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Helping your child at home
Some great museums websites to visit
Become a Family Inventor with the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is looking for fixers, planners and dreamers to become the engineers of the future. Flex your engineering muscles with these invention challenges. Build a bridge, design a high-speed train or create a robot travel companion
https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/learning/activities
Create an origami lotus flower with Impressions Gallery
Inspired by the gallery’s Arpita Shah exhibition, check out this step-by-step video tutorial on how to make an origami lotus flower.
https://www.impressions-gallery.com/resource/activity-make-an-origami-lotus-with-asiya/
Read the Spitfire Fund Story with the RAF Museum
The RAF Museum’s Children’s Author in Residence, Tom Palmer, has written a time-travelling short story commemorating the 80th anniversary of a significant turning point in British history: the Battle of Britain. Join Yusra, Lily and Danny on their amazing adventures in ‘The Spitfire Fund’. Read all the chapters here.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/schools/Family-Resources.aspx
Become a code breaking spy with Bodmin Keep
Join the Bodmin School for Spies and learn how to crack codes. This Cornwall museum has a range of learning activities online exploring the Cold War, Dunkirk, the Blitz, rationing and much more! Find them all here.
https://bodminkeep.org/schools/learning-resources-2/
Become a Mine of Information with the National Mining Museum Scotland
What is coal made from? What was it like to be a Victorian miner? Were there coal mines near where you live? Dig deep and learn about your mining past with these resources from the National Mining Museum Scotland.
https://nationalminingmuseum.com/learning/learning-at-home-with-national-mining-museum-scotland/
Build a totem pole with Whitby Museum
The largest item from Whitby Museum’s collection is a magnificent totem pole from Vancouver Island. Totem poles were built by Native American tribes living along the Northwest Pacific coast of North America. They could measure up to 12 metres in height and were carved with images of animals and symbols showing a family’s status within the tribe. Design your own.
https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/special-events-2/
Listen to stories from Ancient Egypt with the Egypt Centre
What happened to the shipwrecked sailor? Who won the battle to be king of the Gods? Hear stories from the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt with these videos on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/user/EgyptCentreSwansea/videos
Stay entertained with Colchester + Ipswich Museums
Solve Anglo Saxon riddles and archaeology wordsearches, build a bird feeder and zoetrope, make 19th century ice cream and Beagnoth bites. Browse the Colchester + Ipswich Museums Activity Library.
https://cimuseums.org.uk/museumfromhome/
Make your own glider with the Army Flying Museum
Fancy designing your own squadron badge, building a rainbow mobile for a younger sibling or making a glider to fly in the park? Find colouring-in sheets, wordsearches, craft guides and more on the Army Flying Museum’s Lockdown Activities page.
https://www.armyflying.com/lockdown-activities/
Try out the Nature Playlist with Eco Attractions
The UK’s leading Eco Attractions, from the Eden Project from RHS Kew, have come together to produce this e-booklet with exciting ways you can play, be creative whilst at home and stay connected with nature – just when we need it most!
https://www.ecoattractions.com/green-action
Break into the castle with Cadw
There is a siege in your town and you are part of the townsfolk. Your family are inside the castle and you need to get in to make sure they are okay. But the castle is locked down! Can you break in
Make a stop-motion animation with Tower Bridge
Inspired by a new film celebrating 125 years of Tower Bridge, learn how to make a stop motion animation of this national landmark
https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/whats-on/at-home/making-the-bridge-sing
Try a creative challenge with the Norris Museum
Make a lino print, create your own optical illusion, bake Roman honey cake and more with these Norris Museum videos. Share your creations and they could feature in an exhibition when the museum reopens about our experiences of living through these unprecedented times.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HB4Mq807e_34-xovTQbGA/videos
Learn about Roman life with Malton Museum
Lucius, the museum’s resident Roman infantry soldier, has some challenges for you to complete and learn about Roman life. From word challenges to playing Round Merils, take on Lucius’s virtual challenges.
https://www.maltonmuseum.co.uk/lucius-virtual-challenge/
Make and excavate poo with Arbeia Roman Fort
For most people, the idea of finding old human poo is disgusting. And the idea of dissecting it and looking at it carefully through a microscope is even worse! But this is exactly what some archaeologists do. Make your own and find lots of other family learning activities on the fort’s website.
https://arbeiaromanfort.org.uk/learning/family-learning-activities
Discover the amazing Anglo-Saxons with Chippenham Museum
Chippenham was the meeting place for the Chippenham Hundred. This was how the Anglo-Saxons divided up and ran their kingdoms. Learn about the Viking attack in 878AD and draw your own Viking design. You can also find information sheets on Victorian engineer Brunel and World War Two.
