With schools across Wales and the UK closed until further notice due to the ongoing pandemic, a host of celebrities and organisations have launched free online resources.
As a parent, I think we were all shocked by the sudden closure of schools, but fully understand the need to protect our children and other people from the spread of coronavirus.
There is an unprecedented sense of community spirit and the teachers at my daughter’s school have been absolutely fantastic. I have no idea what must have been going through their minds in the final days of school.
At home, we absolutely love science and making learning fun, so we were bitterly disappointed by the closure of Techniquest, especially so soon after purchasing an annual pass. However, we’re glad to hear that they’ve launched daily online video experiments – perfect!
We’re also big fans of Twinkl, so a big shout out to those guys! In fact, we’ve just subscribed to their monthly membership as the resources in the free pack were so good. There is a ton of teacher-style learning resources, so worth checking out, even for the free stuff.
There are probably many more out there, but we’ve pulled together a list of free learning resources for kids that we love…there is something for everyone!
1. P.E with Joe Wicks
Week days at 9am but you can visit any time on YouTube to view the workouts.
2. Wildlife with Steve Backshall
Every day at 9.30am on Facebook for answering all your wildlife biology, conservation, geography and exploration questions.
3. Science with Maddie Moate
Weekdays at 11am on YouTube. Maddie & Greg chat about science and nature.
4. Dance with Oti Mabuse
Everyday at 11.30am on YouTube, but children can view the class at any time.
5. Maths with Carol Voderman
Free access to the maths website website – www.themathsfactor.com
6. Music with Myleene Klass
Twice a week on Myleen’s Music Klass YouTube. The next show is on Friday 27th March at 10am, but you can view any time.
7. Storytime with David Walliams
Free story everyday at 11am on his website – www.worldofdavidwalliams.com
8. Royal Mint interactive ‘Kids Hub’
The free resource is available on The Royal Mint’s website and provides a host of quizzes, games and educational tools – brought to life through iconic coins, and popular children’s characters such as The Gruffalo and Wallace & Gromit.
9. Free teaching resources from STAEDTLER
For the first time ever, parents of children between the ages of 4 – 11 years will be able to access STAEDTLER’s huge bank of curriculum-linked teaching resources — made available through the brand’s completely free Teachers’ Club.
10. Follow the #LlyfrauYnUno #UnitedByBooks hashtags
Organisations including charities, publishers and early years providers are supporting the #LlyfrauYnUno #UnitedByBooks platform in Wales, including BookTrust Cymru, the Books Council of Wales, libraries, Early Years Wales, Atebol and Cymraeg i Blant – Mudiad Meithrin. Eloise Williams, the Children’s Laureate for Wales and other leading Welsh authors and illustrators are also getting involved.
11. Activity packs Swansea Uni’s Technocamps
Swansea University’s Technocamps project have launched a series of free online resources to support pupils, teachers and parents amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Access the resources here.
12. Free taster pack with Twinkl
Free resources has been created especially for parents of children aged 5 – 7. Including a SATs survival pack, activities, phonics, mindfulness colouring, information & more!. This pack can help you to support your child at home & shows you what Twinkl has to offer. Find out more here.
13. Science at home with Techniquest
Tune in daily from 12pm across Techniquest’s online channels, viewers can tune in to daily ‘How To’s’ and live demonstrations; – with options to make their own Lava Lamp and even defy the laws of gravity. All videos are pre-recorded, meaning viewers can watch multiple times and share with friends and family.
14. National Museum Cardiff resource packs
The National Museum Cardiff has a number of online resource packs that you access for free. They are really useful for trips to the museum, but many are relevant for at home learning such as the dinosaurs pack. Download them here.
