Online Resources for the Whole Family
Flyer freelance journalist Stephanie’s round up of online resources
Here’s a round up of some of the online resources available to you and your family, offering ideas of things to do and sources of information.
I hope this useful to you right now. A wide range has been included for you to access and try (there are many more not listed here too, so suggestions of others to include are always very welcome).
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
General teaching and lesson resources
www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/Education_Hub – online educational resources and safety lessons for children while schools are closed, delivered by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police
www.twinkl.co.uk – free for a month, it is a teacher led resource centre with worksheets and charts for children
www.bbc.co.uk/teach – free short curriculum-linked clips
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize – covers all ages and subjects and is aligned to the national curriculum
www.bbc.co.uk/teach/live-lessons – 30 to 40 minute live interactive lessons featuring BBC presenters and shows
www.worldofdavidwalliams.com – free story every day at 11am with David Walliams
www.themathsfactor.com – free access to Carol Vorderman’s maths website
Science, history and food technology
www.tv.historyhit.com – 30 day free access
www.channel4.com/keepcookingandcarryon – food tech with Jamie Oliver (5.30pm week days)
www.sciencebuddies.org – free STEM activities
Science with Maddie Moate – on YouTube (weekdays 11am)
www.cambridgesciencecentre.org/cosmosonline – science activities to do at home
FOR EVERYONE
Community information
From Uttlesford and East Herts
www.uttlesford.gov.uk/coronavirus – information from Uttlesford District Council
www.uttlesford.gov.uk/keepmeposted – sign up to the free enewsletter from UDC
https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/coronavirus – information from East Herts Council
https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/network-0 – sign up to the free enewsletter from East Herts Council
www.uttlesfordcab.org.uk – the CAB in Uttlesford
https://citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk – the CAB in East Herts
Exercise and wellbeing
www.sportinherts.org.uk – dedicated WorkOut From Home and WorkOut your Mind sections
www.activeessex.org/keep-active-at-home – Keeping Active and Well at home resources
www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout– ideas from Sport England for keeping active at home
www.livewellcampaign.co.uk – lots of information on living well, including 7
steps to looking after your wellbeing while at home
www.youtube.com/user/cosmickidsyoga – Cosmic Kids Yoga videos designed for children aged 3+
PE with Joe – You Tube ‘The Body Coach’ – weekdays 9am (adults can join in too!)
www.youtube.com/user/gonoodlegames/featured – dancing, exercise, strength and mindfulness videos
Museums, theatres, online courses
www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org – Saffron Walden Museum website
http://discoversaffronwaldenmuseum.blogspot.com – the blog from Saffron Walden Museum
https://rhodesartscomplex.co.uk/themuseum – Bishop’s Stortford Museum website
www.familydaystriedandtested.com/free-virtual-tours-of-world-museums-educational-sites-galleries-for-children – for a list of museums, galleries and attractions offering virtual tours
National Theatre in your living room – National Theatre You Tube – a free full length play at 7pm each Thursday and then on demand for a week
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/adult-learning/adult-learning.aspx – there are currently free online courses from the Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service
Internet safety
www.getsafeonline.org – protect yourself online, protect your devices etc
www.intermatters.org – helping parents keep their children safe online
www.cyberaware.gov.uk – tips on how to protect yourself online
Online library resources, ebooks, online magazines
Herts and Essex Libraries offer eBooks, audiobooks, online newspapers and magazines for you to download and read on your phone or tablet and much more:
www.hertforshire.gov.uk/libraries
https://libraries.essex.gov.uk
www.selms.co.uk – gateway to over 6 million library items, including emagazines
www.booktrust.org.uk – free online books, videos and games for families
Family history
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives – Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) – explore the archives or get started with your family history online
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk – access to the National Archives
Other family history resources:
www.myheritage.com; www.ancestry.co.uk; www.findmypast.co.uk