With parents up and down the country faced with finding new ways to keep the kids entertained, we've put together some of the great online resources available from South Bank institutions. From digital exhibitions and collections from the Florence Nightingale Museum and IWM London, to fun activities and crafts from Shrek's Adventure and the National Theatre, here are just a few things for your little ones to explore and learn from.
Did you know that Florence Nightingale celebrated her 200th birthday last year? To mark this momentous occasion the Florence Nightingale Museum opened the Nightingale 2020 Exhibition, which unfortunately coincided with the start of lockdown!
Fortunately, the brilliant team at the museum have put parts of the exhibition online for you to explore. With Florence Nightingale's legacy as the 'Mother of Modern Nursing' more relevant than ever in todays world, now is a great time to explore her fascinating history. Did you know, for example, that it was her discovery of the importance of basic hygiene practices such as hand washing, was responsible for saving lives and preventing infections? With more facts and stories like this to discover, click the link below or check out further online teaching resources here.
IWM have pulled together a range of fantastic online resources to give parents and teachers alike an extra helping hand during this third lockdown. From spies to submarines and life on the Home Front, to weekly Adventures in History and Family Missions. Plus, with online learning and education resources, there is a whole load for your children to get stuck in to.
The museums's doors might be shut, but that doesn’t stop you exploring some of their fascinating collections online either. Spanning over 800,000 items. You can also discover the fascinating story behind the 'Camouflage Tree', one of IWM London's most unusual residents.
The Old Vic have launched their own education hub, which they call 'a resource for teachers, students, parents home schooling, young creatives of the future at home wanting to learn new skills; this is something that everyone can have access to, for free.'
If you have a budding actor in the family and want to encourage their creative talents then this a brilliant source of educational and learning materials, advice, workshops and more!
Speaking of arts and crafts, over on the National Theatre's YouTube channel, there are a series of 'How To' videos, even including one on making your own puppet using household items! And if your children are drama lovers and looking to channel their passion for acting, there's loads more to explore on the channel itself!
Who doesn't enjoy a bit of crafting every once in a while? With more time indoors, chances are you might be channelling your inner Blue Peter presenter sooner rather than later in a bid to keep the children entertained. If you need a little inspiration, however, why not head over to Shrek's Adventure on YouTube? Here they have videos on crafting, such as recreating Shrek's Swamp, complete with it's earn fizzing effects, or maybe get cooking in the kitchen with the Muffin Man himself?
That's right, even Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has moved online, with the BFI launching a new half-term Harry Potter themed film school!
During this half-term break, young wizards and witches have the opportunity to learn about movie magic at home. Students will learn some of the secrets behind some of their favourite fantasy films. Then work together in groups on zoom to write and star in their very own Harry Potter inspired films.
If you know a budding young witch or wizard who would love this, click the link to find out more.
