When we got the news last Thursday at lunchtime that all schools in the country were to close for the next two weeks, we didn’t have much time to prepare the children or their parents for coping with home schooling. We sent home a pack with every child with some consolidation and revision work, and ideas to keep busy.
Here is a list of some free online education resources that may also be useful. Many of these are not Irish websites, but learning is learning!
We have checked these websites to the best of our ability, but please always be vigilant when allowing children to use the internet, and do not let them surf the net unsupervised. As these are link to external websites, we cannot be responsible if the content changes or is no longer available.
Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Good for maths, uses the US grade system but mostly common material. They are offering daily schedules for students aged 4-18 during the COVID-19 school closures.
BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated but there is still so much available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision.
Blockly
https://blockly.games
A fun way to learn computer programming skills.
Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
A wide range of engaging educational videos. Filter by subject, use the search box, or just explore and find something amazing to learn about!
National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes aimed at primary school age children. Great for SESE.
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidsshouldseethis.com
Wide range of educational videos, curated for teachers and parents to be kid-friendly. There is an option to sign up to get notifications of new videos every week – or just browse the site and find something interesting to learn about.
Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
A free easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics and coding. Use Lego, Minecraft or get out the cardboard and scissors. Lots of ideas and projects.
Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities and games for Junior and Senior Infants.
British Council
https://teachingenglish.org.uk/resources/primary/activities
Resources for EAL, search by level or keyword.A-Z. Plenty of reading and listening material, games and online activities.
Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home
A UK resource, but lots of useful hints for parents as well as online games and activities, and printable exercises in reading, phonics and maths.
The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good free art activities and ideas for parents that can be done at home.
Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts ideas for Infants.
Toy Theater
https://toytheater.com/
Lots of free online educational games in reading and maths.
Creative Bursts
https://moli.ie/category/bright-sparks-creative-bursts/
Daily writing games, story prompts and word fun. An Irish website!
Scoilnet
https://www.scoilnet.ie/go-to-primary/themepages/
An Irish website, lots of resources, choose which subject you want – and don’t forget to do a little bit of Gaeilge!
Times Tables
https://www.timestables.com/
For 3rd class up, a great website to learn and practice multiplication tables, with some fun games too.
