Screen sharing activities with grandchildren

[Gillma]

Hi there - in lockdown here in UK, too many miles from grandchildren (3.75 yo and 10m old). I'm trying to find a way to play games/read books online - so screen-sharing with video, basically. I've tried various, but can't find any that are UK-based or don't hit a paywall fairly quickly (I'm not against paying but would like a good trial first). Has anyone any ideas? From my experience so far, my 3.75 yo grandson is quite adept at swiping and even drawing online and 'spot the difference' and colouring, etc. I'd be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

Have you tried Skype?

We bought a Facebook Portal at the beginning of the first lockdown- initial payout for the screen but has been more than worth it, there’s games and story time features and they don’t have to hold the screen as the camera pans around the room as they move and zooms in.

Kaiken - thanks for the idea. I haven't tried Skype lately. But we do use FaceTime. I think it's more wanting to be able to screen share on the mobile phone or tablet. The family isn't great at sitting at a desktop or laptop. I might give it a go, though.

Skype has a screen sharing feature

Thanks SuperAunt08. I got very enthusiastic about the idea of Portal before Xmas but was warned against it by bad reviews; my son said doomily, 'prepare to be disappointed' and my husband echoed him. Hmmm - maybe I should think again! It sounds like a great solution - you obviously have to have one at each end?

Skype is good as it's free for as long as you like, (doesn't cut you off after 40 mins)

FaceTime doesn't have the screen sharing feature. But with Skype, you can select which tab (an internet page, a document, even a digital book). Your grandchildren won't be bale to interact with your interface, but they will see what you have on screen

Which of the various Portal models did you get by the way?

Thanks. Helpful to know the differences.

@Gillma try posting here www.mumsnet.com/Talk/geeky_stuff that's where all the nerdy MNetters hang out.
Maybe there are programs that allow to interact between screens

I got the 10” screen one I think. You can display your photos on it too so it doubles up as a digital photo frame when not in use. The only thing is I wish it was wireless as it has to be plugged in to work which feels a little outdated.
Because it connects through fb messenger or WhatsApp it’s not necessary to have one at both ends, they can answer through phone/tablet etc although you might not get all the features.