With the recent news that the UK has been placed into a second national lockdown, the need for online learning is at an all-time high. From Early Years to GCSE, everyone is feeling the strain from the last lockdown and eager to keep students engaged and learning as best they can.
We have compiled a list of the best free websites for online learning that can help you and your child develop essential skills and learn in a fun and interactive way.
BBC Learning
During the first national lockdown, the BBC ramped up their online learning facilities, adding lessons, games, and videos across most subjects in the curriculum. They have a plethora of resources across several platforms that can enhance and engage your child in a fun and creative way.
Bitesize has been a staple of online learning for years because of its free, easy to access and comprehensive review of topics. There are lessons for all ages and abilities, from Early Years to GCSE. They’ve even included Adult Learning!
CBeebies is a way for younger students to access the curriculum. There are a variety of games and quizzes that aid learning, but are also really fun. A staple of mine is Numberblocks Magic Number Quiz; the little ones love it. There are multiple levels and simple instructions making it a quick and easy game to cement learning.
CBBC is another section of the site that has excellent interactive resources. This is a mix of TV and educational content, so it can be tricky to know if your child is on the right page. Even if they’re not, it’s a great way for them to take in information in a safe way, promoting social consciousness and awareness of the world around them.
With so much free content, the BBC have really outdone themselves with this resource. It’s definitely worth a look.
MathsFrame
Maths can be a tricky subject. Many people that think they are bad at maths don’t realise they actually never engaged with the subject. Games, puzzles, riddles, these are all solidly based in logic, which are linked to maths.
MathsFrame is a website aimed at engaging students in a fun and creative way. It has games, worksheets and lessons that can be accessed in a variety of ways. There are a limited selection of free games that are suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2. On top of this, there is a Single User License that can be purchased for £20 per year, allowing free use of worksheets and games for a truly interactive experience.
The site was created by a primary school teacher with a love of playing with numbers. It doesn’t get more wholesome than that, does it?
National Literacy Trust
Covering reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, the National Literacy Trust has something for everyone. The website is completely free and aimed at making reading and writing more fun for all ages and abilities. As an English teacher, I know how hard it can be for some students to engage in writing, especially if there is a lack of confidence. The National Literacy Trust has tried its hardest to make writing, reading, and presenting information as fun as possible. And it does this!
The website is littered with resources, starting from 0 months to over 16 years old. There are games, written exercises: there is even a beatboxing class!
edplace
Another all-rounder for lockdown learning is edplace. With 3 subscriptions available and all year groups covered, edplace is one of the most diverse learning platforms out there.
You can create a free account with limited access to material, have an individual account, or a family one. This allows for more flexibility than other options that only have individual or school options and could help push your child further if they are finding schoolwork too easy.
Teach Your Monster to Read
This is really for the little ones out there. Teach Your Monster to Read is a great website filled with games to help with phonics, blending sounds and reading fluently. It’s full of colour, excitement, games and prizes to entice children and keep them invested throughout their reading journey.
There are currently 3 options when signing up: First Steps – for those completely new to reading; Fun with Words – for those that can read simple words; Champion Reader – for those that need a little extra help. The app version costs £4.99, but if you use a computer, it’s completely free!
Do you use any of the websites we’ve mentioned already? Know any more useful resources? Comment below to let people know and share the best resources for lockdown learning.