http://www.chippenham.gov.uk/chippenham-museum/learning-and-outreach
Join the Bad Drawing Club with South London Gallery
Throughout April and May, the South London Gallery shared sketching prompts on their Instagram every Thursday. Search for #BadDrawingClubUK for inspiration.
https://www.southlondongallery.org/projects/big-family-press-resources/
Takeover on Tuesdays with Maidstone Museum
From the Ancient Greeks to the Mayans, there are a whole host of worksheets and activities to be found on the Maidstone Museum website.
https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/learn/learning-with-spike-at-home/
Bring on the battle with the Royal Collection Trust
Imagine you are a soldier hundreds of years ago trying to conquer Windsor Castle: is it easy to break in or are the defences strong enough to keep you out? Find out by playing the Bring on the Battle! game.
https://www.rct.uk/resources/game-bring-on-the-battle-childrens-activity
Make marbled paper with the William Morris Gallery
Follow the gallery’s guide to marbling using shaving foam. Each week the gallery is sharing a new at home art activity. Look at the website.
https://www.wmgallery.org.uk/learning/learning-at-home
Try an online quiz on the brain with Hat Works Museum
The Hat Works Museum has worked with scientists, students and artists to create an online quiz and activity all about the brain. How do our brains work when we think, feel and behave? Aimed at Year 5. Take the quiz.
https://apps.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/surveys/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=9lKM56763
Braid a bracelet with the Museum of Richmond
The Museum of Richmond has a how-to video for making a friendship bracelet using an Anglo-Saxon braiding technique. Give it a watch and learn about the Anglo Saxons whilst you create! Watch the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xjlKUxyFew
Take a virtual ride on the Mail Rail with the Postal Museum
For a limited time only, experience the sights and sounds of the underground railway beneath the streets of London. You can also find some great activity sheets on the museum’s website.
https://www.postalmuseum.org/make-a-connection/
Make a mammoth with Museums Sheffield
Create a rather charming mammoth with this guide from Museums Sheffield on Facebook. Join their #MondayMakes each week for more crafty ideas.
Take a computing heritage challenge with the Museum of Computing
Can you identify the computing pioneers, arrange old artefacts in order or identify retro games to find a word? Take one of these challenges.
https://www.tnmoc.org/challenge-heritage
Create art with National Galleries Scotland
Fill up your week with these free fun art activities! Every Monday, National Galleries Scotland posts five creative activities that have been designed to enable children and families to make their own discoveries about art. Find the latest activities.
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/home-where-art-creative-curriculum-kids
Design a dress with the Fashion Museum
Find colouring sheets, learn finger knitting and design a dress with the Bath-based Fashion Museum. Visit the website.
https://www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/learning-life
Finish a story started by Jacqueline Wilson with the Foundling Museum
Renowned children’s author Jacqueline Wilson has started a new story inspired by two small children who grew up at the Foundling Hospital in London. She is inviting children aged 6-16 to help complete and illustrate the story over the coming weekshttps://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/story-writing-illustration-competition/
Learn to juggle with The Lowry
Mimbre Acrobats have put together this video to help you learn how to juggle. You can get started with oranges or any round objects if you don’t have balls, even sockshttps://thelowryblog.com/2020/04/08/learn-to-juggle-with-mimbre/
Join the Roman Army with Time & Tide Museum
Do you have what it takes to join the Roman Army? Find out with Titus Flavius’ army training programme, now recruiting ages 7-11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybtMv6WD100&feature=youtu.be
Get out in the garden with the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Find colouring sheets, animal wordsearches and go on a nature trail in your garden or local green space with the help of thesehttp://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/family-home-learning/
Become an undercover time explorer with Historic Royal Palaces
Step into the shoes of a Tudor servant and help plan a feast for Henry VIII. But be careful! You must avoid being caught as an imposter in this game for primary school students. https://www.hrp.org.uk/schools/five-brilliant-history-resources-for-home-schooling/#gs.4ue2yo
Make your own musical instruments with the National Civil War Centre
Make your own bagpipes, drums or membraneophone. This is just one of whole host of learning from home ideas from the brilliant Civil War Centre, from crafts to quizzes. You can also try their Sconce Invaders game – become a Royal Musketeer and defend Newark from advancing Parliamentarians!http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/learningfromhome/
Try one of Doc.Yard’s kitchen science experiments with Chatham Historic Dockyard
Doc.Yard is in self-isolation in his secret lab, but he’s managed to send a few fun science experiments for you to recreate from the safety of your kitchen. https://thedockyard.co.uk/the-collections/museum-from-home/
Complete the Creative Challenge with Epping Forest District Museum
Complete at least 20 creative activities to get your 20/20 Creativity Challenge certificate. The activities are designed to keep you imaginative and to make with things you have at home. Watch out for hints, tips and tutorials on social media. https://efdmuseum.com/2020-creativity-challenge/
Create a time capsule with Valentines Mansion
How are you spending your time during lockdown? Capture your feelings and daily life for future generations by making a stay at home time capsule. https://whatsonredbridge.org/#/event/460
Ironbridge Museum
https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/museum-from-home/
Iron bridge has taken its museum online, there are virtual tours, and activities to do.
