Below are a number of free resources to keep you occupied during the school closure. We will hope to fill the page as new resources become available. If you would like to add to this resources page please contact us by email info@ceist.ie.
Note: we also have a page dedicated to tools used for Remote Teaching. Please click here to visit.
Sacred Heart Secondary School Drogheda Home Economics
The Home Economics Department of Sacred Heart Secondary School Drogheda have created a website blog to help their students practice at home during the lockdown. This website is packed full of tutorials, videos and yummy recipes which can be used by everyone. Hope you enjoy!!
Natural Back Health – Tips for Taking Care of your Immune System
Think of your immune system like a fortress. Any fortress worth its weight in gold will be strong and robust. And that is exactly what you want your immune system to be: strong and robust. So when anything comes knocking on your fortress door, not only will you be ready, you will have fuel in the tank …
Dundalk Institute of Technology – Virtual Open Day
Dundalk IT is holding a Virtual Open Day, Wednesday 6th May 2020 from 10am until 10pm, with live chat facilities between 10am – 12 noon, 2pm – 4pm and 7pm – 9pm.
This event is aimed at those who have applied to the CAO and provides you with an opportunity to explore the college virtually and chat live with staff members about admissions, fees, our 45+ undergraduate courses, and student life at DkIT.
If you have not yet registered for the event, you can do so here.
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush – Guidance Resources
The St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush Guidance Department have collected a large amount of important and relevant supports for both parents and students to be shared with the school community. This Padlet resource is being updated daily and is already jam packed with resources for all the family under headings such as: Physical Exercise/Sport, Yoga/Pilates, Mindfulness & Relaxation, Anxiety/Stress, Entertainment for Adults and Students, Healthy Lifestyle, Parental Support, Activities, Music, Motivation, Education Supports for Students, Exam/Study Supports and Mental Health Supports.
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush – PE Resources
The St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush PE Department have put together a range of ideas and activities to keep the whole family active. Workouts and circuits that cater for all levels of fitness with challenges set for those who would like to push themselves a little harder. As the first and second years are in the middle of their dance module there are links for different dance routines which they can try out. Don’t forget it is very essential to warm up and cool down when you participate in exercise so we have included links for stretching and pilates too. This Padlet will also be updated on a continuous basis. So do check in regularly for something new!
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush – Language Challenge
The Modern Foreign Language Department at St Joseph’s Rush have been setting a ‘Language Challenge’ to keep Junior Students engaged in their modern foreign languages. Students have been honing skills such as discovery learning, independent learning, creativity, linguistic & digital skills while taking on language challenges very enthusiastically. Students send their teachers evidence via photos or screen shots of them participating in these unique language challenges like changing their phone displays to the Target Language. How many of these challenges could you complete? St Joseph’s dares you!
Check out the German, French & Spanish language challenge task sheets here:
House of Mercy –1-hour Virtual tour with Live Commentary
While the red doors at Mercy International Centre may be physically closed in response to the COVID-19 virus situation, our virtual House is still open, visit www.mercyworld.org for a wealth of inspiration and information. Anna Nicholls rsm will be offering live online presentations where some of the stories told during a physical tour of Mercy International Centre will be shared. Each session will be limited to 15 people so that participants have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the presentation.
The Sanctuary – Free Wellbeing Practices
It is our Mission at the Sanctuary to provide as much support and to spread as much compassion as we can within our community and beyond, reaching everyone and anyone who needs it. We are delighted to be able to offer you the following free resources:
- Free online meditation sessions via Zoom three times per week
- Reiki Healing weekly session Thursday at 4:00 pm
- Phone calls to people feeling lonely and in need of some company
Drop Everything and Read
Given that so many of us are now spending so much more time in our homes, now is an excellent time to to take some time to enjoy reading for pleasure. We are therefore inviting the entire nation to take time out and to ‘Drop Everything and Read’ for 20 minutes at 12 noon on Friday April 24th 2020.
Microsoft Dream Space – Home Series
DreamSpace HomeSpace is an initiative by Microsoft Ireland to help educators, parents and children participate remotely in some of our favourite DreamSpace activities. Our HomeSpace series begins with our favourite MakeCode platforms- micro:bit, Arcade and Minecraft and some other areas such as python programming, Maker Challenges and Imagine Cup Junior workshops and projects. Just like in DreamSpace, we want to equip participants with some basic computer science knowledge in each session in a bid to spark their creativity about what they can make next. From April 20th we’re going daily so check out our new schedule including weekly special guests too below. Every lesson will be available on demand for those who cannot join us live and for anyone revising afterwards.
Green Schools
We’re really excited to show you some cool stuff you can do at home to keep helping the environment. In this page, we have put water-themed videos, quizzes, experiments, ideas and more activities that students can enjoy doing at home.
Gov.ie – Getting through Covid-19 Together
It’s normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, but there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing. Here you will find lots of advice and tips on how you can look after your mental wellbeing and cope with your new daily routine.
