6 Parenting Hacks For Making Half Term Educational On A Budget
- Parents will want to keep their kids entertained over the half term holiday
- These activity ideas from Latest Deals combine money-saving with fun learning
- Tricks include practising number bonds during bowling and playing shape detectives
Now that half term is underway, there are many options for parents who want to treat their kids to some fun days out. However, it can easily add up if you’re on a budget. Tom Church, Co-Founder of money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, said: ‘You can plan a great half term week if you do your homework and find options which are cheap or even free. What’s more, the power of the internet means you can pair these days out with fun activities that will keep your children learning in a way they find exciting. Here are some of my top picks that are bound to keep KS1 and KS2 pupils entertained.’
KS1 English - Research Farm Animals During A Free Day Out
Taking the kids to the farm is the perfect way to keep them away from TV and gadgets for a few hours, and the good news is that you can make the day educational as well as fun. For example, this worksheet aimed at KS1 pupils helps them to think and learn about some of the animals they encounter as they walk around. Help your child answer questions such as where pigs live, what they eat and how big they can grow. You can ask similar questions for other animals, and keep them interested at home later on by teaching them how to research more facts online, or finding a YouTube video about their favourite animal. There’s even more good news - many farms across the country have free entry, such as the Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham. Consider making a donation if you can, though.
KS2 English - Practise Grammar In The Supermarket Before Kids Eat Free
Not every day will be packed full of activities and trips out, but you can spice up a trip to the supermarket by having your child think about what’s around them. Download this worksheet to help them turn each item you put in your trolley into a full sentence using adjectives and the correct grammar. For example, ‘grapes’ could turn into ‘a bunch of sweet grapes’. Then, if you’re in Morrisons, make the most of their Kids Eat Free offer. Between 3pm and Cafe close each day, one kids meal is free when purchased with an adult meal worth £4.50 or over. You could even continue the learning at home by having your child write a short fictional story about the food. Did it go into a picnic basket? Was it packed into a school lunchbox? Did a chef use it to make a meal in a restaurant? Let their imaginations run wild!
KS1 Maths - Practise Addition & Subtraction With £3.50 Bowling Deal
If your little one is practising number bonds in maths at school, this activity is perfect for fine-tuning their skills over the half term break. Make their learning fun during a game of bowling at Tenpin, where there are always deals to be found - such as Tenpin Tuesdays, where there’s 50% off and kids play from £3.50 each. Pair the activity with this fun worksheet, where they can practise their counting - or do it in real time by asking how many more pins they need to knock down to get a strike!
KS2 Maths - Play Shape Detectives Alongside A Free Science Museum Trip
The Science Museum is a great day out for anyone if they’re in London. You can pre-book for free online now using their website, and you can get stuck into interactive galleries, flying VR simulators and digital experiences. Plus, there are worksheets like this one to use both around the museum and at home, where maths skills can be applied for KS2 pupils by playing Shape Detectives. Ideal for your child and a group of friends - see who can identify the most shapes and award the winner a prize!
KS1 Science - Learn About Minibeasts For Free With National Trust
If your child loves being outdoors, bugs or both, this activity is a perfect way to keep their science skills fine-tuned over the half-term period. Download one of the free worksheets or session plans from the National Trust website according to your preferences. For example, the Minibeast Detective worksheet asks children to search for minibeasts in certain habitats - such as on a lawn, in a meadow and around logs. The session plan is ideal for parents wanting to help their children identify the different parts of insects they may see out and about. Take a magnifying glass to help your child zoom in on what’s around them! What’s more, you can take your child to many National Trust locations completely free. Simply check the place finder tool and refine your search - select options such as Gardens & Parks and Countryside for the best results.
KS2 Science - Discover Plants & Flowers In British Gardens From £3
If your child is a little older, they can still learn something new with plant worksheets aimed at those in year 5. Key topics covered include naming parts of a plant and flower, seed dispersal and reproduction. The Plant Detective worksheet involves exploring an outdoor area to find specific plants and flowers - such as daisies, buttercups and ivy. The perfect place to learn about plants is in a garden, but if you don’t have access to one you can use the Great British Gardens site to find your nearest public area. Prices can be as low as £3 so check out what’s available.
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