Easy ways to keep kids entertained at home

Stepping in as substitute teacher is a daunting task for those of us not qualified for the job, but there’s heaps of fun online help to guide kids through everything from phonics to French and spelling to science.

With a bit of BBC Bitesize, an algebra cheat sheet and other learn at home resources We. Will. Get. Through. This.

Who knew Joe Wicks would be your kids’ new PE teacher or that Oti Mabuse would be showing them some moves? But it’s not just celebs showing us how it’s done.

Learn yoga with Cosmic Kids (for teens check out Yoga Journal), try a fun family workout or sample some of these imaginative indoor exercises and activities.

Help them tap into their creative brain for endless hours of fun. Choose from over 50 brilliantly simple crafts in this arty roundup (something to do with all those empty loo rolls…) For primary pupils, The Imagination Tree has awesome inspiration, while older kids will love Vans’ Creative Tips with Artists series. Or get doodling – great for any age.

There’s loads of opportunity for adventure as we stay at home. Discover the great indoors with the Scouts, plan an inside treasure hunt, build a blanket fort for a camp in, make a stop motion film  or get stuck into a 30 day Lego challenge

Time to go old school. Dust off a deck of cards, a classic game or a jigsaw puzzle to remind kids there’s fun to be had outside the Internet. Don’t have a stash of board games at home? Have a go at making one for twice the fun.

Spring is springing so cultivate some little green fingers. Whether it’s a pot on a windowsill or a plot in the garden, get them growing something from seed. And if you can’t get hold of seeds right now, let them have a go at re-growing veg  – it’s plant alchemy!

Home Ec home-style means mastering mac ’n cheese with a twist, making best-ever Mary Berry brownies and discovering a milkshake recipe that clears you out of sprinkles.

Help kids feel comfortable in the kitchen and they’ll be knocking out simple recipes and baking you proud before you know it.

Letters, texts, emails, phone and video calls – there’s an art to keeping in touch with friends and family and now’s the moment to teach kids more about staying connected. It might be all about virtual play dates right now but knowing how to write a letter is a skill worth having.

We’ll leave you with this gem – a community dedicated to family lockdown tips and ideas with members all over the world. You’ll never be stuck for activities again!