Educational resources

At the Virtual School, we know that spending time on simple, home-based activities can provide so many valuable opportunities for learning, both educationally and emotionally.

We have provided you with lots of ideas about websites and learning opportunities below, but we would also like to reinforce something you already know; time together doing everyday activities is time very well spent.

Please think about doing any of these activities everyday:

• chat
• Play
• watch films
• play board games
• cook
• bake
• garden
• read books together
• read to your child (yes, even teenagers!)
• plan meals
• tidy bedrooms
• do mindful colouring
• go for a walk or bike ride
• listen to story CDs
• teach your child to clean or iron
• make up stories together
• do crosswords
• play sudoku
• make scrap books
• do jigsaws
• solve riddles
• play battleships
• learn new card games
• tell jokes.

The list is endless, and while structured learning from school and the internet can be important, embedding loving and trusting relationships at home will always be essential.

Our motto in the Virtual School is "Thriving through Relationships". What better way of doing that than quality time together?

Have fun, and be in touch if we can help or support you in anyway.

The book 'Coronavirus - a book for childrenOpens in new tab' can be downloaded to help explain coronavirus (COVID-19) to children.

Resources

Please refer to a list of Government recommended resourcesOpens in new tab and also some resources compiled by the Virtual School team.

Two extensive resources have been made available from 20/04/2020 for pupils from Reception age to Y10. These are daily lessons which pupils can access and provide some structure for their days if this is necessary. 

• BBC BitesizeOpens in new tab
• The Oak National Academy Online ClassroomOpens in new tab

Aged 14+? check out the youth employment hubOpens in new tab.

Resources for those transitioning to secondary schoolOpens in new tab.

English

• Elevenses with David WalliamsOpens in new tab - Listen to one David Walliams' Worst Children stories at 11am
• AudibleOpens in new tab - Audio books, Audible have made children's books free to stream for the duration of the school closure
• Teach your monster to readOpens in new tab - For reception and year 1 - learning to read made into a fun game.

Maths

• NumberblocksOpens in new tab - CBeebies number sing along
• Snappy MathsOpens in new tab - KS1 and KS2 maths games
• Maths paperOpens in new tab - Free printable graph paper
• Maths WhizzOpens in new tab - Contact Graeme Ferguson for a Virtual School log in
• Maths with Carol VordermanOpens in new tab - Free lessons for children aged 4-11.

Science

• ExplorifyOpens in new tab - Science activities and resources

ICT

• ICT GamesOpens in new tab - Maths and English ICT games
• TopmarksOpens in new tab - Educational games
• Take a Code BreakOpens in new tab - Learn the basics of computer science through Zoom on Wednesdays at 10am (computer not required)

P.E.

• P.E. with Joe Opens in new tab- Live interactive P.E. sessions at 9am or watch back anytime
• Cosmic Kids YogaOpens in new tab - Yoga and stories for children.

Mindfulness

• GoNoodleOpens in new tab - Mindfulness and 'good energy' activities.

Modern Foreign Languages

• DuolingoOpens in new tab - Learn a language for free.

Creative

• Jazza Art - Giant sharpie drawingOpens in new tab
• Jazza Art - Learning to sketchOpens in new tab
• Learn how to garden! Tomato hanging basketsOpens in new tab, Runner beansOpens in new tab, Salad seedsOpens in new tab, PotatoesOpens in new tab
• Get kids cookingOpens in new tab - Child-friendly recipes with Jamie Oliver
• National Theatre at HomeOpens in new tab - Stream a play every Thursday at 7pm on YouTube
• The National GalleryOpens in new tab - A 360 tour of the National Gallery, London
• The Strong National Museum of PlayOpens in new tab - View the exhibits at the National Museum of Play.

Music

• Great British Home ChorusOpens in new tab - Join Gareth Malone and sing in a virtual choir
• Myleene's Music KlassOpens in new tab - Music lessons with Myleene Klass
• FenderOpens in new tab - Learn to play the guitar for free.

History

• History Hit Podcast - 30 day free trial.

Home Learning websites

• TwinklOpens in new tab - Offer code UKTWINKLHELPS
• Education CityOpens in new tab
• School ToolkitOpens in new tab

Other fun things to check out

• The Blue PlanetOpens in new tab - Documentary by David Attenborough
• WildEarth's daily LIVE safarisOpens in new tab - A live African safari
• RNLIOpens in new tab - Staying safe by the water activity sheets
• Buggy and Buddy Opens in new tab - 30+ printable scavenger hunts
• Dance mat typing Opens in new tab- learn to touch type
• Into FilmOpens in new tab - Fun activities surrounding the film industry
• RSPCA Opens in new tab- Animal themed activities.