Homeschooling ideas and free resources for families in the Barbican.
In this 90 second read we share a useful list of free internet resources which might prove VERY useful as parents and carers in the Barbican start homeschooling.
Out of all this uncertainty and anxiety has come plenty of positives.
The news yesterday that schools in the U.K. were to shut for the foreseeable future was met with a wave of companies and organisations offering up learning resources for free.
For every instance of selfishness, there’s been plenty more stories of community spirit and kindness.
Here’s a list of some websites people have been generously sharing which will keep the younger members of our community in the Barbican entertained, interested and motivated. Useful for adults too.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially useful 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This site is old and no longer updated and yet there’s so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision.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 T.V. 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
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
The Kid Should See This – Smart videos for curious minds of all ages
Wide range of cool educational videos
Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
YouTube 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 U.K. Primary age.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetect…/
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
Educational online games
D.K. 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.
Thanks to everyone in the Barbican and the U.K., and indeed the World, who has shared useful information such as this.
At AW Childs, we are doing all we can to support the community in these testing times. If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.