School Closure – At Home Activity Ideas

Hi all,

Please see below some suggestions to keep the children engaged and active during the school closure.

Reading: Ensure it’s something your child enjoys – encourage older children to read to younger children, where possible. If you don’t have enough books at home, have a look at the following link where a range of e-books can be accessed: https://worldbook.kitaboo.com/reader/worldbook/index.html?usertoken=Mjk5MzQ6MTpJUjA5MjAxNjoyOmNsaWVudDE2OTc6MTY5NzoyMjE2Mjg4OjE6MTU4NDM1OTI0MDQ2Mzp1cw==

Writing: a story, daily diary entry, comics, book reviews, joint writing book and poems are some of the options. Younger children can draw and write simple words/sentences.

Maths: Real life maths with money, measurements for baking/cooking and number facts. There are lots of games available online; https://www.primarygames.com/math.php https://www.seomraranga.com/links/maths/

Computer Coding: Children in older classes may be interested in trying out computer coding https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted. Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

Gaeilge: Duolingo- this can be downloaded as an app and is highly recommended. Watch a little TG4. Pick a cartoon your child enjoys – Alvin and the Chipmunks and Spongebob are scheduled this week. Record it and watch it in 10/15 minute chunks.

Project Work: Let your children think of something that really interests them and allow them time to research their topic of choice and complete a project. Twinkl have offered all parents a one month FREE membership: https://www.twinkl.ie/ using the code IRLTWINKLHELPS. [make sure to check out this website!!] A range of educational resources are available including PowerPoints, reading comprehensions, worksheets, e-books and so much more.

Indoor Activity Breaks: All children were given a “Super Troopers” book. There is a range of activities in them. In addition please see the below links:

GoNoodle https://app.gonoodle.com/.

Fitness Blender: https://www.fitnessblender.com/

The Body Coach also has a range of home workouts available for children on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=body+coach+kids+workout+

Operation Transformation 10 @ 10: https://rtejr.rte.ie/10at10/

The following link will take you to a “School Closure Survival Kit”. On this page, there is a range of activities, from Literacy to Science experiments/challenges that can be completed: https://padlet.com/green_margaretm/544cgn0fzrg4

We will continue to post any ideas or useful links over the coming days. Stay safe and well everyone!