Homeschooling Tools
Hello Werb’s Parents!
How are we all honestly doing? Some of you are probably terrified, others might be taking it in our stride whilst some are probably super stressed at the idea of having the children at home and even the thought of teaching them seems impossible. But you’ve done it once and you can do it again!
I know we’re all so tired of Covid now and are looking for the end and hopefully it is in sight now the vaccine is available but until then let’s keep going and if you need help or support do message me!
My email is amy.farrar@stwderby.org and I will help in any way I can.
Alternatively as mentioned a few times there is a Parents WhatsApp group should you wish to join it then again do email me and I’ll add you in. It’s an amazing group to support each other and just chat with those facing the same stuff you are!
During the first lockdown I contacted a friend who has chosen to home-school and they sent me the following response. Do read it and then give yourself a break, you’re doing the best you can!
“With the school closures, there’s so much out there about “learning to home educate” etc, but in reality these are unprecedented times, home educating when libraries are closed, museums are closed, swimming pools are closed, cafes are closed etc is a totally different scenario. Instead let’s be encouraged to take this time to connect with our children, comfort them, pray with them, serve with them, take some time to slow down life as and when we can, learn together, be inspired by what inspires them and play, play, play!”
Below are a list of resources I’ve gathered from families that home school, teachers and parents last year. All of which just want to share their wisdom and help at this time take the fear out of educating from home.
The list has been updated with a few new things that are happening this time round.
Remember our children are likely to remember most the atmosphere in our homes and the time parents got to spend with them, over anything they might learn in this season.
Do what you can with what you’ve got and don’t worry about how much your child is learning. I recently saw a post where a man stated he missed out on several years of learning because he was from a war torn country. But that he had later caught up and now had his own successful business.
Our children know the drill now and have been thrown around during this pandemic with isolations and lockdowns to contend with. Take it easy on them and be kind to yourself. We can get through this again and it can be a special time to hang out with your kids and learn through play and tv!
You’ve got this and if you need anything get in contact and seek out fellow parents.
Love Amy.
Some helpful links:
ALL AGES
The BBC will be showing several educational programmes across their channels.
Cbeebies will show preschool shows
CBBC will show primary school shows
BBC2 will show some secondary showsHERE is also some information they put together about home-school learning which includes some helpful websites.
P.E with Joe Wicks, the Body Coach! All his previous videos are on his YouTube channel HERE and he
Twinkl - online resources for all ages helping children learn from birth to Key Stage 4 (GCSE years)
Borrow Box - a free library app you can download on your phone or tablet/iPad where you can access magazines and books including audio books.
Start a project and create something as a family using Bluprint
Check out the online resources available from some museums and zoos
PRESCHOOL AND NURSERY
Phonics Play - In response to the current situation this site is free to use with the log in information provided on their website!
Reading Eggs and Mathseeds - one month free trial and then costs to use.
Mr.Printables - fun learning and crafts
Five Minute Mum - blog and book available with plenty of fun games and activities to do and help 2-5 year olds learn.
KEY STAGE 1 + 2 (Primary)
Mathseeds - one month free trial and then costs to use. Aimed at those aged 3 to 9.
Pawprint Badges - Free challenge packs which range from learning about Mindfulness & Wellbeing to Recycling and Reusing to Easter!
As well as her website, Emma Scottchild will running a daily arts and crafts club via her instagram. Each morning she’ll set a task and then everyone can share their creations at the end of the day!
National Geographic Kids - Fun games and some great primary resources but does require you to register (looks like for free) to access some content.
KEY STAGE 3 + 4 (Secondary)
Rachael Cox Art Lessons! - Rach attends our church and is incredibly creative. She used to work for a home school provider and so has Art lessons available for you to access HERE!
Pawprint Badges - Free challenge packs which range from learning about Mindfulness & Wellbeing to Recycling and Reusing to Easter!
Crash Course - a YouTube channel of various educational videos on different topics
Scratch - Use this website to program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community. Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively
Family Time
Do things together!
Play games. HERE are some great indoor game ideas!
Do a jigsaw or play a board game
Watch TV - it has some great history, geography and science programmes.
Clean the house together and make it fun. HERE is a helpful link to help!
Create something together
Put on a play, perform it and record it. Then send it to some relatives who might be bored stuck inside.
Bake together and then stuff your faces with the treats you’ve made!
Play outside and go on walks
Do an online virtual tour
Paint pictures and make a mess
Watch a movie
Do a science experiment together
Read a book together
Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing
Check out the @werbskids Instagram for Amy’s weekday midday motivation to encourage your child with home-school work as well as give them a fun challenge each afternoon to try and accomplish!
