COVID-19 Educational and Fitness resources for families at home
Round up of educational and fitness resources for families at home by ages and topics. Also see COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Advice and Support for families
Know of a good resource not listed? Email FISdigital@buckinghamshire.gov.uk to let us know.
Hungry Little Minds
Simple fun, activities for kids aged 0 to 5.
Tiny Happy People - BBC
Simple activities and play ideas and find out about their amazing early development.
Look, Say, Sing, Play - Brain-building tips | NSPCC
The NSPCC has teamed up with Vroom™ to give you some fun and easy tips to help you bring even more Look, Say, Sing and Play into your daily routine with your baby.
BBC Learning Programmes on iplayer
BBC programmes categorised by Learning, available on i-player.
Coronavirus a Book for Children
A book by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson and Nia Roberts Developed with Consultant Professor Graham Medley, Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Vineyard Vibes, Pre-school Music Classes
Classes are currently suspended due to Coronavirus - you can access a half-hour Vibes at home session on YouTube
Free access to twinkl
twinkl, the online education resource and learning site are offering free ultimate membership to education settings and parents to help keep pupils learning if they can’t get to schools or nurseries. To claim the offer go to the website and enter code UKTWINKLHELPS.
Khan Academy
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system.
Oxford Owl for Home
Lots of free resources for Primary age.
BBC Learning
There is a lot of information available from language learning to BBC Bitesize. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.
BBC Learning Programmes on iplayer
BBC programmes categorised by Learning, available on iplayer.
DK Find Out
Activities and quizzes.
Harold's Daily Diary
Each day he’ll be giving children positive, fun messages about what he’s doing to stay happy and healthy while he’s off school, separated from his friends. He’ll invite the children to join in with activities he’s doing.
He’ll be giving children ideas for how he – and they – can get a routine going for their day, including the things we all need to do to live a balanced, healthy life. These include:
- Taking regular exercise
- Being creative
- Helping others
- Connecting with others – in ways that are safe
- emindfulness – learning to enjoy the moment, here and now
Astro Science Challenge
An app where children can safely do some fun Science, Maths and English whilst learning all about space
Leap with Us
Activities for Children and young people
Locked Down Learning
The page comprises mainly of videos from a range of teachers, award-winning authors, educational consultants, and parent coaches who have all contributed a video offering ideas and advice for parents who are homeschooling.
This is completely free and designed to support parents and pupils and even schools.
BBC Learning Programmes on iplayer
BBC programmes categorised by Learning, available on iplayer.
Futurelearn
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
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher-level material.
Openlearn
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some such as nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
Big History Project
Aimed at Secondary age. Multidisciplinary activities.
GoConqr
Creating, discovering and sharing a range of learning resources covering countless topics. Created on a crowd-sourced community library by students and teachers.
Quizlet
From flashcards to help you learn French to games that make it easy to understand history, you can use a variety of tools to conquer any challenge.
IB Resources
ibresources.org is a student-led initiative to list and rank the top online resources and websites for International Baccalaureate (IB) students.
Gojimo
Gojimo Revision is a free app that helps you pass exams. For GCSEs and A-Levels plus Common Entrance exams and US SATS, ACT and APs. Goji Life provides students with loads of information, from help with essay writing to managing stress and exam pressure.
Memrise
Memrise is a language learning app that is the opposite of textbook learning: it’s enjoyable and effective.
SnapRevise
For GCSE and A-Levels, A monthly fee per subject is charged with package discounts available.
S-Cool
Free revision guides, question banks, and resources for GCSE and A-Levels.
Bucks Skills Hub Isolation Inspiration - Find a job you love
A resource for secondary school-age children to help them stay engaged with the local Buckinghamshire job market during the pandemic.
Audiopi
Audiopi provides instant access, to outstanding and proven GCSE and A-Level teaching, through self-contained, 10 to 15-minute podcasts.
TES - Coronavirus Support Hub
We've created a helpful coronavirus support hub to share free resources and information, as well as anything that might help support teachers, schools, and students during this time, such as revision material, home packs, and self-guided study material.
Shareen Gray - Home Education Online
Join Shareen for a live video call and a home school session. You will receive a tailored timetable for your family at the end of the session having lived and experienced it for yourself. Sessions Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm. Call between 7:30am to 8:30am if you want to speak before joining today 02036 592 131.
British Council
The LearnEnglish Kids team want to support parents at this challenging time. Many parents around the world are spending a lot of time at home with their young children. If you're in this situation, their website can help you support your child's English learning at home.
Free home learning packs from Classroom secrets
Resource packs for each year group to help your students learn from home.
Buckinghamshire Family Wellbeing Information Pack
Looking after yourself, your children, for example, timetables and home education resources.
