20 of the best live streams for kids
Now is the perfect time for your child to learn something new, and with brilliant, educational live streams popping up every day, covering everything from phonics to fitness, you don't need to feel guilty about parking your child in front of a screen for half an hour.
We've rounded up some of our favourite live streams for primary school kids. You might also want to consult TeachEm, a directory of video-based educational content and events featuring over 200 live and pre-recorded entries.
All of these live streams were correct at the time of going to press, but be aware that details may change.
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Oti Mabuse Kids’ Class
What is it? During lockdown 1, Strictly pro dancer Oti Mabuse taught a daily, child-friendly dance class on Facebook Live, with a weekly theme such as Disney movies and The Greatest Showman.
Where to watch: Oti's videos from lockdown 1 are available on her YouTube channel.
Ragdolly Annas
What is it? Music, rhyme and high-energy fun for pre-schoolers. You can add your own props such as bubbles, to join with the online classes.
When’s it on? Wednesdays, 10.30-11am
Where to watch: Facebook Live or YouTube.
Draw with Ed Vere
What is it? ‘How to draw’ tutorials from picture book author and illustrator, and Born Free Foundation artist in residence, Ed Vere. His twice-weekly live lessons in lockdown 1 showed how to draw lions, grumpy frogs, and a monkey having a tantrum!
Where to watch: YouTube
BookTrust Home Time
What is it? Story sessions with some of the nation’s favourite children’s authors, starting with Cressida Cowell reading How to Train your Dragon, a chapter a day. Check BookTrust’s website to keep up to date with what’s on.
Where to watch: YouTube and BookTrust
Mindfulness in Schools Project Sit Together
What is it? Mindfulness meditation sessions for families aimed at building some relaxation into your day. Note that an adult must take part with children.
When’s it on? Monday to Friday at 11am from Mon 11 Jan, lasting around 20 minutes
Where to watch: Join the daily Zoom meeting through MiSP’s website
Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari
What is it? Cincinnati Zoo introduces one of its amazing animals every day alongside an activity you can do at home in videos first broadcast during lockdown one.
Where to watch: YouTube
#DrawWithRob
What is it? Much-loved children's illustrator Rob Biddulph broke the record for the largest number of online art class participants in May 2020. With schools closed again, he's broadcasting new live drawing lessons every week.
When’s it on? Every Saturday at 10am, plus watch his past videos on YouTube.
Where to watch: YouTube
Gareth Metcalfe Primary Maths
What is it? Online maths lessons with videos to help children master each new concept, followed by a main task – a challenge or short set of questions – to complete individually or with an adult’s support. There are separate lessons for Years 3 and 4, and for Years 5 and 6.
Where to watch: I See Maths
Daily Phonics with Mr Mc
What is it? A daily phonics lesson from Early Years teacher Mr Mc – a finalist in the Inspirational Teacher of the Year award 2019 – with songs, games and lots of interaction.
When’s it on? Every weekday: visit Mr Mc's Facebook page to sign up for live notifications.
Where to watch: Facebook Live and YouTube
Hobbycraft Daily Kids’ Craft Club
What is it? Daily craft activities for kids, with a different theme every day, such as rainbows, fairies and nature. Share your child's creations on Facebook and Twitter using #KidsCraftClub.
When’s it on? 11am Monday to Saturday
Where to watch: Facebook Live and Instagram
English with Holly
What is it? Literacy activities aimed at targeted age groups and with a daily theme, such as Shakespeare, SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and a weekly Friday Spellathon. There’s also a PDF worksheet to go with each lesson.
When’s it on? Weekdays at 11am
Where to watch: YouTube
Reading Realm
Jump Start Jonny
What is it? Insanely energetic fun fitness sessions with party games like Freeze! and Fancy Dress Friday. Comment for shout-outs and suggest ideas for activities on Jump Start Jonny’s Facebook page.
When’s it on? Weekdays at 9am.
Where to watch: YouTube
Maddie Moate: Let's Go Live!
What is it? The host of CBeebies’ Did You Know? presents a daily nature-based science lesson with activities to do at home, such as planting seeds, bird-spotting and minibeast photography.
When’s it on? Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am
Where to watch: YouTube
#GSCAtHome
What is it? The scientists from Glasgow Science Centre release a daily science show demo or experiment for over-sevens, with topics such as Make Your Own Lava Lamp, and Elephant’s Toothpaste.
When’s it on? Weekdays at 10am
Where to watch: Facebook Live and YouTube
Learn Beginners’ British Sign Language (BSL)
What is it? During the first lockdown, Natasha Lamb and her sister Kelly-Ann – who has a hearing impairment – hosted live lessons teaching kids the basics of BSL with a daily topic, such as numbers and animals, and a challenge to do at home. The videos are now available on YouTube.
Where to watch: YouTube
Dr Chris and Dr Xand
What is it? The much-loved twin doctors and presenters of Operation Ouch go live every weekday afternoon with a hilarious half-hour of bones, boils and other body parts.
When’s it on? Daily at 2.30pm
Where to watch: Instagram Stories, YouTube and Facebook Live
PE with Joe
What is it? Joe Wicks, otherwise known as The Body Coach, gets the nation moving once again with a vigorous 'PE lesson' to start the day, three times a week.
When’s it on? Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am
Where to watch: YouTube
Hopeful Histories
What is it? After-school club leader Hannah uploaded videos from her children’s playhouse – now a history classroom – during lockdown 1, looking at a significant person or group of people from history, such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Jesse Owens.
Where to watch: Instagram Stories
Ruth’s Little Kitchen Cook Together
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