Top 10 home-schooling resources to keep the kids educated and entertained
With schools closed and parents thrust into homeschooling their young ones, we’ve trawled the internet and pulled together our top 10 ‘parent-recommended’ websites and YouTube channels to help educate and entertain little learners. From celebrity maths lessons to award-winning spelling apps, we’ve rounded up 10 of the finest free resources to help with schooling at home.
With the end of term fast approaching, the Property Parents Group is hosting a virtual End of Term Talent Show on Friday 3rd April for your child to showcase their skills. Sing, dance, play an instrument, tell a joke, read a story, it’s up to you and your child. Find out more and register to take part, here.
Maths with Carol Vorderman
Created by TV’s Carol Vorderman, The Maths Factor makes learning Key Stage 1 and 2 maths fun with its interactive modules and collectable rewards. The Maths Factor is free for everyone while schools are closed.
? https://www.themathsfactor.com/
BBC Bitesize
One of the most comprehensive learning tools on the internet, BBC Bitesize has everything your child needs to learn and revise, from early years (through CBeebies Bitesize) through to post 16+ functional skills. Bitesize Daily will run from April 2020 with a daily lesson in English, maths and other core subjects during school closures.
? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/
National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust has developed its ‘Family Zone’ in response to school closures, providing ideas and guidance for activities that engage children (aged 12 and under) and support their reading, writing and language development.
? https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
Oxford Owl
Oxford Owl has a raft of free-to-use resources for primary school pupils to support with their English and Maths studies. Free eBooks and online maths games are sure to keep learners busy, while the practical tips for parents can help ease some of the pressures of homeschooling.
? https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/
Sirlinkalot
This award-winning iPhone and Android app helps pupils learn spelling with engaging, interesting and funny flash cards and quizzes that are sure to keep kids entertained. During school closures, it has made access to its app free with a special ‘COVID code’.
? https://www.sirlinkalot.org/spellathome/
Dance lessons with Oti
Best known as Strictly Come Dancing’s newest judge, Oti Mabuse is hosting kids dance classes live on Facebook every day at 11.30am. Themed with everything from Shrek to Jungle Book, the dances are a great way to keep the kids active and to help them learn some of their favourite dance routines.
? https://www.facebook.com/OtiMabuse/
I See Maths
Primary school teacher Gareth Metcalfe has set about launching online maths lessons on his YouTube channel and website (I See Maths) for the duration of the school closures. Every weekday at 9am, two new classes are being posted aimed at Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6. Learners will be given tasks to get involved with, so prepared to get stuck in.
? http://www.iseemaths.com/home-lessons/#
Twinkl
Educational resources provider Twinkl has created home learning and school closure packs, split by geographical regions, for early years through to Key Stage 4 learners. All its resources are aimed at helping parents to teach their children at home, and its Twinkl Parents hub has lots of advice on how best to use the platform during the school closures. Free for 30 days.
? https://www.twinkl.co.uk/offer (or use code CVDTWINKLHELPS)
Elevenses with The World of David Walliams
Children’s author and broadcaster David Walliams is giving away 30 free audiobooks while the kids are off school. ‘Elevenses with The World of David Walliams’, sees a new audio story shared every day to keep children entertained.
? https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
PE with Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks (AKA ‘The Body Coach’) is going live every weekday morning at 9am to take your kids through a fun-packed, high-energy PE lesson to keep them active. This one has already proven popular among children and parents, so why not give it a go?
