Those of us who aren’t blessed with a teaching qualification – and even those who are – are probably not relishing the prospect of months inside the house with one or more children to entertain/educate/keep an eye on while we try to get some work done.
While we’re saying a massive thank you to the incredible NHS workers, let’s take a second to also thank our lucky stars for the existence of the internet and the many brilliant online resources for children. There are so many that it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve selected some great ones to get you started, all from trusted providers. As well as ones that will teach them something, we’ve included sporty ones, entertaining ones (The Kids Should See This is great for slightly older ones) and ones that will give them a bit of a challenge like earning a Blue Peter badge.
To survive the homeschooling experience, we’d suggest putting in place a regular routine and making a rough timetable with plenty of breaks (for you and them). Be prepared to change it or indeed tear it up completely if it doesn’t work. We’re all just muddling through so don’t be hard on yourself.
School stuff: Online lessons and resources
Here are some great educational resources for children. BBC Bitesize has content for each of the key stages; children can learn a language for free with duolingo or they can have a go at coding with Scratch. Find out what else we’d recommend.
Learn & revise with BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize is a fun learning resources from the BBC, from age 3 upwards. The Live Lessons are particularly good. Free.
Oodles of resources from Twinkl
The Twinkl website is packed with resources for kids of all ages. They’ve created home learning packs and have free accounts available.
Discover the world with DK findout!
Find out more about the planet, history, the body, music and more through excellent video content and more with DKfindout!
The Kids Should See This
The Kids Should See This is a brilliant website with inspiring, fun and creative video content for kids.
Learn a language with duolingo
From French to Spanish and even Russian and Mandarin, learn a language for when we can all travel again with duolingo.
Coding with Scratch
Create stories, games and more with Scratch.
Free online courses from Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a brilliant resource, with daily schedules and online learning across all subjects.
Mr T’s Phonics
Prepare to meet Geraldine Giraffe. A brilliant resource for younger ones, these short phonics videos are fab.
Computer programming with Blockly
Have a go at computer programming by creating your own game with Blockly.
Sport & exercise
Everyone knows what kids are like if they don’t burn off some energy, so even if we’re housebound we’re all going to have to fit in some daily activity. The Body Coach’s daily PE sessions are very popular, and York-based Total Sports has a daily offering too! Our own kids are big fans of Cosmic Kids.
Daily PE sessions with The Body Coach
Join Joe Wicks every weekday at 9 am over at The Body Coach TV for a workout that’s suitable for the whole family.
Daily active sessions from Total Sports
Follow Total Sports on Facebook to see their live sessions, from wake up, shake up to skipping challenges and even a bedtime story.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
We love Cosmic Kids‘ free children’s yoga and mindfulness. Lots of fun workouts to choose from, from Frozen to Pokemon and more.
Entertainment, fun & creativity
It can’t all be work, work, work. Let them unwind with a free audio book or play some of the games from the BBC websites. It’s a good time to start working towards some Blue Peter badges too.
Free kids’ audiobooks with Audible
Audible Stories is making books available for free on a laptop, desktop, smartphone or tablet – no account needed.
Red Ted Art
This website is packed with craft ideas galore for kids of all ages, especially little ones.
Earn a Blue Peter badge (or two!)
Now’s the time to earn a Blue Peter Badge or two! Take a look at the different choices.
Art for Kids Hub
Art for Kids Hub has oodles of fun art lessons every week.
Seven-day free trial of Disney Plus
Disney Plus is packed with great content, and you can get a seven-day free trial.
Seven-day free trial from Broadway HD
Enjoy a week of Broadway shows for free with Broadway HD (just remember to cancel your subscription!)
