12 Fun and Educational Home Learning Resources

As communities around the globe are dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns and with school closures seemingly imminent here in Australia, we know that many educators and parents are exploring home learning options. We are in schools every day and seeing first hand how our schools are grappling with what home learning and virtual learning looks like now and into the future, so we thought we would share some fun and educational home learning resources that either educators or parents could add to their toolkits.

When determining if a resource is fun and educational, digital home learning we considered if this resource is firstly safe, promotes deeper thinking or skill building, encourages productivity or offers opportunities for active learning over consumption.

It's important to remember that when using any digital resource at home with young people, it will only be useful learning if you are active, present and engaged. So here is a simple structure (Teaching 101) to follow:

12 fun and Educational Home Learning Resources

1. General: Teach Starter (Primary School)
Home learning packs for all primary year levels designed for parents and teachers.
Link: https://www.teachstarter.com/
NB: You will need to sign up to a free account.

2. General: Laughing Kids Learn (Early Years)
Developmental play activities for 0 - 5 year olds
Link: https://laughingkidslearn.com/

3. Literacy: Story time from space
Hear stories read to you by astronauts, from space!
Link: https://storytimefromspace.com/

4. Mathematics: Cool Math
A huge list of fun and interactive maths activities
Link: https://www.coolmath.com/

5. Science: Experiments
A huge list of fun and active science experiments
Link: http://sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html

6. Science/STEAM: Cool Australia - Sustainability Projects
A collection of free educational resources to promote sustainability 
Link: https://www.coolaustralia.org/

7. Media: Behind the News
Explore the latest news and current affairs pitched at Junior Primary children
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/btn/

8. Technology: Coding & Programming
Create your own programs, games and simulations for beginners to advanced coders
Link: http://makecode.org

9. Technology: Cyber Safety
Lessons designed to promote safe internet use and cyber bullying
Link: www.cybersafetyproject.com.au/samples

10. Maker Activities: Microsoft Hacking STEM 
A range of open ended maker style STEM builds using materials you can find around the house.
Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/education-workshop

11. Mindfullness/Wellbeing: Smiling Mind
Meditations, breathing exercises and brain activities
Link: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

12. History: Global Museum Virtual TourLink:https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

If you have any other suggested resources, we would love you to comment below!