Dyslexia Academy
The Dyslexia Academy is offering free, one Month Gold Membership to support homeschooling, families and teachers.
Speech and Language Portal
Free speech and language advice, resources and activities.
Widgit
Widgit offers free and unrestricted access to Widgit Online and it’s ready-made materials for 30 days use Code: WIDGIT30.
WheelPower Yoga for wheelchair users
WheelPower has launched a set of Yoga videos to encourage wheelchair users to exercise from the comfort of their homes. The benefit of continuous exercise at this time is now of even greater importance. Their webpage is now live and includes details and the direct links to the videos themselves.
TalkBack
Following the government’s latest advice on social distancing, Talkback has taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend its direct face to face services, however, we are still operating, please view our We Are Here For You leaflet for further information.
Find more SEND advice and support during COVID 19.
Computing
Blockly
Learn computer programming skills - fun and free.
Scratch
Creative computer programming.
Learn My Way, Beaconsfield Library (Beaconsfield)
Want to brush up on your computer skills? We run free, bookable, one-to-one volunteer-led sessions enabling you to get online.
Barclays Playground
Resources for children to learn the basics of coding web pages
Video and Audio
Ted-Ed
All sorts of engaging educational videos.
Crash Course and Crash Course Kids
YouTube videos on many subjects.
The Kids Should See This
Wide range of cool educational videos.
CBeebies Radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.
English and Languages
Duolingo
Learn languages for free. Web or app.
British Council
Resources for English language learning.
MrBruff
GCSE English Language YouTube tutorials.
Mr Salles Teaches English
Find out how to dramatically improve your grade at GCSE.
Kidslingo Online Spanish
Kidslingo is taking their Spanish classes "en línea"...(online).
Maths
Prodigy Maths
It is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.
Primrose Kitten
GCSE revision and YouTube tutorials from Primrose Kitten.
Corbetts Maths
Primary to GCSE revision worksheets and cards, 5-a-day and videos, including Further Maths.
Hegarty Maths
Tips to smash GCSE maths and revision videos.
The Maths Factor by Carol Vorderman
The Maths Factor is offering free access for everyone (usually about £2 per week) to support childrens’ learning at home for the duration of the UK Schools closure period.
Science
Mystery Science
Free science lessons.
Crest Awards
Science awards you can complete from home.
Free Science Lessons
For GCSE science revision and YouTube tutorials.
Primrose Kitten
GCSE revision and YouTube tutorials from Primrose Kitten.
Astro Science Challenge
An app where children can safely do some fun Science, Maths and English whilst learning all about space
Geography
National Geographic Kids
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.
Geography Games
Geography gaming!
History
History Homework
History Homework is offering free use of the website for the next three months. Simply email support@historyhomework.com and they’ll help set you up.
Buckinghamshire Adult learning
The team has developed 150 courses to begin at the end of April.
twinkl
twinkl, the online education resource and learning site are offering free ultimate membership to education settings and parents to help keep pupils learning if they can’t get to schools or nurseries. To claim the offer go to the website and enter code UKTWINKLHELPS.
The Maths Factor by Carol Vorderman
The Maths Factor is offering free access for everyone (usually about £2 per week) to support childrens’ learning at home for the duration of the UK Schools closure period.
History Homework
History Homework is offering free use of the website for the next three months. Simply email support@historyhomework.com and they’ll help set you up.
Openlearn
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some such as nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
Widgit
Widgit offers free and unrestricted access to Widgit Online and it’s ready-made materials for 30 days use Code: WIDGIT30.
Dyslexia Academy
The Dyslexia Academy is offering free, one Month Gold Membership to support homeschooling, families and teachers.
Futurelearn
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).
Free home learning packs from Classroom secrets
Resource packs for each year group to help your students learn from home.
List of Free Education
List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings.
74 free resources for home learning
Free resources out there to assist with home learning.
Hodder Education
Free quizzes, answers and My Revision Notes.
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.
Paw Print Badges
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.
BBC Learning Programmes on iplayer
BBC programmes categorised by Learning, available on player.
Coram Life Education
Fun activities and educational resources.
Audio Stories from David Walliams
Comedian and children’s author David Walliams will be releasing a free audio story every day for 30 days.
Things to do Indoors | Roald Dahl
Check out lesson plans, activities and videos suitable for home learning from Roald Dah
Tinkercad
All kinds of making.
The Artful Parent
Good, free art activities.
The Imagination Tree
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.
Red Ted Art
Easy arts and crafts for little ones.
Wash Your Hands Colouring Sheet
Good, free art activity.
Easter at Home
Includes our free rainbow certificate for the little ones. Easter Egg hunt, online activities and more.