Sports Ireland
Sport and physical activity is a cornerstone of life in Ireland. In recent weeks we have seen a shut down of clubs, tournaments and sport in general. This however does not mean that we as a nation cannot stay active. Sport Ireland have created a resource page to help you and your family stay active and informed.
Concern – 17 Days to Learn
Concern Active have teamed up with Makematic and Horyou to develop the #17daystolearn challenge for young active citizens and change-makers focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals. They are designed to be simple, thought provoking, fun and can be completed with or without a laptop/computer. Together, they can show the world that every expression of optimism, no matter how big or small, has a positive impact.
Volunteer From Home
Irish Times Children’s Art Competition
Paints, pencils, crayons and markers at the ready! The Irish Times is inviting children to enter our “isolation art” competition with a painting or drawing based on your experience of how life has changed in recent weeks.
RTE Ros na Rún Irish Language Writing Competition
Ros na Rún, the long-running TG4 soap has announced an Irish Language Creative Writing Competition sponsored by Kennys Bookshop. Producers of Ireland’s only Irish Language and rural based TV soap opera are inviting children and young people to showcase their Irish Language, creative writing talents and imagination with a Short Story Writing Competition sponsored by Kennys bookshop in Galway.
Skip Rope Lessons
SKIPnROPE is an Irish based company who provide skipping workshops for Primary Schools, Secondary School, Sport and Youth Clubs. On this channel we will upload videos of our coach Mark doing tutorials on many different skipping skills.
Recovery Haven – Art Competition
Adults and children alike are being asked to capture creative images or draw or paint a picture that highlights their haven or place of solace – that place where they find hope on their journey. This can be their home, friends, family or their favourite go-to place, activities or interactions. Competition is open until July 2020.
RTE to screen Shakespeare Classics
Over the coming weeks, RTÉ will screen a series of classic BBC productions of plays by William Shakespeare, aimed at students – the productions will be available post-broadcast on RTÉ Player. The productions, which will air on weekend mornings on RTÉ 2, feature some of the world’s greatest thespians tackling the Bard’s greatest works, including plays featured on the Leaving and Junior Certs for 2020 and 2021, to facilitate both 5th and 6th Years.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish – Prayer Resources
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish – Archdiocese of Armagh have gathered a number of prayer resources on their website.
Lámh Sign Language – Free Access
Lámh supports communication – between parents and child, between siblings, between friends. It can be a stepping stone to communicating with the world. Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland.
Waterford in your Pocket
It can be so difficult to stay motivated and busy during this downtime. However, unlike people who lived through previous pandemics, we have one massive advantage! We are now more connected than ever thanks to the Internet. I’ve been thinking of things that I can do while at home. As we are limited in our interaction with the outside world for a short time, there are things that we can do to not only keep busy but to learn and entertain. There is something in these links for the whole family.
Mike Murphy – Senior Times Interviews
One of Ireland’s best loved broadcasters, Mike Murphy has access to the great and good of Irish society and we kick of the series with no less than President Michael D. Higgins and will also feature the same blend of interviews, profiles and information that has made SeniorTimes magazine Ireland’s No 1 magazine for people who don’t act their age.
RTE Short Story Competition
RTÉ is currently accepting short story submissions for one of Ireland’s longest established and most significant literary prizes, the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of Francis MacManus. Writers have until Friday 8th May to submit their short story which will be judged by a panel of three judges: editor, lecturer and journalist, Madeleine Keane; award-winning short story writer and previous prize-winner of the RTÉ Short Story Competition, Danielle McLaughlin; and writer and broadcaster, Vincent Woods.
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Renowned composer and playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber has published a number of videos in which he performs pieces from his most famous musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Technicolour Dream Coat, Jesus Chris Super Star to name but a few and tells the background story to their creation.
Draw with Don Conroy
Due to the fact that we are all staying at home Don Conroy has made a come back with his very own YouTube channel. Don has created a number of videos for kids of all ages to tune in and “Draw with Don”.
Leabhair do Pháistí
A full list of Audio Books as Gailge free to listen from website. Podchraoltaí de scéalta as Gaeilge do pháistí ar Soundcloud
#Give It Back – Covid 19 Resources List
A full list of products and services that have been made free for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dublin Zoo – Live Webcams
Although the Zoo is closed they are still offering a chance to see the animals. Catch a glimpse of the giraffes, zebras and rhinos on the African Savanna, get a birds-eye view of the penguins or watch the wondrous herd of Asian elephants bathe and chomp on their lunch with Dublin Zoo Live Animal Cams.
GAA Future Leaders
Due to the worldwide Covid19 pandenic, we are living in very different times. The GAA / PDST Future Leaders Solo Challenge is designed to promote positivity, physical activity and wellbeing among young people, while encouraging them to stay at home and follow HSE guidelines at the same time. It is a student and teacher challenge which will run for a number of weeks. There will be different challenges each week, all linked to the modules in the programme.
