With everything going on right now I hope you are safe and well. I am preparing to “socially isolate” going forward, and our schools are closing on Friday.
I am working from home and due to the nature of my work my income has dropped significantly. The impirtant this that We have enough and will be able to cover the basics and the absolute necessities for the next 12 weeks and I will worry about rebuilding my business after.
So we will have to find things to do as family that keeps us sane.
I still have University course work to do and we are yet to see what the schools are planning to do for the children.
I am grateful that I have friends who are already homeschooling their kids and have supplied us information about suitable resources for our kids.
FREE online education resources
These are largely UK based but every little helps.
A non-exhaustive list that might help those affected by school closures due to coronavirus, compiled by home educators.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it’s mostly common material.
BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated and yet there’s so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.
Futurelearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
Free to access 100s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name (own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account).
Seneca
https://www.senecalearning.com
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material.
Openlearn
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.
Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.
Duolingo – use this is is great!!!
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of cool educational videos
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many subjects
Crash Course Kids
https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
As above for a younger audience
Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home.
iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Paw Print Badges
https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making.
Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedete…/
A lot of these can be done in a garden, or if you can get to a remote forest location!
British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age
Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.
Geography Games
https://world-geography-games.com/world.html
Geography gaming!
Blue Peter Badges
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges
If you have a stamp and a nearby post box.
The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good, free art activities
Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts for little ones
The Imagination Tree
https://theimaginationtree.com
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
Toy Theater
https://toytheater.com/
Educational online games
DK Find Out
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/…
Activities and quizzes
Twinkl
https://www.twinkl.co.uk
This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closures.
Most Universities are supplying students with their coursework online through normal their e-learning portals. This is working for me.
Ultimately, stay safe, pay attention, switch off the tv and social media especially if it stresses you out, wash your hands, stay in touch with isolated friends and relatives by phone, FaceTime, Skype, card or letter, help when it is safe to do so, enjoy this time with your children.
Be kind.
Be Patient.
Love one another.
Take care xx
callumsmamaidh 