While the rest of the country has been stock piling toilet rolls, the Compass Education team have been stock piling a list of useful home schooling websites in preparation for possibly long periods of school closures. These websites should ease that slight feeling of anxiety about how we are all going to cope with the Corona Virus Limbo and come out the other side.
In most cases schools will put together learning opportunities for pupils while they are not in school. These will likely consist of:
Learning packs
These will cover every aspect of a subject. Each pack should include information for parents around the topic, content to help children learn about the material and activities to complete.
Online lessons
A lot of teachers have decided to run some lessons and webinars via platforms like Skype, Zoom and other video communication software; making sure to provide young people with some normalcy during this time.
Website resources
To support the learning activities from school, we have put together a list of websites from a variety of sources (thanks to our brilliant home educators). These will be supportive in providing some ideas to help you whittle away the days.
*As with all online sites it will be important that you check and have overview of the websites your young person is accessing- see our internet safety tips for parents and carers here.
Resources for all ages
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This site is old and no longer updated and yet there’s so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision.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.
Duolingo
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos.
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many, many subjects.
Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home for all age groups.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making and creating on digital software- great for fans of Minecraft!
British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning.
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.
Resources for primary and young children
Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.
Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming.
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger children.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons.
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of interesting educational videos
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.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
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.
Older pupils
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.
iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi-disciplinary activities.
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).
If your child is suffering from anxiety from not being at school, you could also incorporate some mindfulness exercises during the day to help them cope better.
We will be posting more tips for you on our infocentre throughout this new and challenging time for all. If you are concerned about Coronavirus, please see our information page with the latest advice and information for parents and carers.