Tune in to Time Travel TV with the National Archives
The National Archives are inviting children and families across the country to join them for Time Travel TV. Each week, on a Tuesday and Thursday, they are broadcasting fun-filled sessions bringing the archives and its fascinating objects to your armchair! Watch an episode.
Minecraft your museum with National Museum Wales
Use your imagination to build your dream museum in Minecraft. You could win a VIP trip for you and your class once museums reopen. Find out more.
https://museum.wales/blog/2020-04-21/Competition---Minecraft-your-Museum/
Become a History Detective with the George Muller Museum
Hunt for clues in the museum’s photographic collection and tell the story of the orphaned children of Bristol, looked after by missionary George Muller. Find out how.
Design a football strip with National Football Museum
Answer tricky quiz questions, spot the subtle differences in kits, decipher the history of the football shirt and make your own origami jerseys with the National Football Museum website.
https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/communities/stayathome/
Make your own exploding rocket with Eureka!
Rocket science doesn’t need to be complicated! Join Darren and Alex as they go on a journey of exploration into the facts behind rocket explosions. Here’s a rocket explosion for you to try.
https://www.eureka.org.uk/eureka-at-home/
Play Noteworthy with the Bank of England Museum
Each of the Banknote Examiners in Debden Printing Works checked thousands of notes a day for printing errors. Play Noteworthy to find out if you could do their job.
http://www.bankofengland.education/topolski/noteworthy/index.html?sf119217138=1
Make a homemade compass with the REME Museum
Have fun making a homemade compass with a fridge magnet and a needle, then create a treasure hunt inside your house! Find out how on the REME Museum website. There’s a new challenge every Friday.
http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/challenge/
Connect to nature with Chatsworth House
Take a look at Chatsworth House’s new learning resources for ages 5-11, helping you explore the wonder of nature from indoors. Explore how to use and make maps, follow compass directions and discover ways that animals adapt to survive. Visit the website.
https://www.chatsworth.org/your-visit/learning/learning-resources/
Create a mini archaeological dig with the Elgin Museum
This sheet will show you how to create a mini archaeological dig and how to excavate one using the tools and skills employed by real archaeologists! Take a look at this guide from the Elgin Museum.
https://elginmuseum.org.uk/l/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Activity-3-Dig-box.pdf
Stay curious with Peak District Lead Mining Museum
Each week this Derbyshire museum is releasing a new learning and activity pack for children, including craft ideas, word searches, maths puzzles and more! Topics so far have included nocturnal creatures, rocks and miners. Find the latest packs on the museum’s website.
https://peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk/917-2/
Ironbridge Musuem at home!
Lots of interesting things to do and see!
https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/museum-from-home/
Museum of Zoology - University of Cambridge
Play one your window bingo. Go to the site and download your bingo card and give the game a go. When you are out on your daily walk see what birds, plants, butterflies or other animals you can see.
https://museumofzoologyblog.com/
Make a Norman Soldiers helmet with the Reading Museum
As well as a whole host of other activities exploring the Bayeux Tapestry, the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt and more.
https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/resources/resources-for-primary-school-aged-children
Under 5’s
https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/resources/resources-for-primary-school-aged-children
Great Fire of London
Learn how the Great Fire started with the Museum of London’s Great Fire of London game. You can also download free Minecraft maps, showing detailed virtual models of 17th Century London and how it burnt down.
http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/game/
http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/minecraft/
Visit The Vikings with Yorkshire Museum of Farming
Discover what life in a Viking village was like through Murton Park’s series of activity videos. Find out how to make an oil lamp, bake bread, play games and lots more on the museum’s Facebook page - Yorkshire Museum of Farming - Murton Park
Write a short story about Lincoln Castle
Lucy the dragon has been a visitor to Lincoln Castle for over 1,000 years. Imagine what she must have seen and tell her stories in this competition. The only limit is your imagination! Go to the website and find out more!
https://www.lincolncastle.com/content/meet-lucy
Test your engineering skills with the Tank Museum
Every Monday the Tank Museum is setting a new challenge for school children form making a model tank to designing a shop front. Visit the website to find the latest challenge.
https://www.tankmuseum.org/schools-and-research/kids
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTankMuseum/community
Go on Adventures in History with the Imperial War Museum
Each Wednesday families can explore a different theme in a new video fro meh Imperial War museum. You can even get your questions answered by an expert in the comments section. Then on a Friday you can Judi the Family Mission activity with is shared on the museum’s Facebook and Twitter channels.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning
Get Crafty with Two Temple Place
Get creative with these free art resources. Have a go at making a toilet roll yarn monster, a magic carpet, an origami boat and much more!
https://twotempleplace.org/learning/
Some Great Websites to try out!
