Navigating the sea of information about online learning is not easy at the best of times, and even less so this week given the tsunami of information that has suddenly appeared in everyone’s social media feeds and emails. There seems to be an infinite range of different activities that can be done from home simply with a good wifi connection and smartphone or laptop. So, where to start and how to navigate this space?
If we can keep learners happy and engaged while exploring the things they love, chances are there is some solid learning happening and the cognitive wheels will be turning. So, we thought we’d share a list of a few key resources for kids activities for the weekend that families can try to ensure that kids stay happy and entertained while at home. We have found these to be a useful source of inspiration as we define how to support online learning and maintain the high level of socio-emotional connection and strong personal relationships with our learners. After all, let’s not confuse online learning with online schooling. We won’t talk about the latter today nor the difference between these two concepts but suffice to say that online schooling is no guarantee that learning is actually happening.
If you would like to support your children and keep them engaged, here are a few ideas and resources you may find helpful:
Over 2,500 museums and galleries offer virtual tours so there is no excuse not to let your mind travel, even if you are physically confined to the sofa during the confinement period! Many of these tours offer very informative and inspiring visits while at the same time providing a fun learning experience for the whole family. See our pick here.
Audible is offering free audio books for children and families during the confinement period and a number of authors, such as David Walliams, have shared their top audio books for free.
There's no harm in some educational virtual games for kids as long as they are having sufficient time to "screen detox" and engage in offline, manual activities throughout the day
Brush up on your knowledge of history and test your critical thinking skills regarding historical authors, historical accounts and historical learnings.
Here are a series of movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Or if you want a more cardio intense workout, The Body Coach Joe Wicks offers great family-friendly HIIT and PE classes.
For older children and teens, invite them to work on a project or set a specific challenge about how to respond to the current situation and keep people feeling connected while in social isolation or distancing.
Set up your own music lab and record your own songs, podcasts and videos at home.
Read more about making learning more fun and meaningful through play-based learning and the 25 learning methodologies.