With everything that is happening in the world at the moment, non-essential travel is impossible. This doesn't mean we can't think about travel or plan travel for the future. After all, it's the perfect way to have some much-needed escapism from the worries of the world.
So here are some ways you can get your travel fix when you can't travel. Enjoy!
Plan a fantasy trip
When we can't travel why not plan a fantasy trip? There are numerous online sites and offline guidebooks to help you, such as Tripadvisor, Trivago, and Groupon for deals, and Lonely Planet and DK make some great guidebooks. Even if you don't want to travel abroad, planning a staycation is a great idea as we have so many beautiful and interesting places in the UK. Hopefully, your plans will become a reality. We are planning to do a couple of days trips in the future and perhaps combine more than one destination, and as there are trains going to Chichester via Brighton which means we can see both places on a South of England trip. Of course, as a blogger, I must say there are some great travel bloggers and vloggers out there too for travel inspiration. This brings me to my next point...
Watch your favourite channels
Spend a night watching your favourite TV travel shows and your favourite travel vloggers on YouTube. I know my life is better when I watch Jane Mcdonald's cruising, even if I've never been on a cruising holiday, or (don't judge) Michael Portillos Railway Journeys. Also, we love watching our favourite US vloggers for escapism too like Tim Tracker (Disney and Orlando), Here Be Barr ( New York), or Matt Bridger (Las Vegas). Of course, don't forget the channel my husband creates for our travels - Fly Drive Explore! We love documenting flight reviews and travel in the UK, Europe and the USA. Another way is to watch American sports on TV like American football or American Ice Hockey to immerse yourself in the culture.
Learn a language
Learning a language is the perfect way to spend some time when you are not travelling. There are numerous companies that you can do this with, many online like Duolingo which is currently free to do and Babbel. In next to no time you will be ordering your meal in the local language and conversing with fluently when asking for directions.
Make a photo book
Many of us take a huge number of photos these days on our smartphones but often don't do anything with them. If you have a myriad of photos on your phone or camera, why not illustrate your travel through photo books online and get them printed out. I can recommend Photobook and also Artsy Couture.
Have a cocktail night
So you can't get to the perfect white sand beach bar in the Caribbean or that cool little spot in Italy overlooking the lake, so have a cocktail night instead and bring the holiday vibes to you. Mix up some white rum, pineapple juice and cream of coconut for a delicious pina colada or chill some prosecco and mix with orange juice for an authentic mimosa or Aperol, prosecco and a splash of soda water for an Italian inspired Aperol spritz. Check out some summer-inspired whiskey cocktails here.
Recreate a dish from your travels
Want to recreate the amazing gumbo you had in New Orleans or the Philly cheesesteak from your trip to Philadelphia, or what about the salmon teriyaki from Japan? Then recreate a dish from your travels to bring back that holiday feeling. Check out Pinterest for recipe inspiration or go old school and order a cookery book from your local bookshop or Amazon.
Create a bucket list
For the ultimate fantasy holiday list, create a bucket list and fill it with the ultimate places you would love to go before you die. I've been lucky and travelled to a number of places around the world but Japan is one of the places at the top of my bucket list that I have never been to. I would also love to cruise on the Norweigan Fjords before I die. Here are some luxury bucket list ideas.
So here is how to get your travel fix when you can't travel. Let me know, do you have any ideas?
*Collaborative post
3 Useful Tips for Saving Money at Home and Everyday
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Many of us are all too comfortable with our routines, from day-to-day activities to the amount of money being taken from our bank accounts each month. We’ve all seen the adverts telling us that we can get the cheapest deals if we sign-up to a particular service, but many of us just bat these to the side for the sake of convenience.
Companies are constantly changing their prices, rates, and offers to appear more competitive to new customers, but those with existing loyalties can capitalise on these shifts. Of course, the inconvenience of changing aspects such as bills and shopping is what puts most people off, but now, it’s easier than ever to make a small change which could save you a lot of money.
Here’re some top tips for how you can save money at home and every day through very simple little manoeuvres.