Museum of Zoology - University of Cambridge
Play one your window bingo. Go to the site and download your bingo card and give the game a go. When you are out on your daily walk see what birds, plants, butterflies or other animals you can see.
https://museumofzoologyblog.com/
Make a Norman Soldiers helmet with the Reading Museum
As well as a whole host of other activities exploring the Bayeux Tapestry, the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt and more.
https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/resources/resources-for-primary-school-aged-children
Under 5’s
https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/resources/resources-for-primary-school-aged-children
Great Fire of London
Learn how the Great Fire started with the Museum of London’s Great Fire of London game. You can also download free Minecraft maps, showing detailed virtual models of 17th Century London and how it burnt down.
http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/game/
http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/minecraft/
Visit The Vikings with Yorkshire Museum of Farming
Discover what life in a Viking village was like through Murton Park’s series of activity videos. Find out how to make an oil lamp, bake bread, play games and lots more on the museum’s Facebook page - Yorkshire Museum of Farming - Murton Park
Write a short story about Lincoln Castle
Lucy the dragon has been a visitor to Lincoln Castle for over 1,000 years. Imagine what she must have seen and tell her stories in this competition. The only limit is your imagination! Go to the website and find out more!
https://www.lincolncastle.com/content/meet-lucy
Test your engineering skills with the Tank Museum
Every Monday the Tank Museum is setting a new challenge for school children form making a model tank to designing a shop front. Visit the website to find the latest challenge.
https://www.tankmuseum.org/schools-and-research/kids
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTankMuseum/community
Go on Adventures in History with the Imperial War Museum
Each Wednesday families can explore a different theme in a new video fro meh Imperial War museum. You can even get your questions answered by an expert in the comments section. Then on a Friday you can Judi the Family Mission activity with is shared on the museum’s Facebook and Twitter channels.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning
Get Crafty with Two Temple Place
Get creative with these free art resources. Have a go at making a toilet roll yarn monster, a magic carpet, an origami boat and much more!
https://twotempleplace.org/learning/
Parents have asked us to put information online to help you when you are at home with your child/ren. We are often asked how you can help them more at home or that you are unsure of what you can do to support your child/ren.
So here are some great resources to help you.
Maths Information
This link will take you to Oxford Owls where there is a variety of videos demonstrating how school teaches your children maths. As well as ways you can help them.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/at-school/maths-at-primary-school/
Place Value - how to videos
Parents and carers, looking for 20 minutes a day to sit down and enjoy an audiobook with your children?
Every day at 11am you can listen to the next free audio installment of Fing with Elevenses from the World Of David Walliams.
You can also catch up on any chapters you have missed 🎧👇
This link will bring you to the scholastic home learning page where packs are available for all year groups.
https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/homelearning
This link will bring you to videos on supporting your children with reading and comprehension skills.
This link will take you to Oxford Owls where you will find a wealth of information to help you. It's split into year groups and age ranges. There are parents guides as well as practical activities to do with your child.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/advice-for-parents/reading-at-home/
This link will take you to a library of hundreds of free books that your child can read on a tablet, or other mobile device. You do have to register but it is free.
Spelling and Phonics
Phonics Play
This is an online learning resource which is available to parents for free during the Coronavirus concern.
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
How to videos to help you with phonics at home.
This link will take you to resources and information to help you with spellings at home including games to play.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/advice-for-parents/help-with-spelling/
This is a blog about Five creative ways to help your child learn their spellings
https://blog.oxfordowl.co.uk/five-creative-ways-to-help-with-spelling-homework/
Grammar and Punctuation
This link has great videos to support you at home helping your children with Grammar and Punctuation. The videos are half way down the page.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/advice-for-parents/help-with-spelling/
Writing
Lots of advice in helping your child write at home, including a video on handwriting.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/at-school/writing-at-primary-school/
Encouraging creative writing at home with free resources to download and a blog with tips.
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/advice-for-parents/encouraging-writing/
SATS
These are the national tests that children in Year 2 and Year 6 take in May every year.
Here are are some links to give you more information and how you can support your child.
Year 2 SATs
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/at-school/assessment-at-primary-school/KS1-SATs/