHERRY BLOSSOM WINDSOCKS? . I’m clearly obsessed with making windsock crafts lately. ? These beauties are perfect for spring time! ??❤️ We made one similar last fall but swapped out the leaves for pretty cherry blossoms for spring. . Head to my stories today for a swipe link to the full tutorial on my website. . #springcrafts #springcraftsforkids #cherryblossoms #kidcraft #kidscraft #kidscrafts #kidcrafts #kidscrafts101 #teacherspayteachers #teachersfollowteachers #kidsactivities #craftsforkids #funforkids #preschool #preschoolcrafts #kidsart #creativekids #artsandcrafts #artsandcraftsideas #craftykids #iheartcraftythings #artprojectsforkids #kidsartprojects #craftingwithkids #earlychildhoodeducation #papercrafts #papercraft #papercrafting #papercraftsforkids

A post shared by Rachel | I Heart Crafty Things (@iheartcraftythings) on Mar 5, 2020 at 9:24am PST

Paper plates, colored paper, and popsicle sticks are all parents need to do the array of projects available on iheartcraftythings, which is run by a craft designer. 

blastasticday

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Schools are closed for us until the end of the month due to the current health emergency. We’re staying home as much as we can to do our part to protect those who are most vulnerable. ? I’ll be posting previous projects that might interest your kids while they’re home with you. Stay safe everyone! ? REPOST: Rubber band bracelets ? Most days after camp Lennon asks me if he can play video games at home. But on Monday he asked me if we could make rubber band bracelets! ? So I dropped everything I was doing and said yes, even though I had no clue on how to make them. He told me you could do it with your fingers and that it was so easy! ✌? A quick google search and I found a tutorial from @honestlywtf which is how Lennon was trying to explain me. If you have fat fingers like me, you can use a pair of pencils! ✏️✏️ How to: 1️⃣ You start by twisting a rubber band into an infinity shape and then stacking two more on top. 2️⃣ Pull the bottom band on top of the band from each side. 3️⃣ Add another band on top and repeat step 2. * There should always be three bands on your fingers at a time and the bottom band is always pulled over the top band 4️⃣ Once you’ve reached the desired length you can close the loops with a jump ring. You can also use a string and tie the ends. Lennon helped me film a quick video for y’all! ? Swipe a couple times left to see it! (I use a hook to pull the rubber bands (because, hot dog ? fingers!! but you can use your fingers too!) More videos on how-to in my highlights. ?

A post shared by karlita + lennon (@blastasticday) on Mar 12, 2020 at 7:45pm PDT

Parents can turn to crafty account blastasticday for famous-art-inspired projects that use common household materials like paper bags, string, and toilet paper rolls.  

curiositysprouts

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Quarantine Day 5 Irish eggs antistress. ☘️Fill the balloons with grains, water, play dough, gel bids and similar. They will feel and sound different. #staycool ? #sensoryplay #antistress #creativethinking #creative #diy #curiositysprouts_stpatricksday #curiositysprouts_games #Quarantine #kidsathome #afterschool #homeschooling #playmatters #stuckathome #tips #coronovirusireland #coronovirusactivities #basteln #stpatricksdaycrafts #stpatricksdayactivities #virtualpaddysday2020 #rtevirtualparade #ireland #stpatricksday #myireland#weargreen

A post shared by Creative Learning Fun (@curiositysprouts) on Mar 17, 2020 at 5:57am PDT

Instagram account curiositysprouts is a great source for creative learning activities. The Irish family behind the account posts art, math, and science projects they keep busy with daily. 

steamkidschallenge

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Have you checked out The Bot Book yet? Only one more day to grab the Ultimate STEAM activity book at 50% off!! The easy to follow instructions for 19 bots and bot activities are all in this brand new ebook from @babbledabbledo and @leftbraincraftbrain. Plus we've included everything you need to make bot building a success, whether at home, or at school, alone or in a crowd. Helpful stuff like troubleshooting, safety, teacher guides, bot building checklist, and more.⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ Click the link in profile to learn more. ⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ #steamkidschallenge #steamkids #poolnoodles #invitationtobuild #stemeducation #stemed #steam #steameducation #engineeringforkids #steamexplorers #leftbraincraftbrain #bots #iteachtoo #thebotbunch