You’d be surprised how much power you have
The state of home phone and broadband has changed significantly, even just over the last couple of years. The rise of mobile phones, mobile internet, streaming platforms, and video gaming has significantly altered how suppliers approach the market. As you might assume, many landlines are becoming a thing of the past, with mobile phones being the main contributor to landline usage falling by 50 per cent between 2012 and 2017. As such, those who want to a new landline brought in or have an existing landline can haggle down the price with relative ease.
A lot of home phone deals are tied to broadband bills these days, to keep the phone offering relevant. Here, due to a great deal of competition in the sector and many services actively improving their offering, it’s possible to negotiate a better price. Simply by calling your supplier, you can ask for a better price on your plan or a plan that better suits your usage – both of which will save you money. Potentially, for more savings, you could just do away with your home phone altogether.
Cutting your biggest bill
Any homeowner’s most significant bills are bound to be their mortgage. Regardless of how well you initially negotiated the fees or the quality of the rate that you were offered, mortgages become more expensive at the end of their initial terms. This is why people are coming around to the idea of remortgaging periodically throughout the duration of their loan.
However, most people are put off by this prospect, with mortgages being hard and time-consuming to land in the first place, making remortgaging appear to be an arduous task. This used to be the case, but now that professional remortgage comparison brokers like Trussle have set-up shop online to help you compare mortgages, finding a more favourable deal when it’s time for you to remortgage to avoid hefty increases in payments is very easy. Bad credit loans can be easy to get but be sure you can pay them back.
Companies are constantly changing their prices, rates, and offers to appear more competitive to new customers, but those with existing loyalties can capitalise on these shifts. Of course, the inconvenience of changing aspects such as bills and shopping is what puts most people off, but now, it’s easier than ever to make a small change which could save you a lot of money.
Here’re some top tips for how you can save money at home and every day through very simple little manoeuvres.
You’d be surprised how much power you have

The state of home phone and broadband has changed significantly, even just over the last couple of years. The rise of mobile phones, mobile internet, streaming platforms, and video gaming has significantly altered how suppliers approach the market. As you might assume, many landlines are becoming a thing of the past, with mobile phones being the main contributor to landline usage falling by 50 per cent between 2012 and 2017. As such, those who want to a new landline brought in or have an existing landline can haggle down the price with relative ease.
A lot of home phone deals are tied to broadband bills these days, to keep the phone offering relevant. Here, due to a great deal of competition in the sector and many services actively improving their offering, it’s possible to negotiate a better price. Simply by calling your supplier, you can ask for a better price on your plan or a plan that better suits your usage – both of which will save you money. Potentially, for more savings, you could just do away with your home phone altogether.
Cutting your biggest bill

Any homeowner’s most significant bills are bound to be their mortgage. Regardless of how well you initially negotiated the fees or the quality of the rate that you were offered, mortgages become more expensive at the end of their initial terms. This is why people are coming around to the idea of remortgaging periodically throughout the duration of their loan.
However, most people are put off by this prospect, with mortgages being hard and time-consuming to land in the first place, making remortgaging appear to be an arduous task. This used to be the case, but now that professional remortgage comparison brokers like Trussle have set-up shop online to help you compare mortgages, finding a more favourable deal when it’s time for you to remortgage to avoid hefty increases in payments is very easy. Bad credit loans can be easy to get but be sure you can pay them back.
If you have to take a short term loan, be sure to only go to reputable brokers like Little Loans.
Make the most of supermarkets wanting loyalty
Make the most of supermarkets wanting loyalty

While the location of your home is usually the factor which dictates the supermarket that you use for all of your grocery shopping, many of us have a choice between several stores. We all have our preferred shop, but by taking a look at loyalty programmes put in place, perhaps you’ll find that going elsewhere is better for you in the long run. All stores offer something a bit different, from the myWaitrose rewards to the Sainsbury’s Nectar card, so be sure to check them out to see if you can save money or reap more rewards by shopping in a different store.
