Due to coronavirus, we’re in unprecedented times. We’re at home and kids are no longer in school. During these times, it’s important to provide children with a routine and stability, however, keeping them entertained whilst keeping their mind stimulated isn’t always that easy!
We wanted to create a compilation of resources to help you. Here we’ve gathered together a few (completely free!) resources so you can organise daily activities for your children whilst they’re at home. All of which can help them continue their learning development whilst keeping them entertained and busy for a precious couple of hours!
Drama Teaching and Performances
London Theatre
A great way to encourage the budding theatre goer in your family, the London Theatre are digitally streaming some of their best shows including the National Theatre’s ‘Frankenstein’ with Benedict Cumberbatch and ‘Here Not There’ Virtual Gala with Gary Oldman and Olivia Colman.
Great for encouraging youngsters to become more involved in the theatre and how it works.
Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Shows Must Go On)
The godfather of musicals has launched his very own YouTube channel where he is streaming some of his old classics including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. All these musicals are available each weekend for a 24-48 hour period and allow for children of all ages to experience the joy of some of the best West End musicals from the comfort of their home.
National Theatre
The National Theatre is currently streaming some of their excellent theatre performances on their YouTube channel. Performances are only available for a short period of time but audiences are treated to some shows that have never been seen before. There is also a selection of behind the scenes videos which will allow you to explain the workings of the theatres to those who are interested in drama.
Drama Games
An online website dedicated to offering parents a comprehensive range of drama games for kids of all ages. Allowing children to express themselves using drama techniques, helps them to build confidence, stretch their imaginations and learn how to act around other children. Games include Tongue Twisters to Deer!, all aimed at encouraging kids to learn whilst having fun.
Physical Exercise
P.E. With Joe Wicks
At 9am on YouTube you’ll see a live stream of P.E. with Joe Wicks trending. Bringing millions of kids together for a 30-minute workout session. Mixing it up with a variety of types of workout including Fancy Dress Friday, Joe Wicks is helping to keep children and their parents keep a daily, active routine.
Cosmic Kids Yoga
During this uncertain time, children might be more stressed than usual. Cosmic Yoga is a great way to help your kids manage their anxiety and get a bit of exercise whilst doing so. Having fun activities to do can help stimulate a child’s mind and take their mind away from the current and confusing situation. The activities are easy, enjoyable and are perfect for children of primary school age.
Storytelling
Pass the Story
This is a storytelling activity that only requires a ball! ‘Pass the Story’ is an interactive game played in a group (perhaps you can join in too!). One person starts the story and then passes the ball to the next person to continue the story. This activity can get everyone together whilst allowing the children to use their imagination. It also makes storytime less of a one-sided task for the kids.
BookTrust HomeTime
Founded in 1921, BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, based in London. The ‘Home Time’ section on their website provides lots of inspiration for things to do with your children which all revolve around books and storytelling. There are free online books and videos for them to enjoy, games, competitions, book-themed quizzes and they can even learn how to draw some of their favourite characters with lessons from the illustrators themselves.
Virtual Museum & Zoo Tours
Chester Zoo
As you can’t, unfortunately, take the kids to the zoo, they’re bringing the animals to you (not literally of course!). Chester Zoo is sharing frequent live videos on their YouTube channel to give you a virtual tour. Each ‘virtual tour day’, they are broadcasting animal action from various habitats around the zoo at different points in the day. Keep a lookout for their next live tour on their Facebook page, or you can still catch up with any you may have missed on YouTube!
British Museum
For the first time ever, the British Museum and the Google Cultural Institute have partnered up to create a fantastic interactive virtual tour of the museum’s best objects. Your children can choose the time period, continent and culture to discover more about the objects from history. They can also discover hidden links between then and now. Perhaps one for children of slightly older age, it is a great way to sharpen their history knowledge or enable them to learn something new!
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, USA, has a number of live webcams available for the kids so they can observe the incredible marine life from the comfort of home. It is in fact the largest aquarium in the world and has lots of animals to keep your children entertained including whales and sharks.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. Whilst you can’t visit currently, the kids can delve into the museum from home with a virtual self-guided tour. It is an interactive experience about Hope the blue whale with audio guides narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough.
If there are any free resources which you think other parents and children out there would love, feel free to let us know and we’ll add them to our list!
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