A post shared by STEAM Kids Challenge (@steamkidschallenge) on Oct 14, 2019 at 5:45pm PDT

Instagram account steamkidschallenge posts weekly science, tech, language, art, and math activities for children. From handmade stamps for playdough to easy-to-make robots, this account can keep even the most curious child entertained. 

momma_teaching

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?Why is this an awesome activity? It increases concentration and focus (clearly evident in that first pic!) and brings joy to the artist (second pic!) and the audience (not pictured but we were all grinning from ear to ear!). But did you know that allowing your little one to paint themselves helps their body and their brain integrate information, helps them to relax, and express their feelings? • ??‍?Here are some other things that are happening for this star artist: ?Her creativity and imagination are being stimulated. ?She's using balance, large muscle control, and spatial awareness. ?She's developing hand-eye coordination. ?She's strengthening her fine motor muscles, which will lead to greater success when she enters school and needs the stamina to write. • There are so many benefits!!!! • ?If you want your child to reap these rewards, but you don't want to clean up the mess, come join us at @koltikvahecc on Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:30 where your child will be able to create and engage in awesome sensory play. DM me for details!? . . . . . . . #artmatters #futureartist #artistinthemaking #reggiokids #reggioinspired #sensoryplay #sensoryinspired #lamoms #kidsinla #sensoryexploration #socalmoms #createtogether #earlyyears #preschoolathome #kidsactivities #toddleractivity #sensorykids #earlylearning #reggiokids #creativefamily #iteachtoo #thisisthree #processart #artmommyandme #letthembelittle #creativemamas #creativemom #letthempaint #creativetable

A post shared by ?Melissa Spiegelman, M.A.Ed? (@momma_teaching) on May 17, 2018 at 11:58am PDT

Fourth-grade teacher Melissa Spiegelman's account, momma_teaching, focuses on interactive STEAM — science, engineering, art, and math — activities, which she does with her two daughters. 

momducator

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Leaf Classification: For our CoOp last week we did a leaf classification using @growingbrave leaf cards. They chose leaves from around their homes and we took turns classifying them venation, tips & bases, margins, types and shapes and arrangements. We then foraged some aloe Vera from our yard and made aloe Vera gel. (See stories for action shots: will be highlighted under botany) #momducator #thisisourhomeschool #naturestudy #naturemedicine #leafclassification

A post shared by jessica ✨ (@momducator) on Mar 3, 2020 at 6:02am PST

The mother behind momducator, a play-based homeschooling account, uses natural materials like leaves and sticks to teach children about topics like botany, the seasons, and music. 

raisingdragons4

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Raising Dragons Sensory Kits ? ages 3+ ? I’m excited to share with you all a project I’ve been working on for quite a while. I was unsure if now was a good time to launch a product, but I figured this is needed now more than ever so here it goes! I’ve created a sensory kit that comes jam packed with all the materials you need to make 10 (or more) activities! ? I’ve also included a double-sided, laminated instruction sheet with pictures so you know exactly how to make the projects and what they will look like when complete! Check out my stories where I walk you through the kit and you can see exactly what you’re getting. From shaving cream rain clouds, to sensory bottles to play dough color mixing. The kit is perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels because the emphasis is on sensory play with some learning sprinkled in. ? The kits also come in a handy 5 compartment container with lid for easy storage! You can find the kits on the home page of my shop: RaisingDragonsShop.com or swipe up in my stories. I’d love to hear what you think of them so leave me your thoughts below! . . . #montessori #preschool #kindergarten #earlychildhoodeducator #imaginativeplay #homeschoolingideas #playmatters #playbasedlearning #playislearning #playtolearn #homeeducation #preschooler #toddleractivities #homeschool #earlychildhoodeducation #sensoryplay #kindergartenactivities #iteachfirst #sensorykits #learningthroughplay #kidscrafts #kindergartenteacher #ece #teachersofinstagram #learningisfun #stem #teaching #everydayplayhacks #raisingdragons

A post shared by Raising Dragons (@raisingdragons4) on Mar 16, 2020 at 12:41pm PDT

The mom of four who runs the raisingdragons4 account also shares STEAM activities that parents can do with everyday household objects. One activity is creating a sensory bag out of hair gel and another is honing fine motor skills using rice and a water bottle. 

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