Consider haggling with your service provider, getting a broker to conduct your remortgage, and seeing if any loyalty cards can bring your money-saving rewards down the line.
Consider haggling with your service provider, getting a broker to conduct your remortgage, and seeing if any loyalty cards can bring your money-saving rewards down the line.
Diamond Alternatives That Won’t Break the Bank
Wednesday, 25 March 2020
Getting to own a diamond piece of jewellery is something special many women attain to, after all, they say diamonds are a girl's best friends. Diamonds have a rarity, beauty and brilliance that is almost unmatched in the gemstone world.
However, diamonds can be expensive and out of the reach of many people. Did you know that there are inexpensive diamond alternatives available though? Check out sites such as the online jewellery store in Melbourne for stunning diamond jewellery and gemstone alternatives. This is an ad.
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly diamond alternative, here are fantastic colourless alternatives to diamonds worth considering.
Moissanite
Here's one among of many alternatives you could consider having. It offers an exceptional crystal-clear brilliance that's a great alternative to a diamond. It is its own unique gemstone that reflects light very well.
With this diamond substitute, you get assured of never losing its optical features over time. It's durable and has a fire and brilliance that is unbeaten, however, it isn't as cheap as some alternatives.
Cubic Zirconia
The cubic zirconia or CZ is another widespread diamond imitation on the market. It's a popular alternative as the gem portrays almost similar properties to mined diamonds.
The CZ is a laboratory-grown stone that depicts brilliance as well as a colourless attribute. However, you need to be aware of the cloud effect that may appear over a given period. Such a diamond alternative will offer you great value as it mimics the appearance of a natural diamond and you can a CZ piece extremely cheaply. It's a great alternative if you want a large diamond looking ring at pocket money prices.
Colourless zircon
Here's a beautiful alternative to diamond that you can have that is affordable and has impressive features. The colourless zircon makes the perfect centre stone for any ring as it has high refraction, sparkling in the light and a well-cut zircon stone can rival a diamond in look
It also can have flashes of colour called fire which makes it a little different to other diamond alternatives.
White topaz
White topaz is a colourless form of topaz, a silicate mineral and is a naturally occurring gemstone. It can often be mistaken for diamond due to his lack of colour and its lustre. Whilst topaz does come in a range of colours, but in it's the purest form it is actually colourless which makes it a great diamond alternative.
White topaz is durable and is a great option if you want a real naturally occurring gemstone substitute to diamond.
Opal
Opals are a unique natural substance. Defined as non-crystallised minerals made by silicon dioxide combined with water, the best thing about opals is their brilliance and range of colours. They can be white or translucent and this makes them a good alternative to a diamond.
However, diamonds can be expensive and out of the reach of many people. Did you know that there are inexpensive diamond alternatives available though? Check out sites such as the online jewellery store in Melbourne for stunning diamond jewellery and gemstone alternatives. This is an ad.
If you are looking for a pocket-friendly diamond alternative, here are fantastic colourless alternatives to diamonds worth considering.
Moissanite
Here's one among of many alternatives you could consider having. It offers an exceptional crystal-clear brilliance that's a great alternative to a diamond. It is its own unique gemstone that reflects light very well.
With this diamond substitute, you get assured of never losing its optical features over time. It's durable and has a fire and brilliance that is unbeaten, however, it isn't as cheap as some alternatives.
Cubic Zirconia
The cubic zirconia or CZ is another widespread diamond imitation on the market. It's a popular alternative as the gem portrays almost similar properties to mined diamonds.
The CZ is a laboratory-grown stone that depicts brilliance as well as a colourless attribute. However, you need to be aware of the cloud effect that may appear over a given period. Such a diamond alternative will offer you great value as it mimics the appearance of a natural diamond and you can a CZ piece extremely cheaply. It's a great alternative if you want a large diamond looking ring at pocket money prices.
Colourless zircon
Here's a beautiful alternative to diamond that you can have that is affordable and has impressive features. The colourless zircon makes the perfect centre stone for any ring as it has high refraction, sparkling in the light and a well-cut zircon stone can rival a diamond in look
It also can have flashes of colour called fire which makes it a little different to other diamond alternatives.
