Now that schools are closed, many of you are finding yourselves stuck at home with the kids for the foreseeable. Here are five ideas to help keep them occupied over the coming days and weeks…
Redgate Coding Club
Cambridge-based software company Redgate is launching a new Coding Club for kids, with the hope of keeping children engaged in STEM subjects while they’re stuck at home. Redgate’s development manager Ben Mancini says: “we love developing software and sharing how we do it. STEM subjects are super important to us, so if just a few classes we offer create an interest for one child we’ll be delighted.” Aimed at children aged 6 to 14, the Coding Club workshops will be running every Friday via video call and Scratch, led by the team at Redgate. The first workshop due to take place on Friday 3 April, and you can register your interest by filling in an online form. All of the workshops are free of charge. medium.com/redgate-coding-club
BBC Teach
A lifesaver when it comes to curriculum-linked activities, BBC Teach has got plenty of resources available to help parents out in this challenging time. The most recent campaign, ‘Super Movers’, is a joint effort from the BBC and the Premier League, designed to get a generation of pupils up and moving while they learn. Available for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, the easy-to-follow active learning videos cover the basics (maths, English and science), as well as modern foreign languages, PSHE and virtual PE classes, to help keep your kids active and occupied while they’re at home. You can find all of them over on the BBC’s website, bbc.co.uk/teach
Free Audiobooks
To help people through self-isolation, Audible is granting access to hundreds of audiobooks free of charge. In a statement on its website, Audible says: “for as long as schools are closed, we’re open. Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.” There are now an extensive number of titles available for anyone to listen to for free, from The Return of Sherlock Holmes to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, read by the likes of Thandie Newton and Scarlett Johansson. You can browse all of the audiobooks on Audible’s website. audible.co.uk
Hobbycraft Crafting Projects
If you’re already tired of hearing the words ‘I’m bored’ every five minutes, Hobbycraft can come to your rescue. They have a seemingly endless selection of children’s crafts activities on their website, with everything from simple paper crafts, to nature-inspired activities and painting projects. There are plenty of themed activities available too, so you can opt for some seasonal spring crafts, or a fun Easter activity. You can also shop for craft materials on the Hobbycraft website, and stock up on your creative supplies for self-isolation – delivery is free on orders over £20. blog.hobbycraft.co.uk/craft-ideas
Scouts Activities
The Scouts have just launched over 100 stay-at-home activities, games and craft ideas to keep your kids entertained and help them learn new skills while in self-isolation. Chief scout Bear Grylls hopes the activities will help children channel their energy towards active engagement and learning while schools are closed. ‘The Great Indoors’ features a vast selection of indoor activities that kids can do at home over the coming days and weeks, ranging from 15-minute fun to hour-long activities, including origami challenges, snap happy camera skill sessions, and miniature twig raft building. Check out the Scouts’ website for the full list of available activities. scouts.org.uk
You can find the latest coronavirus information here:
Coronavirus in Cambridge: Cancellations, Key Facts, Need-to-Knows
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