Things To Do
Coronavirus stories dominate news outlets twenty-four hours a day. The situation seems set to continue for a number months. For today’s post, I’ve put together some ideas of things to do while staying at home. I hope the list has something which appeals to most readers.
The world which is becoming the new ‘normal’ is already inhabited by those who struggle with a multitude of health challenges. Social isolation is one of the features of many forms of depression and personality disorders. But being stuck inside is unhealthy. It tends to lead to one’s thoughts becoming trapped in an internal cycle. This is not good for anyone’s mental health, especially for those already predisposed to difficulties. And now, we are all advised to exercise social distancing, or – in some cases – self isolation. It’s difficult for everybody, but heartening to see many resources being made available to those who are stuck at home. And mutual aid groups are being set up locally to support those in need (find your local group here.) Read on for suggestions of things to keep occupied with while spending time at home.
Learning
Future Learn offer a range of free courses, from professional skills to hobbies. It’s free to join a course, and there really is something to suit everybody. Most courses run for 10-12 weeks, and a free subscription gives you access for the duration of the course plus 14 days extra once it ends. You can simply follow the tutorials, or engage in the discussion. It’s entirely up to you.
The British Astronomical Association has a wealth of tutorials aimed at those just starting out on their astronomy journey. The Beginner’s Sky is fascinating; a great place to start.
You may have seen media coverage of Ragdolly Annas, who are broadcasting live classes every day. Aimed at 0 to 5 year olds, the interactive sessions include music and movement. You can watch and join in through their Facebook page. Videos are also loaded to their YouTube channel.
Twinkl has offered free access to its resources for at least a month. Suitable for teachers and parents, use the code UKTWINKLHELPS to sign up. Content is aimed at early years to around 11 years of age.
Innovation Ben is running daily design challenges at 12.30 pm on Facebook every weekday. During his lunch break, Ben will go live with a fun challenge for children to think about. Ben says his challenges are suitable for all ages (including adults), and easily adaptable.
Culture
The Natural History Museum is closed to the public, but their online data portal is a gateway to learning. And children and parents can have fun together becoming naturenauts.
Or try a virtual tour of the National Gallery. One of my favourite paintings is on display in this gallery. And if opera is your passion, the Metropolitan Opera hosts a free online stream in the evening.
Online Reading/Watching
Neil Gaiman, one of my favourite authors, offers a range of free resources online. For adults, the selection includes short stories and videos. For children, Mouse Circus, has games and other activities.
The Sofa Singers caught my imagination on the news earlier this week; they run weekly singing sessions for people around the world. It sounds like fun, it’s free and, fortunately for me, you don’t need to be able to sing to join in. Find out more here.
Dantastic Productions are hosting free online parties for children through their Facebook and Instagram pages. Events include interactive stories, toddler sessions, and a virtual superhero party.
I loved the book as a child, and now the Wind in the Willows musical is available to watch for free online. Recorded in 2017, the show stars Rufus Hound and Denise Welch. It takes moments to create an account to watch the show; you only need an email address. Then sit back and enjoy!
World Book Online are offering free access to over 3,000 ebooks and audio books suitable for all ages. These include biographies, autobiographies, classics, and reference titles.
Budding writers might find inspiration at the Poetry Zone. Children and young people can submit their work for consideration for online publication. The site also includes book reviews and competitions.
And the booktrust have a wide range of activities available online including books, quizzes, games and videos.
Issuu holds an extensive range of online reading; I use them regularly for various magazine articles. Scroll to the bottom of their homepage for links to content. Subjects include arts, education, pets, and transport.
This is one I haven’t tried yet, but with all future Dungeons and Dragons games suspended for now, I’ll be looking into starting a game on Roll20. It’s not the same as sitting at a table with friends, but Roll20 offers a means of keeping on playing.
Final note – for anything which is live streaming, you may experience outages with unprecedented demand for internet access. Persevere, and I hope you find something on the list which appeals!
Brilliant! Thanks very much for all of these ideas, we’ll be using a few at home!🙂
You’re welcome. I’d be interested to know which you like the most! Thank you for reading.
Wow, Em, thanks a lot. We are on day 4 of house arrest, have a massive garden out of control, huge amounts to chuck away, but need some mental stimulus too. Take care
Thank you, Ann. You take care and keep in touch.
Thank you Emma. I was struck by World Book Online, as I hadn’t heard of this. The books offered to read might be mainly intended for children, but many are just as suited to grown-ups. I’ve already started reading a sci-fi book by Lester Del Rey, a quirky time travel story entitled “…And It Comes Out Here”! So thanks again for providing probably more hours than we have of reading delight. T
You’re welcome, Trevor. I have so much to read already, but am still excited to find new sources of reading material! Take care.
Well Emma you have certainly been doing your homework. What fabulous suggestions for us all to try. Thankyou so much. I shall be watching Wind in the Willows myself and there are lots for me to suggest to Mikey and Ella to keep them occupied so as boredom doesn’t set in. Mikey especially, likes to be busy. Thankyou for that and you never know we may see each other on the singalong sessions. Love E X
You’re very welcome. I hope there’s something to help keep a range of people occupied. Take care and see you soon x
One of things that is most heart warming to see during this unsettled and difficult time is the number of people and businesses willing to reach out and give things away for free. We’re loving the musicals that are being streamed too, and the museum tours. It’s really nice to feel that there is still a way to connect with others despite not being able to physically get out to venues. Thank you for sharing these ideas as well.
You’re welcome. There are so many things available to support people during the lockdown, and more every day. We watched the ‘In The Night Garden’ live show earlier with our toddler; he loved it – so did we!