White topaz
White topaz is a colourless form of topaz, a silicate mineral and is a naturally occurring gemstone. It can often be mistaken for diamond due to his lack of colour and its lustre. Whilst topaz does come in a range of colours, but in it's the purest form it is actually colourless which makes it a great diamond alternative.
White topaz is durable and is a great option if you want a real naturally occurring gemstone substitute to diamond.
Opal
Opals have a couple of drawbacks. They are porous substances so if you have an item of opal jewellery, do not use perfume or hairspray around them, as they will lose their lustre. They also aren't as hard as other diamond alternatives so are best used in earrings and necklaces, not in rings that are worn every day.
As you can see there are several diamond alternatives that won't break the bank. What do you think of my ideas?
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Moving House? Here Are 5 Things To Look Out For In Your New Home
Tuesday, 24 March 2020
If you’re thinking of moving house in the near future, it’s important to know what to look out for in the new property. To ensure that you find the best home for you and your family, it’s worth creating a checklist that you tick off every time you go on a house viewing of several properties. This will prove to be very beneficial when it comes to the time when you have to compare and contrast different houses. This is an ad.
Of course, there are certain red flags that you must take note of from the start – such as a bad location or a drastic price drop, but when you get these in check, you can look for the following aspects within a property.
The floorplan
When looking at houses, pay attention to their size and floor plan. You want the house to be as practical as possible for you and your family – so make sure that you know how many bedrooms you require, whether your furniture will fit in seamlessly and how the space will complement your lifestyle.
When looking at houses, you need to think long term. So even if it suits you now, you’ll need to think of ways that your life could change and how your new home will accommodate these adjustments – i.e. having a child/more children.
How close it is to amenities
This is a key factor which often shapes many buyers’ final decisions. When on the hunt for a new home, take a look at the location that it’s in. Is it situated close to the shops? Or maybe it’s a short walk from a pub and restaurant? If you don't have a car is it on a regular public transport route? How are the schools in the area? This last point is extremely important to parents or young couples planning a family.
Think about what you want to have nearby and focus your attention on finding a property near that. There’s nothing worse than settling for a house in a location that’s not convenient for you.
This is a key factor which often shapes many buyers’ final decisions. When on the hunt for a new home, take a look at the location that it’s in. Is it situated close to the shops? Or maybe it’s a short walk from a pub and restaurant? If you don't have a car is it on a regular public transport route? How are the schools in the area? This last point is extremely important to parents or young couples planning a family.
Think about what you want to have nearby and focus your attention on finding a property near that. There’s nothing worse than settling for a house in a location that’s not convenient for you.
The curb appeal
This might seem like an obvious one to include, but it’s still worth a mention. When looking at properties, pay attention to what the exterior is like. Your style and preferences will shape the type of house that you want.
For example, if you prefer new builds, you’ll look for a more contemporary home. Whereas if you love historic buildings, maybe a Tudor-style home will be more fitting.
This might seem like an obvious one to include, but it’s still worth a mention. When looking at properties, pay attention to what the exterior is like. Your style and preferences will shape the type of house that you want.
For example, if you prefer new builds, you’ll look for a more contemporary home. Whereas if you love historic buildings, maybe a Tudor-style home will be more fitting.
The kitchen
This is one of the first things that homebuyers look for – a good kitchen. It’s no secret that kitchens can be pricey to renovate and have fitted. So by looking for a house with a new kitchen (or at least one that’s done to a good standard), you’ll save some money in the long term.
Of course, this isn’t always possible. So if you’ve found your dream house but it doesn’t have a kitchen that’s exactly in your style, then you could always have a new one added over time. There are plenty of kitchens to choose from, including stylish german kitchens online, vintage styles and sleek futuristic-looking kitchens.
The bathroom
Another key room that you should pay attention to is the bathroom. It's another room that could cost you a lot to renovate, it’s a good idea to find a house with a bathroom that’s done to a high quality. When looking at the bathroom, see what condition the tiles (if there are any) are in, along with whether the room has any mould. A new bathroom could cost a lot to install so think about that when you are looking for a home.