Kids Cook
Former Masterchef star Theo Michaels is hosting Kids Cook With Theo live stream at 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays via Instagram and YouTube
Netmums Cooking with the Kids
Cooking is a fantastic activity to do with your children; they can learn and practice a whole range of skills, plus it gives them a better understanding of food and where it all comes from.
Parents.com Crafts Lab
Arts and crafts activities
The Body Coach Virtual PE Workouts
The Body Coach, Joe Wicks will be running virtual PE classes to make sure kids are keeping fit while home from school.
Fitness Blender
Free workouts suitable for key stage 3 to key stage 5 pupils. https://www.fitnessblender.com/
Lion Sports Academy Home Workouts
Workout videos for the whole family, getting you active and moving.
Wheelpower
Yoga videos to encourage wheelchair users to exercise from the comfort of their homes. The benefit of continuous exercise at this time is now of even greater importance and we would really appreciate it if you could share these videos with your wider networks.
Online Health and Fitness Coaching
My name is Guy, I am a personal trainer in Aylesbury. Normally based at the Nuffield Health gym. I have set up a Facebook group for daily workouts and live streams every day.
NHS Fitness Studio exercise videos
Aerobic, strength, yoga and pilates exercises to do at home.
Change 4 Life - Indoor activities for kids
Disney inspired indoor games and activities including Cars, Frozen and Lion King. Also, see their Accessible activities.
Pro Mai Self Defence/Keep Fit
Through our lifetime of studying and teaching Martial Arts techniques, we have developed PRO MAI the art of self-defence and our goal is to promote a healthy state of physical and mental fitness, with better reaction under attack due to systematic training. Online via Facebook.
Free Minecraft Education pack
Microsoft is offering free educational content in the Minecraft marketplace.
Toy Theater
Educational online games.
RSBP Online games for kids
Fun games include Who am I? where you guess the animal by its baby game, Hungry Birds where you pick the right food for birds, and Feather frenzy where you identify bird feathers.
NatGeo Kids
CBeebies games
Google Doodles
Doodles are the fun, surprising and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries and the lives of famous artists, pioneers and scientists.
Nature Detectives
A lot of these can be done in a garden, or if you can get to a remote forest location!
Family Friendly Guided Woodland Walk (near Amersham)
Join David Willis for a guided woodland walk and learn about the woods, the flora and fauna,
Chiltern Rangers CIC | Forest School TV and Iver Environment Centre Facebook Live Nature Sessions
Chiltern Rangers and Iver Environment Centre will be hosting live nature-themed sessions. Take a look at their episodes so far on their timelines.
Make a hedgehog café
The RSPB shows us how to make your garden extra friendly for our favourite prickly critters. With the UK population of hedgehogs in decline, this is a wonderful activity for budding naturalists.
Take part in 30 Days Wild
Join the Wildlife Trusts and thousands of other people this June as they complete 30 Random Acts of Wildness. Sign up now to receive an activity kit to get you started.
Take part >
Master the art of forest bathing at home
We know that taking the time to encourage children to use mindfulness is beneficial for their health and wellbeing. So this week, why not try forest bathing? It's a great way for your family to spend time outside with nature and to de-stress.
Learn to fly with Zog
Join your favourite dragon at dragon school as he learns how to fly! This activity pack includes a fabulous colouring sheet and instructions on making your own set of wings.
Virtual Field Trips by Forestry England
Forestry England has partnered with Google Expeditions to bring virtual field trips. To access the virtual tours, download the free Google Expeditions app to your device and search for 'Forestry England'.
Zoos and Aquariums
Edinburgh Zoo Live Cam
See the Penguins live at Edinburgh Zoo.
SeaWorld Orlando Virtual Tour
Click and drag your way around SeaWorld Orlando.
Houston Zoo Webcams
From Elephants and Giraffes to Leafcutter Ants.
Georgia Aquarium
See the fish glide by your very screen.
Landmarks
Stonehenge Skyscape
See the sunrise, sunset, or sky at any time of day over Stonehenge.
Museums
Local
Explore Inside The Bucks County Museum
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Waddesdon Manor Virtual Tours
Further away
British Museum
The Natural History Museum
Giant's Causeway by The National Trust
The Vatican Museum
Van Gogh Museum
The Louvre
Inside Space Shuttle Discovery 360
> Explore more with Google Arts and Culture
Jenni Honeyben, a Children's Emotional Wellbeing Specialist at Chalfont St Peter C of E Academy has put together a series of videos. They provide helpful tools and coping strategies that any parent or guardian can use with their children to support them during these hugely uncertain times. Here are Jenni's tips on getting ready to learn.
