Free Things To Do With Kids At Home During Lockdown
UPDATE: Find even more resources for things to do with the kids in our new home learning section
The impacts of COVID-19 are being felt across the globe, with many countries now in lockdown to help ease the spread of the virus.
More time indoors can be challenging – but to put a positive spin on it, there’s also plenty of time for learning and even some ingenious ways to have fun, keeping kids and the whole family entertained in the process.
We’ve created a handy guide – encompassing everything from educational ideas through to play and relaxation – to support the mental and physical wellbeing of parents and children during these unprecedented times. Please feel free to share with family and friends alike.
Some homeschool tips whilst on lock down
Relax – time to connect with your kids. Don’t force kids to do work if they don’t want to. The last thing you want right now is a battle with your kids. They are always learning from what goes on around them and there are other methods to further their education, aside from traditional school work – which is often organised in the manner it is because of a need to cater for large class sizes.
Structure – establish a structure or rhythm that works for your family – stick to 9am to 3pm, or spread learning out over the day if that works better for you. Don’t forget to give them their Easter holidays!
Have things to look forward to – whether it’s things planned into the day or later in the week, or month, it’s important to retain an element of excitement about future events. For example, you could have a themed day where everything you do relates to that theme, such as Dr Seuss.
Keep screen time to a minimum – establish rules early on in regard to the amount of screen time they are allowed and when e.g. after they’ve tidied their room, or during a particular time of day. This helps reduce persistent questioning and demands.
Reading – encourage your kids to find a quiet corner and get lost in some classic fiction. Get audiobooks for kids who can’t read so well and ask them what they’ve been reading about after reading time, to check comprehension.
Get outside – if you’re lucky enough to have outside space, make sure you get them outside as much as possible before you start, at break time and at the end of the day.
Events & resources
Learning
Fun and innovative ways to learn whilst school’s out.
Live history lesson from a secret WW2 bunker in Liverpool
Streaming of a live Facebook history lesson on life in Wartime Liverpool – aimed at Primary school age, but relevant for all.
The lesson will include a tour around Western Approaches Secret WW2 HQ, in Liverpool city centre.
When: Anytime
Where: Worksheets https://liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk/visiting/isolation-lessons/ Watch back on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_c3rBoU7E4&feature=youtu.be
Kids cook with Theo
Chef, presenter and best-selling author specialising in Greek Cypriot, Theo Michaels is hosting a couple of live ‘cook-alongs’, each week. Simple store cupboard type meals that the kids can get involved in.
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 4pm
Where: https://www.theocooks.com/kids-cookalong-live/
Joanna Garcia – Piano school
Daily Piano activity from Piano teacher Joanna Garcia
Here’s the lockdown blues as an example:
When: Daily, watch back on YouTube
Where: Facebook and YouTube Channels
Code Camp
Code Camp, who teach children (age 7-12) to code during the holidays and in after school clubs, have kindly scrapped their normal subscription fees and are offering free access to their online coding software, Code Camp World.
Children can learn to code online with step by step instructions on how to build a selection of apps/games!
Where: www.codecampworld.com
Free Education Content In Minecraft Marketplace
If you head over to the Minecraft Marketplace, you will find some of their favorite lessons from Minecraft: Education Edition in a brand new Education category. Available for free.
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/marketplace/education
Play
All work and no play is a recipe for disaster
Captain Fantastic online interactive children’s entertainment
Entertainment for the kids from online toddler groups, fitness for kids and education lessons running from 23rd March to 29th.
When:
Monday to Friday 10am Toddler (1-4yrs)
Monday to Friday 2pm Lessons (5-8yrs)
Tuesdays & Thursday 11am Fitness
Where: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CaptainFantasticKids/events/
LEGO Challenge: 30 Days of Play calendar
Bricklife put together a 30 Days of LEGO Play calendar. It’s a great way to really challenge kids (or yourself) to create something new with their LEGO bricks!