Time to Create – Pinterest
“Time to CREATE” is a special Pinterest page dedicated to inspiration for art, craft, sewing, home & garden projects for everyone. Creating things is good for your wellbeing and their a number of fun projects here to keep you going while at home.
Coronavirus – A book for children
Nosy Crow Blog presents a free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler.
National Gallery Ireland – Virtual Tour
Explore the wonders of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection, and take a leisurely stroll around our beautiful galleries from the comfort of your own home in the first in a series of virtual tours.
Bright Sparks Creative Bursts with Sarah Webb
Created by author Sarah Webb and supported by MoLI, Bright Sparks Creative Bursts is a fantastic new online series of writing games and story prompts. To get lost in a Creative Burst all you need is a pencil and a notebook. The writing games and prompts are aimed at from aged 9+ but could be done with younger children if you give them a bit of help.
Children’s Books Ireland
Children’s Books Ireland have lots of great resources on their website including a full range of Doodle Starters sheets for the young artist, fantastic themed reading lists to help you choose your next book and the Junior Juries resource packs for this year’s KPMG Children’s Books Ireland awards. They have also brought together Ireland’s leading authors and illustrators to create Imagine Nation a 24 page playbook filled with colouring and writing activities for children all over Ireland to enjoy.
Kerry Diocesan Youth Service – Online Club
Kilmainham Gaol Museum – Virtual Tour
Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy Top Tips
Áras an Uachtaráin – Virtual Tour
Ballysteen GAA Skills Videos
Katie Taylor Workout
Irish boxing champion Katie Taylor will be posting a series of boxing circuits over the next few weeks that you can do at home without equipment. All are fully available form Katie’s Twitter page @KatieTaylor
SpunOut
If you could do with having a chat with someone, our anonymous, 24 hour text line is always open. You’re worth talking about and we’re here to listen and support you. Text SPUNOUT to 0861800280. Standard SMS rates may apply.
Church TV
Gaisce At Home – Gaisce Sa Bhaile
Amazon Free Audible Books
Library Borrow Box
Although all public libraries are now closed you can still borrow books from the Library Borrow Box App.
PE with Joe: Daily live PE workout classes
Starting Monday 23rd March Joe Wicks will be hosting a free workout aimed at kids live on his YouTube channel “The Body Coach TV”.
Short Story Competition from John Boyne
To help foster creativity among Irish children and teenagers during this current crisis, John Boyne is running a SHORT STORY COMPETITION, aimed at 6-18 year olds, with lots of book tokens to give out as prizes.
There are 3 categories:
- 6-10 year olds
- 11-14 year olds
- 15-18 year olds
Live and Interactive Marine Mammals Feed from Ruby Free
Ruby Free is a Wildlife Guide, Marine Mammal Medic and Outdoor Instructor. She will be providing live and interactive videos on her Instagram feed starting Monday 23rd March.
Ard Scoil na nDeise Dungarvan – Knitting Challenge
Calling all knitters! We’re involved in a project with Dungarvan Women’s shed making knitted blankets for cancer patients. Squares are in double knitting wool on 4mm needles. Cast on 30 stitches. Finished squares should be 16cm square approx. All help appreciated!
Kerry College – Free Courses
In response to the Covid19 situation Kerry College are offering all online courses FREE of charge to over 16s.
BBC Script Competition
The BBC is looking for scripts about self-isolation to be made into short films. The winning scripts will be produced for BBC platforms next month.
David Walliams Free Audiobooks
David Walliams is giving a free audio book daily to help children of all ages while the schools are closed.
Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association (ITIA) – Translation Competition for Secondary School Students
Following the successful competition over the last four years, the ITIA is once again organising a translation competition for secondary school students in Ireland. Students are asked to translate an excerpt from a novel or short story from one of the following languages into English: French, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Japanese or Spanish. A prize of €100 will be awarded to the best translation for each language.
Scoilnet History Competition
Learn to Code from Home – Online Mini Camps
NewsBrands Student Journalism Competition
Chester Beatty’s Digital Collections
Creativity at Home with teh Glucksman
History Extra
National Council for Special Education Ireland
Teachers and parents may be interested in our latest resource: an overview of useful websites to support Physical Education at home for students with Special Educational Needs including those with a moderate, severe or profound GLD or who may have limited mobility.
Irish Life – Home Fitness Videos
Our Schools’ Fitness Challenge may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you stay active while maintaining social distance. Irish Life have a number of Home Fitness Videos to keep you active throughout the school closure.
Futa Fata – Irish Reading
Irish language publishing house, Futa Fata have begun broadcasting a few minutes reading as Gaeilge for little ones at 11am ever morning via their Facebook page and on Instagram too! Futa Fata intend to run these readings from Monday to Friday.