* Collaborative post
Best Dishwashers 2020 - Your Guide To The Latest Technology
Arguably the hardest working home appliance in your house, a dishwasher, is among the best investments a homeowner can make. Not only does it save you the stress and time of washing your dishes, but it can also help you conserve water and energy with eco-settings, possibly reducing your overall utility bill.

Currently, there are multiple options available. This is primarily since these appliances keep evolving, continually bringing new advanced functions and better quality each time. This flurry of options and modifications, however, makes it quite challenging for many buyers to sift through and land the ideal choice. So, how then do you choose the best dishwasher 2020 from an assortment of brands and models? This is a collaborative post.
While a lot of effort and research is necessary to find the perfect dishwasher, this guide has made it easier for you by carefully selecting the best dishwashers in 2020. So let's check out what this guide says.
1. Best Overall: Bosch 500 Dishwasher SHPM65Z55N
From the 44dB impeccably quiet level to its stainless steel tub, this Bosch appliance is designed to blend in your kitchen perfectly. The 500 series Bosch dishwasher features an Auto Air Dry door that opens ajar, allowing moisture out once the cycle is complete. What's more, fantastic features like FlexSpace tine and EasyGlide racks means you can well customize the appliance to your delight. And with three racks, it offers ample space.
As for washing power, it features 5 wash cycles and exclusive options for optimal flexibility. Also, it includes Speed60 cycles and Sensor Wash, in addition to the popular pocket handle which will ideally complement your kitchen appeal.
Finally, it is available in multiple body styles and colour options.
2. Best Budget Dishwasher: Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ
This is by far the best budget dishwasher in 2020 according to this guide. Besides the slick, posh look courtesy of its hidden controls, Whirlpool is quite a popular pick across the market. This is primarily since it offers multiple great features at an affordable price tag set at slightly below £400.
What's more, it includes five options to suit all types of soiling and five wash cycles, together with 1-hour and sensor wash features to give you your desired wash type.
Whirlpool also includes a height-adjustable (upper) rack for enhanced flexibility plus a combined dry system for optimal drying.
Finally, although it is not ultra-quiet, its distinct 51 dB noise level is, however, acceptable in most houses.
3. Best Value: Bosch 300 Dishwasher SHEM63W55N
Finally, the Bosch 300 dishwasher, in their opinion is the best value dishwasher of 2020. Besides boasting incredibly low 44 dB noise levels, it is further complemented by a full stainless steel and five wash cycles.
This dishwasher machine features a stainless steel - tub to boost soundproofing and ensure effective drying, as well as a relatively high durability rating. With the five wash cycles feature and four options, it is powerful enough to handle all soiling types.
Bosch 300 Series boasts a unique feature called an 'Auto Wash' that offers the Speed60 One-Hour wash cycle and a soil sensor to ensure you the desired result in a short period. Moreover, it has a 3rd rack that affords you optimal flexibility in space allocation and loading, not to mention a distinct RackMatic feature to enable you to well adjust the middle rack’s height.
Final Verdict
Dishwashers are personal appliances, hence the need to choose the one that suits all your individual needs. With these three top dishwashers, you can enjoy an exclusive blend of modern design and quality purposed to ideally appeal to your unique and varied set of personal preferences.
*Collaborative post

Currently, there are multiple options available. This is primarily since these appliances keep evolving, continually bringing new advanced functions and better quality each time. This flurry of options and modifications, however, makes it quite challenging for many buyers to sift through and land the ideal choice. So, how then do you choose the best dishwasher 2020 from an assortment of brands and models? This is a collaborative post.
If you are looking to get your current dishwasher fixed try https://www.SammamishApplianceFix.com. but if it can't be fixed here are some options for a new one.
While a lot of effort and research is necessary to find the perfect dishwasher, this guide has made it easier for you by carefully selecting the best dishwashers in 2020. So let's check out what this guide says.