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://thatbricklife.com/lego-challenge-30-days-of-play-calendar
DUPLO Play ideas
Keep the younger siblings entertained with ideas like these, your kids will NEVER be bored
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQMxPspueZI
Simple home crafted toys
A video of superb ideas for crafting simple toys that every child will love making and playing with.
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://www.facebook.com/OrientalCuisineOffical.UK/videos/224052115453022/
Exercise / Dance
Keep active whilst on lockdown, even if you can’t get outside.
PE with Joe Wicks
Free children’s PE lessons streaming on YouTube – with Joe Wicks, The Body Coach.
When: Mon-Fri, 9am.
Where: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1
Jump Start Jonny
Jump Start Jonny is an insanely energetic fitness superstar on a global mission to get kids fit. He has shared some of his fitness videos for free and is doing a daily exercise routine.
When: Mon-Fri, 9am.
Where: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8PDFwCV0HHcl08-1SzdiBw and https://www.jumpstartjonny.co.uk/free-stuff
The Ballet Coach
English National Ballet trained dancer, now ballet coach to children, is running a host of free online classes.
When:
Monday / Wednesday / Friday – 9.30am Little Ones Ballet (ages-5),
10am Adult Ballet Stretch, 4pm Primary/Level 1 (ages 5-7)
Tuesday & Thursday 4pm Mid Level (ages 7-12), 5pm Intermediate / Adults (age 13+)
Where: https://www.facebook.com/SarahDuFeuTheBalletCoach
Oti Mabuse Kids Dance Class
Strictly champion Oti has some themed daily dance classes this week. She is also doing evening classes for adults to enjoy once you’ve got the kids to bed!
When: Daily up to 30 March 11.30am to 12pm
Where: https://www.facebook.com/OtiMabuse/
Big Fish Little Fish Kitchen Family Rave – free stream
FREE RAVE AT YOUR PLACE! By families, for families.
When: 29th March 2pm
Where: https://www.facebook.com/events/203425194329957
Nature
Together with Birdsong
Drop in and hear birdsong from wherever you are. Join and share using Zoom video conferencing on your phone to find out what’s singing and learn about the birds we have around us.
When: Thu, 26 March 6.30 to 7.30am
Where: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/together-with-birdsong-tickets-100752886596
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo have got over 50 amazing activities for kids to do on all things animals, science and conservation.
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://www.chesterzoo.org/schools/resources/
The Wildlife Trusts
Activity sheets to download a plenty to help Maintain a connection with the natural world. It is more important than ever to ensure we’re taking good care of our health and wellbeing
When: Whenever you like
Where: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/looking-after-yourself-and-nature
Steve Backshall Online Home School
Online class from Steve Backshall, the naturalist, writer and television presenter. Steve plans to cover wildlife, viology, geography and exploration questions.
When: 9.30 to 11am 25th March
Where: Facebook / YouTube TBC
Tree Tools For Schools from the Woodland Trust
Learn about trees and wildlife with the Woodland Trust’s outdoor learning resources and interactive activities.
When: Anytime
Where: http://www.treetoolsforschools.org.uk/categorymenu/?cat=activities
Storytime
When you haven’t got your hands free to read them a story, there are some fantastic opportunities below:
Story time with Oliver Jeffers
Author Oliver Jeffers will be reading one of his books every weekday, and talking about some of the things that went into making it.
When: Daily 6pm
Where: Instagram Live @oliverjeffers, uploaded to YouTube after)
https://www.oliverjeffers.com/books#/abookaday/
Elevenses with The World of David Walliams
Celebrated author David Walliams is sharing an audio story from one of his best-selling World’s Worst Children short story collections daily.
When: Daily 11am
Where: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
Stories to reduce anxiety on the Calm App
The Calm app is great for kids (with supervision) and adults alike – including a range of stories read by famous authors and even acting superstars, such as the soothing tones of Matthew McConaughey.
When: Whenever you like via the app
Where: Download the app for free with a free 7 day trial from the Apple App Store or via Android Play.
