Lockdown 3: New Inspiration and Ideas for Keeping our Kids Entertained.
As so many of us continue to once again learn how to balance home schooling, childcare and work we have been thinking of ways we can help.
We have put together a list of new ideas and free resources for children of all ages. The abundance of great resources currently available for children during lockdown is fantastic and we hope you enjoy our selection!
Coronavirus: a book for children
To begin on a serious note. Axel Scheffler, illustrator of the Gruffalo has illustrated a free digital information book for primary school age children to help explain the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. It answers lots of questions in a child-friendly way and aims to both inform and reassure.
National Trust and Beatrix Potter
The National Trust had been running Peter Rabbit inspired activity trails at many of the places they cared for. When they had to stop due to lockdown 3 they have instead created some brilliant Peter Rabbit Winter At Home Adventure Packs. They are all free to download and have some great ideas to keep the kids entertained.
A Perfect Planet Documentary Series
This is a real winter warmer, the new five-part earth science series presented by Sir David Attenborough is on every Sunday at 8pm BBC1, but all episodes can be found on BBC iPlayer. They are also giving away free educational posters at the link below,
Wildlife Trust Webcams
The Wildlife Trust are using webcams across the British Isles to watch puffins, peregrines, owls, seals…and more! The webcams allow unrivalled view of intriguing behaviours: from courtship, nesting, and hatching to a peep into the first few weeks of a chick’s life. Be warned – it’s addictive!
Natural History Museum – World of Wonder
Channel 5, catch up on My5, have documented an interesting series exploring the Natural History Museum. A good one for the adults too!
Blob Opera – Google Arts and Culture
Blob Opera is a new machine learning experiment by artist David Li that lets you create your own festive song inspired by Opera on Google Arts & Culture. Guide the pitch and vowel sound of the four festive blobs who stand ready to transform your musical ideas (no matter how good or bad) into beautiful harmonies.
Radio 4 Homeschool History
For any budding historians, these podcasts are engaging and informative and have been become popular during lockdown.
The Maths Factor
A curriculum based online maths portal created by Carol Vorderman. Currently offering a free 21-day trial there are lots of really useful online tutoring sessions as well as games. Covers up to Year 7.
New Year Elevenses with David Walliams
These bitesize reading sessions were a hit during the first lockdown. David is back again with his daily 11am slot of New Year Audio Elevenses.
Keep Cooking Daily with Jamie Oliver
Join Jamie every weekday lunchtime where he shares a new recipe idea as well as helpful hints and tips. Watch on Facebook, weekdays at 12pm.
Science Experiments with Maddie Moate
Let’s Go Live with Maddie & Greg is a live family science show on YouTube hosted by Maddie Moate & Greg Foot. Started during the first lockdown this popular show is streaming live again on Mon, Wed and Fridays 11am.
Scouts & Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls has teamed up with the Scouts to introduce a lockdown initiative called ‘The Great Indoors’ – a collection of 100 activities designed to encourage kids to try new challenges and learn new skills at home
Draw with Rob
During the first lockdown, author and illustrator Rob Biddulph filmed a number of art lessons where children could draw -along. He gained millions of followers and has confirmed new episodes every Saturday morning at 10am during lockdown 3. Previous episodes are also running during the week every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.
Paddington’s Postcards, UNICEF
This is not free, but it is for charity and it is such a lovely idea we wanted to mention it. For £8 a month donation you will receive a personalised postcard from Paddington, each time from a different country. Each pack includes activities, fact cards, stickers, maps, and a travel journal so you can explore new countries and learn how other children live. Perfect for children aged 6-10. collection of 100 activities designed to encourage kids to try new challenges and learn new skills at home.
Something for the Little Ones
Mini Music Makers
Lucia and Matt are based in SW London and run fun, energetic, educational music classes for 0 – 5-year-olds every weekday. You can watch them on their Facebook page @minimusicmakers live at 10am. These guys are professional musicians and have been fantastic!
Bach to Baby
A brilliant concept, providing classical music concerts for babies and toddlers. During lockdown they are providing free online ‘replay’ concerts which you can download. There is a great selection so worth a look.
Little Angel Theatre
Free online performances and a whole host of stay-at-home activity guides for children 3 – 6 to help keep you and your little ones entertained.
Tried and Tested
Here are a few of our favourites from the first lockdown. They are still going and still providing brilliant free and easily accessible resources for us all.
PE with Joe
It’s back! The ever-popular Joe Wicks is back again streaming live on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9am with his 20-minute workouts for kids (and adults!).
Oxford Owl
During the first lockdown the Oxford Reading Owl provided free access to their e-library, they are still honouring this and there is a fantastic collection of books for children up to Year 6 aged 10/11.
BBC Bitesize
This is an invaluable resource for parents during this difficult time. With daily lessons and subject material for almost anything you can think! It also covers ages 3 to 16 plus so it really is all encompassing.
The above is just a small selection of the ever-growing list of resources available to help parents and their children at this challenging time. We would love to share more ideas with The Sheringdale community through our webpage so please do get in touch with your own great ideas and tips.
Sheringdale PTA 