1. Best Overall: Bosch 500 Dishwasher SHPM65Z55N
From the 44dB impeccably quiet level to its stainless steel tub, this Bosch appliance is designed to blend in your kitchen perfectly. The 500 series Bosch dishwasher features an Auto Air Dry door that opens ajar, allowing moisture out once the cycle is complete. What's more, fantastic features like FlexSpace tine and EasyGlide racks means you can well customize the appliance to your delight. And with three racks, it offers ample space.
As for washing power, it features 5 wash cycles and exclusive options for optimal flexibility. Also, it includes Speed60 cycles and Sensor Wash, in addition to the popular pocket handle which will ideally complement your kitchen appeal.
Finally, it is available in multiple body styles and colour options.
2. Best Budget Dishwasher: Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ
This is by far the best budget dishwasher in 2020 according to this guide. Besides the slick, posh look courtesy of its hidden controls, Whirlpool is quite a popular pick across the market. This is primarily since it offers multiple great features at an affordable price tag set at slightly below £400.
What's more, it includes five options to suit all types of soiling and five wash cycles, together with 1-hour and sensor wash features to give you your desired wash type.
Whirlpool also includes a height-adjustable (upper) rack for enhanced flexibility plus a combined dry system for optimal drying.
Finally, although it is not ultra-quiet, its distinct 51 dB noise level is, however, acceptable in most houses.
3. Best Value: Bosch 300 Dishwasher SHEM63W55N
Finally, the Bosch 300 dishwasher, in their opinion is the best value dishwasher of 2020. Besides boasting incredibly low 44 dB noise levels, it is further complemented by a full stainless steel and five wash cycles.
This dishwasher machine features a stainless steel - tub to boost soundproofing and ensure effective drying, as well as a relatively high durability rating. With the five wash cycles feature and four options, it is powerful enough to handle all soiling types.
Bosch 300 Series boasts a unique feature called an 'Auto Wash' that offers the Speed60 One-Hour wash cycle and a soil sensor to ensure you the desired result in a short period. Moreover, it has a 3rd rack that affords you optimal flexibility in space allocation and loading, not to mention a distinct RackMatic feature to enable you to well adjust the middle rack’s height.
Final Verdict
Dishwashers are personal appliances, hence the need to choose the one that suits all your individual needs. With these three top dishwashers, you can enjoy an exclusive blend of modern design and quality purposed to ideally appeal to your unique and varied set of personal preferences.
*Collaborative post
Worried About Home Schooling? Check Out These Ideas And Resources
Monday, 23 March 2020
In this current climate, we have seen so many changes. From being encouraged to socially distance or self isolate depending on your situation to eateries closing and schools being pretty much closed except for key workers children. It is safe to say things have changed dramatically in just a few days. Homeschooling is one of these things. This is an ad.
Schools in the UK closed their doors on Friday to the majority of their students and we find ourselves stuck in a situation that we never saw coming - parents having to homeschool their children. With this happening, I wanted to share with you some great resources for homeschooling as we all try to find our feet. The Government also have a really helpful guide to educating your child at home.
Set up a space for learning
If you don't normally homeschool your children and have been forced to, due to what's happening in the world, then you will have to adapt to these changes. One of the first things you can do is set up a space for learning. It can be tempting to let your child do their work on the sofa or in their bedroom but a specific learning space is definitely the way to go - a desk or a dining table would probably be the best option. Ensure they have everything they need for their work and no distractions in clear sight.
Create a schedule
If your child would normally be in school, the child's school should offer you guidance. I have seen so many people who say they are going to stick rigidly to the schedules given to them by the school whereas others say they are going to play it by ear. I would suggest creating a schedule where education is a priority but also plan in break times. Children need a clear structure and this will help you as a parent too.
Online sites are your friend
There are many online sites to help your child with their studies such as BBC Bitesize which links into the National Curriculum and BBC Teach which has free video resources, whilst Duolingo offers free language lessons for kids. If you have younger kids the Artful Parent has loads of creative projects, while the National Literacy Trust has great resources for kids, teachers and parents. Many museums have online virtual tours too, so you can check out the wonderful artefacts from the British Museum and Musée d’Orsay, Paris and others, from the comfort of your home.
