Online resources for parents during school closure – updated
Dear parents/guardians,
At this point in time the closure of schools is continuing until April 19th. The Government, in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review. Any change to that date will be communicated widely. All classes have been given some work to complete at home over the next number of weeks. Reading and maths activities have been prioritised. We have also compiled some suggestions for extra activities that can be completed at home. As per Department of Education guidelines all pupils and students, from pre-school to third level are urged to practice social distancing, and to minimise physical contact with each other, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. This should include minimising social contact, avoiding meeting up and keeping physical space between them. Parents and guardians are urged to support their children to maintain this approach.
The following are a list of resources that may be useful to explore while schools are closed. In particular, Twinkl provides a school closure pack per class for each week of closure.
General
30/03/2020 – Some new resources
Work packs for each class group – https://www.prim-ed.ie/blog/post/parent-information-centre/
Directory of free resources available : https://covid19.shanehastings.eu/giveback/
Link to wide range of resources for Infant classes https://padlet.com/ffarry1/jnrsnr
Link to wide range of resources for First and Second classes: https://padlet.com/ffarry1/firsec
PE – Joe Wicks is offering daily PE classes from 9am on his Youtube Channel. Check out PE with Joe on YouTube.
RTE Home School Hub – RTE are running lessons from 11am on RTE2 and the RTE Player. Suitable for 1st to 6th classes.
Name | Description | Link |
World Book via Scoilnet | The World Book Encyclopedia is free for all children via Scoilnet. There is a wealth of information on every topic and some really interactive games. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the ‘Enter World Book Online’ button. | https://www.scoilnet.ie/scoilnet-services/world-book/ |
Crickweb | There are a huge range of resources available on Crickweb. Younger children might like the Early Years sections whereas the older children may want to explore Key Stage 1 and certain elements of Key Stage 2. | www.crickweb.co.uk |
Primary Homework Help | Used to be the Woodlands Junior site. Lots of resources on almost every subject | http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/ |
Twinkl | Hundreds of resources to download and print. Access is free for the duration on Covid-19 closures and they have developed School Closure Packs for each week of the closures | https://www.twinkl.ie/resources/roi-resources |
Topmarks | Excellent resources in every subject. Look in particular for resources that are tablet friendly as not all will work on a tablet. | https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ |
Brainpop | Resources on a wide range of topics. Some more suitable for older children. Free access during Covid-19 closures | https://www.brainpop.com/ |
Literacy
All children should be encouraged to read daily. Reading aloud to your child is always beneficial.
Name | Area | Description | Link |
Book Creator | Writing | Create your own book using Book Creator. There is a special free trial for 90 days for schools affected by Covid-19. Book Creator is also available as an app. | https://bookcreator.com/ |
Nessy | Reading and Spelling | Free trial for the duration of Covid-19 closures. Designed specifically for children with dyslexia but a good site for everyone to explore. | https://www.nessy.com/free-trial/signup |
Storyline Online | Reading | Famous people read stories. | https://www.storylineonline.net/ |
Starfall | Reading | Huge amount of resources around phonics and reading. Useful all the way to the senior classes | https://www.starfall.com/h/ |
Spellodrome | Spellings | Offers interesting ways of learning spellings. 14 day free trial available | http://uk.spellodrome.com/#/home |
Reading Eggs | Reading | Great resource for encouraging reading. Free trial available. | https://readingeggs.co.uk/ |
Oxford Owl | Reading | Good range of books available in an eLibrary Some nice activities for all levels in Numeracy and Literacy. | https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/ |
Epic | Reading | Huge range of books available online for free. 30 day trial available | https://www.getepic.com/sign-in |
Numeracy
Name | Area | Description | Link |
Khan Academy | Multiple | Great range of resources. | https://www.khanacademy.org/ |
Manga High | Multiple | Free access to this very popular site during Covid-19 closures | https://www.mangahigh.com/en-gb/blog/2020-03-06-free-access-schools-online-maths-coronavirus |
Nrich Maths | Multiple (senior classes) | There are some good resources here on a range of topics, but they may be more suitable to the older children | https://nrich.maths.org/9086 |
Mathletics | Multiple | Good resources in a range of topics. Can start a free trial as a parent | https://www.mathletics.com/uk/ |
ICT Games | Multiple | Good resources around a range of topics. | www.ictgames.com/resources.html |
Games
We also suggest that your children should engage in some playful learning opportunities at home, such as card games, board games, Lego and art activities.
Physical activity
Exercise and fresh air are also encouraged where possible. We are able to comply with social distancing recommendations while spending time in wide open spaces such as at the beach, out for nature walks, etc. Should you be unable to go outside, you may find the website www.gonoodle.com helpful. Most of the children are familiar with the activities on this site and find it very enjoyable.
Joe Wicks is offering daily PE classes from 9am on his Youtube Channel. Check out PE with Joe on YouTube.
Irish
To continue to engage with the Irish language, we recommend watching cartoons on TG4. RTE Home School Hub is also encouraging use of the Irish language.on RTE 2 and on the RTE Player from 11am each week day morning.