Celebrities helping us work it out as country lives with lockdown
CELEBRITIES across the nation have put their heads together to help kids at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
It comes as schools across the country close for the majority of students, except for those of key workers, such as NHS staff.
In a bid to help, stars have been offering their expertise across a range of topics, including fitness, science, english and maths to help parents out and to make sure kids stay active and busy throughout the crisis.
PE with Joe Wicks every morning at 9am has proven to be a huge hit with families across the globe, while Countdown star Carol Vorderman is offering free maths services and Steve Backshall is helping out with all things biology.
Here’s a list of all the celebrities offering homeschool help during the pandemic.
■ PE with Joe Wicks
More than 800,000 people tuned in to take part in The Body Coach’s first PE class on Monday morning.
The fitness guru will hold 30 minute lessons on his YouTube channel every weekday and has promised to keep it going throughout the crisis.
Exercises so far have included marching on the spot, squats, star jumps, lunging, boxing, frog jumps, mountain climbers, mummy kicks and kangaroo hops.
■ To take part head to Joe’s YouTube channel.
■ Reading with David Walliams The Britain’s Got Talent star and author has announced he will be releasing 30 free audio books to keep kids entertained during the coronavirus crisis. Posting on Twitter, he wrote: “Those stuck at home with their kids may be able to relate to ‘The World’s Worst Children.’ I’ll be releasing an audio story every day for the next 30 days for free. First up is The Terrible Triplets! Enjoy. Xxx”
■ Follow David Walliams on Twitter to get links to each book.
■ Maths with Carol Vorderman
The Countdown star, pictured right, has made her maths school, which is usually £2 per week, free to children and parents who want to use it.
Created in 2010, The Maths Factor aims to unlock every child’s confidence in maths.
A statement on the service’s website reads: “Following the Government’s decision to implement widespread school closures across the UK to minimise the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We will be making The Maths Factor FREE for everyone (usually about £2 per week) to support childrens’ continued learning at home for the duration of the UK Schools closure period. We want to help you and your child as much as we can.”
■ Head to The Maths Factor for more information.
■ Wildlife with Steve Backshall
Nature presenter Steve has been giving virtual talks about wildlife, biology, conservation, geography and exploration. He said: “I’ll be live on my Facebook page Steve Backshall and will do my best with your youngster’s wildlife, biology, conservation, geography and exploration questions. From habitats to holotypes, parasites to pademelons, I’ll do my best to bring the wild world into your living room, from... my living room! Just don’t ask me any maths. Or physics. Or chemistry. Or... well anything else. Just the animal stuff really!!!”
■ Head to Steve’s YouTube channel for more information.
■ Music with Myleene Klass
Before her celebrity days Myleene was a music teacher and so is offering lessons on her new YouTube channel, Myleene’s Music Klass.
Tweeting, Myleene wrote: “PARENTS! How’s home schooling working out for you?! If you want me to take over a lesson for you, here’s my gift to you! FREE music lessons which stick to the curriculum and are actually fun!”
■ Head to the Myleene’s Music Klass YouTube page for more.
■ Dancing with Oti Mabuse
The Strictly Come Dancing and Greatest Dancer star has been offering live dance classes for kids each day.
Speaking about the new service, Oti said: “No dance experience is required, your time is more valuable to me. Hope to see you all there with your little ones. Our aim is to bring joy to your hearts and homes in the most healthiest, most positive way.”
■ Go to Oti’s Facebook page for updates.
■ Science with Brian Cox
The Professor joined a questionand-answer session on the weekend for science students of all ages. He’s also planning to take part in another initiative which aims to bring science teachers to you, answering questions from children about black holes, viruses and the moon.
■ Keep up to date with Brian on Twitter.