Learning at Home
Learning at Home
This page will help you to support your child's learning at home.
Reception, year 1 and year 2 children
The best way to help children aged 4 to 7 learn is to:
- sit with them as they work
- do active and practical things, rather than trying to make them sit and listen for long periods
- try to break down the work into shorter periods, based on how long they can concentrate
- praise or reward them when they do well
Talking
Talk with your child throughout the day and try to explain new words. For example, discuss everything you are doing and pick out words that might be new to them.
Reading together
When you read with your child try to:
- express the emotion in the story
- give colour to the characters using voices, tone and pace
- discuss the things you are reading
You can make a story more interesting and help your child develop their understanding of a book by linking what you are reading to their life. For example, while reading about Cinderella going to the ball, talk about how a ball is similar to a birthday party.
Ask your child questions about what you are reading as you go. For example:
- ask some questions that only need a short answer, such as what colour something is, or the name of a character
- ask some questions that need a longer answer, such as how a character is feeling
- ask them to tell you what has happened in the story so far
Libraries Connected provide digital library services.
Electronic copies of books that we use in school are available at Oxford Owl -https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk. This applies to children from Class 2 and above, younger children should access Little Wandle Letters and Sounds for appropriate books for their reading levels.
Phonics
Phonics is a method schools use to teach children how to read quickly and skilfully. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds,
All children in classes R and 1 will be sent the little to the Little Wandle e book.
Writing
Try to help children to continue to practise their writing. This may include the formation of letters and familiarity with pens and pencils for younger children, or practising creative writing for older children.
Ask children to write about their day-to-day experiences of being at home, or to write letters to send to family members.
Numbers
Practise counting and numbers. This does not always have to be a planned activity. For example, count things around the house while you are doing other things like cooking or cleaning.
Year 3 to 6 children
The best way to help children aged 7 to 11 learn is to:
- give them support and direction, but encourage them to do work independently too
- include active and practical things, rather than trying to make them sit and work for long periods
- try to break down the work into shorter periods, based on how long they can concentrate
- praise or reward them when they do well
To check if they are learning try to:
- ask them questions as they go
- talk about things they learned
Talking
Ask children to talk through what they have learned during the day and find time to talk with them more generally.
Reading
Talk to your child about what they are reading. This will help them understand what they have read and encourage them to read for fun.
Ask your child questions about what they are reading. For example:
- ask questions that make them think about the story, such as how a character is feeling
- ask them to tell you what has happened in the story so far
Libraries Connected are providing digital library services.
Electronic copies of books that we use in school are available at Oxford Owl -https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk
This applies to children from Class 2 and above, younger children should access Little Wandle Letters and Sounds for appropriate books for their reading levels.
Writing
Try to help children practise their writing. Work from school may be sent digitally, but using pen and paper will help children be ready for when they go back to school.
These websites have been identified by some of the country’s leading educational experts and offer a wide range of support and resources for pupils of all ages.
The list includes subject-specific resources for:
English
Phonics - see above
Audible
Website: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: all children’s audiobooks are available for free while schools are closed.
Registration: not required
Authorfy
Website: https://authorfy.com
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: access to masterclasses on texts from a range of authors, including videos from the authors and activities linked to novels.
Registration: is required
BookTrust
Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, including fiction and non-fiction. Family activities are included in the ‘Home Time’ section.
Registration: not required
Classroom Secrets
Website: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/free-home-learning-packs/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs which cover a range of subjects, including reading and writing.
Registration: not required
Elevenses with the World of David Walliams
Website: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: one free audio book reading is available to listen to every day.
Registration: not required
English Mastery
Website: https://www.englishmastery.org/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource books providing 8 weeks of activities.
Registration: not required
Literacy Shed
Website: https://www.literacyshedplus.com/en-gb/browse/free-resources
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs with tasks based on video clips on YouTube.
Registration: not required
Love Reading 4 Kids
Website: https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, covering fiction and non-fiction.
Registration: not required
Pobble 365
Website: https://www.pobble365.com/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a new image is published each day as a basis for creative writing. Story starters, questions and drawing ideas are provided.
