Children learn best by using a range of materials and a range of learning styles. Children need variety in their learning to absorb new ideas. As educators we know that some kids learn best by doing, this is called kinesthetic learning, some prefer audio and others are visual learners. A good teacher will use all of these learning approaches in the delivery of lessons. Whilst we are home learning, we too can use a variety of approaches to help our children learn and watching educational YouTube channels is one of them
Kids Learning Videos
I have shared lots of content on education and things that we can do with our children in this period of self isolation and lockdown including 15 Boredom Busters, Imaginative Play Ideas and even 30+ Ideas to keep teenagers safe, happy and learning during lockdown. One thing children won’t want is reams and reams of printed out worksheets. That is not engaging and imagine being faced with that day after day!
I come from a teaching background and understand the importance of using different learning styles and stimuli to engage children. When you are planning your home learning day consider what the children are achieving. Also plan how you will spend your time. In a typical school day, children do not sit at a desk from 9-3. There are plenty of opportunities to move about. They have carpet time where they are taught, before being sent away to work independently or in groups. Children don’t work in silence, they chat as they talk about their tasks. They support each other’s learning. Kids will also be taught in various ways from watching clips, listening, reading and exploring with their hands. Don’t feel that using technology and Youtube is not valuable as one of your learning resources. There are many excellent resources online and especially on youtube that can enrich your child’s learning. Some Youtube home learning channels will inspire and others will teach. They can offer ideas for crafting, STEM projects or that can be a teaching tool explaining a new concept.
I have put together a list of my favourite YouTube channels for home learning. Most of these are running live tutorials and a few are chok a blok with activities and inspiration for learners of all ages.
Educational YouTube Channels for Kids
Joe Wicks was one of the first off the starting blocks and his home workouts are incredibly popular. This is a great way to get moving and doing some exercise first thing really wakes up the kids. This is why many schools do wake and shake or a golden mile first thing in the morning.
Bitesize has pulled together their online learning. It is available to watch on demand, on youtube, and on their website and covers many areas of the curriculum from KS1-KS4. The videos are accompanied by links to worksheets and activity ideas too. This is a good all-rounder and I like the 20 min bitesize chunks.
BBC Teach has a fab range of English videos aimed to teach punctuation and stories. It also covers other curriculum areas too. A little academic in its approach, it is ideal for more able children.
CBeebies have a range of bedtime stories that are aimed at younger children. These stories can offer a little bit of downtime during the day too.
The Horrible Histories channel has videos to help children learn about different periods of time in history. It can supplement what children are doing with their schoolwork too.
Lets Go live with Maddie Moate is a science based learning zone. It includes games, makes on a different theme each week. This is ideal for children interested in nature and science.
Oti Mabuse has also been entertaining us all with her dance moves. If your children love dancing and are missing their dance classes this one is for them!
Draw with Steve Harpster if you have creative kids, or one that wants to learn to draw cartoons then they need to watch Harptoons which is all about getting kids to draw, create, and imagine. Load them up with some paper and pencils and let them wow you.
Red Ted Art has one of the most comeprehensive sites for crafting. No matter what you want to make you can probably find a tutorial on it here! This channels and blog will keep you entertained for hours!
Science Sparks is full of STEM learning projects from bouncing eggs to making slime. This will certainly get your kids into science and asking the right questions.
National Geographic Kids teaches children about the world around them.
Do let me know which educations YouTube channels you enjoy and add your favourite in the comments if it is not included here.
Please pin and share for later too!
