5 activities to try with kids this week

When we’re producing the workbooks we come up with so many fun activities that kids could do, which just don’t fit in. So we’ve decided to run a weekly series of 5 activities kids can try at home. Some will be related to our content, some will be related to travel or the world, and some will just be fun, random ideas we’ve come up with.

Here we go!

1. TED Earth School

Earth School is a 30 day series of quests about the natural world, designed specifically for kids. Each day covers a new challenge on a different topic, like composting, plastic waste, the impact of invasive species on biodiversity. All the quests are beautifully illustrated and animated - perfect for slightly older kids.

2. Learn about the blue whale (at the Natural History Museum, London)

The Natural History Museum has a variety of interactive tours and games on their website, but this one is the best, in our opinion. You can explore everything about the blue whale with the aid of pictures, video, maps, blueprints and more. It’s stunningly designed as well, with plenty for kids to click through and find out for themselves.

3. Listen to a song in another language

Children get very used to hearing songs in English, even if they’re not native speakers. So why not turn that around? Play them your favourite song in another language - see how many words they can regocnise, or if they can memorize any of them. I memorized the entire Indian national anthem as a child, which I can still sing to this day, despite the fact I have no idea what any of the words mean, or how to spell them.

Failing that, show them this clever video of “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, which seamlessly switches between 24 different languages. It’s a great way for kids to hear other languages aside from their own, but in a familiar setting.

4. Try out the new podcast from Greg Jenner, who produced the Horrible Histories TV series

It’s called Homeschool History and can be downloaded as a podcast or listened to on the Radio 4 website. Each 15 minute episode focuses on a famous person or period from history - Charles Dickens, Pocahontas, the Space Race. Jenner has a gift for explaining complicated history in a way that makes it clear, and entertaining, for children.

5. Photo scavenger hunt around the house or garden

The concept of a photo scavenger hunt is easy. Give kids a list of objects found around the house. The challenge is to photograph one example of each object within a certain amount of time. Kids can use an iPhone or digital camera. You can find loads of examples of scavenger lists by doing a Google Image search or make your own!

If you don’t trust kids with an iPhone, check the scavenger list carefully and ask them to gather the objects in one place, rather than photograph them. Be warned! This approach can lead to a lot of tidying up!