Utilise Facebook groups
There were already plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to home education but many more have been created in the past few days by people in the same boat. These are packed full of ideas for creative things to do and how we can encourage learning from home without making it boring. We have to remember that this is just as strange for our children, if not more so, and we need to help them as much as we can. These groups can offer great support to parents too.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We have all been thrown in the deep end with this so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are a little overwhelmed. Private tutors are a godsend if there is a particular topic you are struggling with and the best thing is they can teach face to face or online. Search for ' tuition centre near me' for tutors that can help you. In the current situation, we are in, being able to access a tutor online is very helpful indeed. Tutor House has a number of experienced and passionate tutors who are willing to help your child and the company only accepts the top 20% of applicants for jobs so you really know the tutor you have is up to the job.
Be creative
Yes...the children will have to do their Maths, English and other topics from home, but why not consider being a little creative? We can’t really get out and about at the moment but why not explore your garden and teach them more about insects? Why not work on their arts and crafts skills by getting them to paint a particular picture? Learning through play is so important, they can even learn with building Duplo or Lego. Sometimes being creative is exactly what your child needs to light that spark to get learning again.
Are you having to educate your child at home at the moment? Do you have any top tips?
*AD
Schools in the UK closed their doors on Friday to the majority of their students and we find ourselves stuck in a situation that we never saw coming - parents having to homeschool their children. With this happening, I wanted to share with you some great resources for homeschooling as we all try to find our feet. The Government also have a really helpful guide to educating your child at home.
Set up a space for learning
If you don't normally homeschool your children and have been forced to, due to what's happening in the world, then you will have to adapt to these changes. One of the first things you can do is set up a space for learning. It can be tempting to let your child do their work on the sofa or in their bedroom but a specific learning space is definitely the way to go - a desk or a dining table would probably be the best option. Ensure they have everything they need for their work and no distractions in clear sight.
Create a schedule
If your child would normally be in school, the child's school should offer you guidance. I have seen so many people who say they are going to stick rigidly to the schedules given to them by the school whereas others say they are going to play it by ear. I would suggest creating a schedule where education is a priority but also plan in break times. Children need a clear structure and this will help you as a parent too.
Online sites are your friend
There are many online sites to help your child with their studies such as BBC Bitesize which links into the National Curriculum and BBC Teach which has free video resources, whilst Duolingo offers free language lessons for kids. If you have younger kids the Artful Parent has loads of creative projects, while the National Literacy Trust has great resources for kids, teachers and parents. Many museums have online virtual tours too, so you can check out the wonderful artefacts from the British Museum and Musée d’Orsay, Paris and others, from the comfort of your home.
Utilise Facebook groups
There were already plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to home education but many more have been created in the past few days by people in the same boat. These are packed full of ideas for creative things to do and how we can encourage learning from home without making it boring. We have to remember that this is just as strange for our children, if not more so, and we need to help them as much as we can. These groups can offer great support to parents too.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We have all been thrown in the deep end with this so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are a little overwhelmed. Private tutors are a godsend if there is a particular topic you are struggling with and the best thing is they can teach face to face or online. Search for ' tuition centre near me' for tutors that can help you. In the current situation, we are in, being able to access a tutor online is very helpful indeed. Tutor House has a number of experienced and passionate tutors who are willing to help your child and the company only accepts the top 20% of applicants for jobs so you really know the tutor you have is up to the job.
Be creative
Yes...the children will have to do their Maths, English and other topics from home, but why not consider being a little creative? We can’t really get out and about at the moment but why not explore your garden and teach them more about insects? Why not work on their arts and crafts skills by getting them to paint a particular picture? Learning through play is so important, they can even learn with building Duplo or Lego. Sometimes being creative is exactly what your child needs to light that spark to get learning again.
Are you having to educate your child at home at the moment? Do you have any top tips?
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