Well this is a post I never thought I’d be writing. But in times like this, we need to look out for each other and share our tips and tricks, where needed. This post will outline some fun and educational things that you could do with your children during the Corona Virus Lockdown for home learning.

I teach 2nd Class currently (7-8 year olds), but these ideas can be used across many age-groups and are easily adaptable too. So let’s start.

As the length of time of school closures is unknown, I believe that the activities done at home should be contextual, fun and simple to prepare. Printing off sheet after sheet will not only be boring for your child, but there will be a lot of preparation involved for you as their parent.

*This post will contain some affiliate links to Amazon, see more on my Disclosure Policy.

Home Learning Activity Number 1

Create a learning log

A learning log, or learning journal, is a way for children to record their knowledge and understanding in whichever way suits them best, allowing them to take control of their learning.

I have just purchased this book to show you how I would use it to create a learning log. I bought this particular A4 plain refill pad from SuperValue, however, if you do not wish to leave your house unnecessarily, here is a link to a similar book.

This learning log will act as a scrap book of their learning during the Corona Virus Lockdown. Children LOVE sharing with their classmates and teachers. Therefore on their return to school, they can take their learning log with them to share exactly what they learned or explored during their time at home.

To minimize the work needed in preparation, I have prepared a number of activities that children could do, across many different curricular areas to include: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Art and Music. I recommend giving children one learning log activity per day and encourage them to be as creative/artistic as they’d like.

Find the download here: Learning Logs Free Download.

Example 1:

Above you can see I have stuck an Science based learning log activity to the top of the refill pad.

The children are hitting key objectives in the curriculum, without even realising it. This is also an activity they can take pride in, with the intention to share it with their friends and teachers on return to school.

Home Learning Activity Number 2

Use online educational sites and applications

Many educational websites have made their subscription free of charge during the Corona Virus lockdown period. A generous gesture like this is widely appreciated, and should be used during home learning.

However, I do not encourage children to be glued to a screen all day. Like the learning log, I would suggest engaging with ONE of these educational websites/applications per day, for a set amount of time too. This way, children can see this type of an activity as a novelty and look forward to it.

Below are a list of educational websites and applications that children should engage with:

Mangahigh is a phenomenal website that allows children to complete Maths tasks suitable to their level. It’s interactive and fun so children will be getting a purposeful lesson each time.

 

Topmarks– This site is jam packed with lots of wonderful, interactive games that can suit a range of Maths topics from tables to money to shape. Check it out!

 

Nrich– a fantastic website, with fully prepared, “out of the box” mathematical investigations. These activities really encourage the children to think, work together and boost their problem solving skills. A big thumbs up from me!

Times Tables Rockstars– This site allows practice of Times Tables in paper form or online. Times Tables Rock Stars is a carefully sequenced program of daily times tables practice to boost the children’s recall speed. Each week concentrates on a different times table, meaning their knowledge of the Times Tables is constantly progressing. The website offers a free trial, so get over there and give it a go!

Reading Comprehension-

The Reading Realm– this is an app that can be downloaded on an iPad, tablet or smart phone for children to engage with. It’s fantastic and really engages children in a text, while checking in on their comprehension skills too. This app is not free, however inexpensive. There is a sample PDF download though, which is brilliant. This has been made free of charge in light of the school closures too. Find it here.

 

Pobble365– This is an excellent resource and a site I use regularly. “Everyday, you’ll find an interesting picture, writing prompts and philosophical questions to spark a lesson. This could be used at home as a discussion point with your child. Increasing their oral language and get them thinking about the picture in more depth. The pictures can also inspire a creative story for children. Use it however you see best for your at home learning.

Reading Fluency-

Vooks, EPIC both of these sites are fantastic for encouraging children to read. The stories are animated and actually read to the children on Vooks. Both great resources to have at children’s fingertips for at home learning.

Phonics Play– This website is excellent for revising sounds. It has a wealth of resources, but for home learning the most beneficial are the interactive games. This will keep their sounds fresh in their heads while they play a fun, engaging game.

Mystery Science is a lovely website that engages children in different Science experiments. A great way to keep them entertained and engaged.

STEM/Coding-

Scratch– another great website for getting children to do basic computer coding in an interesting way. There are child friendly tutorials for them to watch and then attempt to make simple animations themselves. Just click ‘Create’ and children can begin on their Scratch journey.

Music

I have recently started using Dabbledoo Music to teach my Music lessons. When I say the children ADORE it, it’s an understatement. What I like about this site is that they provide interactive tools to teach children about Music, with little input from you. They can listen, respond and compose music using this fabulous website.

 

I hope this post has been helpful for your home learning experience. For more links, see this post. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.