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As families across the Newry area settle back in to school in 2026, many parents and teachers are looking for ways to support children's learning at home and in the classroom.
LearningMole, a NI-based educational platform founded by former primary school teacher Michelle Connolly, has become a popular resource for local families seeking quality educational content. The platform offers curriculum-aligned videos and teaching materials covering subjects from maths and English to science and history.
Supporting the Back-to-School Transition
The start of a new school year brings familiar challenges for parents. Children may need to brush up on skills that went rusty over the summer holidays, or get ahead on topics they'll encounter in the coming term.
"Those first few weeks back can be tricky for children and parents alike," says Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and a former teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. "Having accessible resources at home means families can ease into the new term without the pressure."
The platform's video content covers core curriculum subjects, making it useful for homework support, revision, and filling gaps in understanding. Teachers also use the resources to supplement classroom lessons, particularly when introducing new topics or supporting children who need extra reinforcement.
Free Resources for Families
LearningMole operates a model that keeps substantial content freely accessible. The platform's YouTube channel offers hundreds of educational videos at no cost, covering everything from phonics and times tables to the solar system and ancient civilisations.
For families wanting more comprehensive support, a subscription service provides access to expanded teaching resources, worksheets, and materials. Schools can also subscribe to give teachers access to ready-made resources that align with curriculum requirements.
The approach has proven popular with time-pressed parents juggling work commitments alongside supporting their children's education. Rather than spending evenings searching for reliable educational content, families can access vetted materials designed by experienced educators.
What's Available for Different Age Groups
The platform caters to children from early years through to secondary school age, with content organised by subject and learning stage.
Primary school resources form a core strength, with particular depth in maths, English, and science. Visual explanations help make abstract concepts accessible, whilst the video format keeps younger learners engaged.
Literacy support includes phonics teaching materials, reading comprehension guides, and grammar content designed for different stages. Parents supporting early readers find these particularly useful for reinforcing school learning at home.
STEM subjects are well represented, with science topics brought to life through animated explanations. Popular content includes videos on the human body, volcanoes, ecosystems, and space – subjects that capture children's natural curiosity.
Humanities content covers history, geography, and culture, from ancient Egypt and the Vikings through to Victorian Britain and world geography.
Preparing for the Term Ahead
With the new school year approaching, parents might consider how educational resources could support their children's learning. A few areas where platforms like LearningMole can help:
Refreshing core skills – Summer breaks can mean children forget some of what they learned the previous year. Short video sessions on key maths or literacy concepts can help rebuild confidence before term starts.
Getting ahead on new topics – If you know what subjects your child will cover in the coming term, previewing content can give them a head start and reduce anxiety about unfamiliar material.
Building homework habits – Establishing a routine of using educational resources can make the transition back to regular homework less jarring.
Supporting different learning styles – Some children grasp concepts better through visual explanations than traditional textbook approaches. Video content offers an alternative route to understanding.
A Resource for Local Teachers Too
Educators in the Newry area may find the platform useful for lesson planning and classroom support. The curriculum-aligned materials can save preparation time, whilst the video content provides ready-made explanations for tricky topics.
"Teachers are under enormous pressure with workload," notes Connolly. "If we can save someone an hour of preparation time by providing quality resources they can trust, that's an hour they can spend on what really matters – their pupils."
The platform continues to develop new content, with recent additions including resources around AI literacy for educators – a topic of growing relevance as schools consider how emerging technology will shape education.
Getting Started
For Newry parents and teachers interested in exploring what's available, the LearningMole YouTube channel offers a good starting point. The free videos give a sense of the teaching style and content quality before committing to any subscription.
The website provides more detailed information about available resources, organised by subject and age group, making it straightforward to find materials relevant to your child's current learning stage.
As the 2026 school term kicks off, having reliable educational support in place can make all the difference for families navigating the back-to-school period.