Registration: not required
Poetry by Heart
Website: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/
Key stages: key stage 2
Description: a wide selection of poetry covering different topics
Registration: not required to view poems, but it is required to access teaching resources.
Purple Mash -
ALL CHILDREN IN SCHOOL HAVE A LOGIN FOR THIS AND STAFF HAVE SET WORK FOR THEM TO DO.
Website: https://2simple.com/purple-mash/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: free during the school closure period. Each week, a selection of daily activities is produced on different subjects, including comprehension and grammar.
Registration: is required
Storytime with Nick
Website: https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/help-during-school-closure/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: available from Monday 20 April. Films of well-loved stories read by Nick Cannon, a trained actor, teacher and trainer.
Registration: not required
The Children’s Poetry Archive
Website: https://childrens.poetryarchive.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an archive of spoken poetry recordings. Children can listen to poems read out loud.
Registration: not required
The Day newsletter
Website: https://theday.co.uk/subscriptions/the-day-home
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a daily newsletter for parents and carers at home with children, helping to enrich learning with real-world knowledge and skills.
Registration: is required
Maths
WE FOLLOW WHITE ROSE HUB MATHS AT SCHOOL.
White Rose Maths (home learning)
Website: https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents. New material is being released each week.
Registration: not required
Hamilton Trust (home learning section)
Website: https://www.hamilton-trust.org.uk/blog/learning-home-packs/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs with teacher guidance. A week’s worth of resources is provided for each year group.
Registration: not required
Mathematics Mastery
Website: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/free-resources
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils.
Registration: not required
Nrich
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a range of activities. Some are interactive and some are to be completed offline. Activities are categorised by age range.
Registration: not required
Numberblocks
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-with-maths
Key stages: early years foundation stage and key stage 1
Description: videos for numeracy development designed for children aged 0 to 6. There are fun activities that can be applied to everyday life and play.
Registration: not required
Top Marks
Website: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group.
Registration: not required
Science: primary
BBC Bitesize
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: interactive resources covering the primary science curriculum.
Registration: not required
STEM Learning
Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/primary-science
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: an online resource bank, which links to resources on external websites. The site features a live chat function offering support from subject experts. New home learning resources are being developed.
Registration: is required for some resources
PE and physical activity
Boogie Beebies
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvsc
Key stages: early years foundation stage
Description: videos that get younger children up and dancing with CBeebies presenters.
Registration: not required
Disney 10 Minute Shakeups
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: 10-minute activities based on Disney films that count towards a child’s 60 active minutes per day.
Registration: not required
Super Movers
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos which help children move while they learn. They support curriculum subjects, including maths and English.
Registration: not required
#ThisIsPE
Website: https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/thisispe-supporting-parents-to-teach-pe-at-home/
Key stages: key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: videos delivered by teachers focussing on the PE curriculum which are accessible on YouTube.
Registration: not required
Mental wellbeing
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
Registration: not required
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Registration: not required
Children’s Commissioner
Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus.
Registration: not required
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
The Child Bereavement Network
Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.
Registration: not required
SEND: apps and games
(Apps must be downloaded onto a compatible device)
Brain Parade
Website: http://www.brainparade.com/products/see-touch-learn-free/
Description: a visual instruction app, including flash cards and picture-choosing games, for children with autism and special needs.
HelpKidzLearn
Website: https://www.helpkidzlearn.com/
Description: a collection of games and resources designed for a range of educational needs and stages. It includes provision for school closure.
Sensory App House Ltd
Website: https://www.sensoryapphouse.com/
Description: a range of apps are available for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) or Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). All are interactive and many do not require significant coordination abilities.
Visuals2Go
Website: https://www.visuals2go.com/
Description: an all-in-one app created to support people with communication and learning difficulties. For verbal and non-verbal learners
BBC Bitesize
The BBC has today launched an education package across TV and online, featuring celebrities and teachers, helping to keep children learning at home and supporting parents.
Please follow this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize