Homeschooling ideas and free resources for families in SIDCUP

In this 90 second read we share a useful list of free internet resources which might prove VERY useful as parents and carers in SIDCUP start homeschooling.

Out of all this uncertainty and anxiety has come plenty of positives.

The news yesterday that schools in the U.K. were to shut for the foreseeable future was met with a wave of companies and organisations offering up learning resources for free.

For every instance of selfishness, there's been plenty more stories of community spirit and kindness.

Here's a list of some websites people have been generously sharing which will keep the younger members of our community in SIDCUP entertained, interested and motivated. Useful for adults too.

Khan Academy

https://www.khanacademy.org

Especially useful for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system, but it's mostly common material.

BBC Learning

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/

This site is old and no longer updated and yet there's so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No T.V. licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.

Futurelearn

https://www.futurelearn.com

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

https://www.senecalearning.com

For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material.

Openlearn

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/

Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.

Blockly

https://blockly.games

Learn computer programming skills - fun and free.

Scratch

https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/

Creative computer programming

Ted Ed

https://ed.ted.com

All sorts of engaging educational videos

National Geographic Kids

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

Activities and quizzes for younger kids.

Duolingo

https://www.duolingo.com

Learn languages for free. Web or app.

Mystery Science

https://mysteryscience.com

Free science lessons

The Kids Should See This

https://thekidshouldseethis.com

Wide range of cool educational videos

Crash Course

https://thecrashcourse.com

YouTube videos on many subjects

Crash Course Kids

https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids

As above for a younger audience

Crest Awards

https://www.crestawards.org

Science awards you can complete from home.

iDEA Awards

https://idea.org.uk

Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.

Paw Print Badges

https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk

Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.

Tinkercad

https://www.tinkercad.com

All kinds of making.

Prodigy Maths

https://www.prodigygame.com

Is in U.S. grades, but good for U.K. Primary age.

Cbeebies Radio

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio

Listening activities for the younger ones.

Nature Detectives

https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetect…/

A lot of these can be done in a garden, or if you can get to a remote forest location!

British Council

https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find

Resources for English language learning

Oxford Owl for Home

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/

Lots of free resources for Primary age

Big History Project

https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home

Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.

Geography Games

https://world-geography-games.com/world.html

Geography gaming!

Blue Peter Badges

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges

If you have a stamp and a nearby post box.

The Artful Parent

https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/

Good, free art activities

Red Ted Art

https://www.redtedart.com

Easy arts and crafts for little ones

The Imagination Tree

https://theimaginationtree.com

Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.

Toy Theater

https://toytheater.com/

Educational online games

D.K. Find Out

https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/…

Activities and quizzes

Twinkl

https://www.twinkl.co.uk

This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closures.

Thanks to everyone in SIDCUP and the U.K., and indeed the World, who has shared useful information such as this.

A NAME, we are doing all we can to support the community in these testing times. If we can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we'll do our best to help.

If you are an existing landlord with us (or even another agent in Sidcup) or someone thinking of becoming a first time Sidcup landlord looking for advice and opinion and what (or not to buy in Sidcup), one source of information is the Sidcup Property Blog http://sidcuppropertyblog.co.uk/ or drop me an email or phone call and let’s start a conversation - I don’t bite and I don’t do hard sell ... and maybe, just maybe, I could help you get better returns from your property portfolio.