For parents who need inspiration on how to structure your days with the kids

I’m sure you’re doing your best to help with home schooling or entertain little ones; here are some more ideas to give a bit of structure to the day and some advice on how to talk to youngsters about coronavirus (with thanks to Leeds Community Perinatal Mental Health Team):

• 9am-9.30am PE with Joe Wicks Monday to Friday: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1
• 10am – Maths with Carol Vorderman: www.themathsfactor.com;
• 11am – Art project ideas: https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2020/mar/23/eight-easy-home-art-projects-kids-during-coronavir/
• 12pm – Lunch cooking with Jamie Oliver: https://www.jamieoliver.com/features/category/get-kids-cooking/
• 1pm – Music with Myleene Klass: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ;
• 2pm – History with Dam Snow (free for 30 days): https://tv.historyhit.com/signup/package;
• 4pm – Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Frid): https://www.instagram.com/theocooks;

 

Help with home schooling:

• BBC Teach Live Lessons for primary schools: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/live-lessons/primary-live-lessons/zmc9jhv?fbclid=IwAR28_i--R8lOdjapBHyAICyAJ9MmxtXYrPJn4SS01H4xGJMtc0pNWhiuHRM;
• Twinkl School Closure Help: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/covid19-school-closures;
• National Geographic article on how to keep children entertained during self-isolation: https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/science-and-technology/2020/03/how-engage-your-kids-during-coronavirus-isolation;
• Canadian Red Cross advice: https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2020/3/tips-to-help-families-cope-during-self-isolation-due-to-covid-19;

 

Other fun and educational activities:

• ChatterPack free resources: https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home;
• Free children’s books available on Audible: https://stories.audible.com/discovery;

• Storytime Online: This YouTube channel has celebrities and people of note read stories for children with fun illustrations. https://bit.ly/2Urdrvh

• David Walliams’s free downloadable activities: https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/activities/
• David Walliams’s stories (released daily at 11am): https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/elevenses/;
• Hungry Little Minds: https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/;
• Book Start by Book Trust: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/programmes-and-campaigns/bookstart/families/;
• Barefoot Books online free activities and sing-a-longs: https://www.barefootbooks.com/kids/activities-kids/ (these are free downloadable activity packs and sing-a-long videos);
• Made with music online classes: https://www.facebook.com/MadewithMusic1/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_cd1Obi06w;

 

Exercise classes:

• Yoga with kids: https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-classes/yoga-with-kids;
• Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.cosmickids.com/ (online yoga videos for toddlers and children, most of which are hosted on YouTube and are therefore free to watch);
• PE with Joe Wicks 9am-9.30am Monday to Friday: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1
• The Ballet Coach is offering daily ballet lessons, streamed on Facebook live:  https://www.facebook.com/SarahDuFeuTheBalletCoach;
• Oti Mabuse online kids dance classes 11.30am daily: https://www.facebook.com/OtiMabuse/;
• 1.30pm – Dance with Darcey Bussell: https://twitter.com/diversdancemix/status/1241098264373592065;

 

Interesting things to chill to:

• Live from Monterey Bay Aquarium: Live webcam feeds of life 'under the sea'. https://bit.ly/2QzRclw
• Tour Mars with Nasa: Take a walk on Mars while sat with a cuppa. No astronaut training required.https://go.nasa.gov/2UpwpCt 
• Atlas Obscura's Wander From Home: The definitive online guide to the world’s hidden wonders. https://bit.ly/3bffZDo

 

Children’s mental health: how to talk to them about COVID-19:

• Emerging Minds “Supporting children and young people with worries about COVID-19 https://emergingminds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID19_advice-for-parents-and-carers_20.3_.pdf;
• The British Psychological Society “Talking to Children about corona virus”: https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Policy/Policy%20-%20Files/Talking%20to%20children%20about%20coronavirus.pdf;