Structuring the day

 

Do not worry about trying to maintain a full routine for your child like they had at school. But children will feel more comfortable and learn better with a predictable routine to the day, even if this is difficult.

 

We have provided children with learning - this can be found on the class pages of the website. You should try to make sure that they:

 

• get up and go to bed at the same time each day
• have regular meal times
• have regular breaks
• make time to be active - children are used to regular play at lunch and break times

 

Using digital devices

 

We have set children learning that can be done on a digital device such as a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone.

 

Set age-appropriate parental controls on any devices your child is using and supervise their use of websites and apps. See advice on keeping them safe online and talk to your child about online safety.

 

Reducing screen time

 

Digital devices are not the only way to learn. Manage screen time with a timer and break up screen time by getting your child to:

 

• use books  that you have at home
• write by hand – try asking them to complete work by hand, write a diary, a summary of things they have learned or done each day or ‘to do’ lists
• be active and get away from the screen regularly – see a selection of physical activity resources for primary school children
• stop using digital devices at least an hour before bed.

 

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 learn
• 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
• take frequent breaks
• 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 are currently closed, but you can find digital services they are providing at Libraries Connected.

 

 

Phonics

 

Phonics is a method schools use to teach children how to read quickly and skilfully. We use Success for All. Resources can be found on the class web pages.

 

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
• take frequent breaks
• 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 are currently closed, however, you can find digital services they are providing at Libraries Connected.

 

All children have logins for the Big Cat Online reading.

 

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.

 

Information for parents of year 6 children

 

Year 6 children (aged 10 to 11) should continue doing any learning set for them by their school.

To prepare for going to secondary school this can be a good time for them to follow their own interests. For example, for:

 

• history, by visiting the English Heritage website to explore England’s history
• geography, by researching other countries
• science, by finding out more about the human body on BBC Bitesize
• art, by trying the activities on TATE Kids

 

The Government have brought together an initial list of online educational resources to help children to learn at home.

 

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

 

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 LEARNING FOR THEM TO DO.

Website: https://2simple.com/purple-mash/

Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2

 

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

 

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)

Website: https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-offers-advice-schools-parents-and-carers-help-children-through-uncertainty

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.