Inside: A great collection of play ideas for families during times when they need to stay at home. Also, why play helps at this time, and how we can view this as an opportunity to re-connect.
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Usually, as families, we have busy schedules, and people are often going to sports practice or games, lessons, or after school activities. Because of the coronavirus and social distancing, things are getting canceled everywhere. This is a stressful time, and things seem to be changing day-to-day. Overall, what this means is that families are going to be spending a lot more time at home.
Instead of panicking and stressing, I would encourage you to view this as an opportunity - an opportunity to play and connect with your family.
Things to Consider
Do what works for you and your family
If you want to have a color-coded schedule for your family, do it. If you want to let them have unlimited screen time, do it. If you're going to do something in-between those, that's fine too. Every family is different, and every situation is different.
For example, you may still need to complete work even though you're home. Technically, you're at work, and may not have the bandwidth or desire to set up a schedule for your kids. Do what makes sense for your situation.
THIS IS A TIME TO KEEP LEARNING ALIVE
In Massachusetts, the Commissioner of Education has been clear that "this is not expected to be a time of "new learning" but rather time to keep "learning alive" through review of previously taught concepts, skills, and content.”
I would argue that you also keep learning alive through play. There are two enormous benefits for children when they play.
Play is the way children learn
If you're worried they're not getting enough school work, please know that play is the best way for children to learn. Just by playing, they can learn and explore the world in different ways, discover new things they like or talents they never knew they had. All you have to do is let them play. If you want online resources to keep them busy, there’s a list below.
Play is a natural stress reliever
This is a stressful time, not only for us but for them too. Kids get stressed just like adults! Opportunities to play allow them to express their fears, worries, and concerns, and give themselves a break.
Use what you have at home.
You don't necessarily have to go out to the store or even order things on Amazon. Look around your house and see what's there and can be used for fun. If you get stuck, think about your childhood - what did you when you couldn't go outside?
Think outside the box
Several years ago, when we were stuck inside several years ago due to multiple snowstorms, I took the kids mattresses off the beds and brought them downstairs to the living room so they could jump on them. We made a ton of weird creations with cardboard and recycling. We used what we had on hand, because we couldn't go out. If you need more ideas, think about your childhood - what did you when you had to stay at home?
Stay in Touch with Others
It's hard to be stuck in the house, but this doesn't mean you can't communicate with family and friends. You can use FaceTime, Skype or Zoom to set up chats with friends and family. In our family, we may even attempt to play some games on a video call.
If you’re stuck and have no idea what to do with your kids, here are some ideas for you:
Play Ideas
Preschool Age
Play dress up
Make superhero costumes
Make a fairy garden
Make a sand tray or water bead tray
Read books together
Pretend play, for example:
Restaurant
Grocery Store
Art Shop
Car Mechanic
Vet clinic
Detectives/Spy
Superhero
Pirates
Post office
Simple board games & card games
Simple puzzles
Build with blocks, DUPLO® bricks, Lincoln Logs, etc
Make play dough
Older kids & teens
Read a book
Start a garden
Put together more complex puzzles
Play board games
Create things using cardboard & recycling
Play card games
Make items using arts & crafts - knit, crochet, rainbow loom, etc.
Do Mad Libs
Play Would You Rather?
Build something with LEGO® bricks, K'Nex, etc
Watch a show together and chat about it
Make up your own board games
Play some video games together - The Switch has incredible multiplayer games, like Mario Kart, Splatoon, Mario Party, Undercooked, and Animal Crossing.
Write comic strips
Make up jokes
Ask them for book recommendations and then read together
Watch TV shows together
Find a recipe and cook it together
Invite them to help you with simple projects around the house
Take a big piece of paper out and have them design the perfect school or perfect city. What does it need? (From Katie Hurley)
Online Resources
Of course, there are lots of resources you can utilize online as well now too. I'll keep updating as I find more.
Virtual Summer Camp from Varsity Tutors
Summer camp is going to look a little different this year. Over at Varsity Tutors, they’re offering Virtual Summer Camps. Each camp consists of five sessions, starting on Monday and ending on Friday. Sign up for as many as you want, some camps are even free.
Outschool
Outschool offers live online learning classes for kids!
Camp Hello Bello
There are all sorts of cool videos available at the Camp Hello Bello YouTube, including Farm Visits, Yoga, Storytime, Singalongs, Dance Parties, Arts and Crafts and Cooking. The camp was created by Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell in response to COVID-19.
Visit Your Local Library Online
Visit your local library's website to see online resources you can use for free. Our library offers Hoopla, where you can borrow e-books, audiobooks, comics, movies, and tv shows. Plus, they also have Overdrive, with e-books and audiobooks, and there's a search specifically designed for kids and teens.
Harry Potter Fans!
There’s now a hub for called Harry Potter at Home. Here’s a quote from the site:
“For over twenty years now, Hogwarts has been an escape for all – for readers and fans, young and old. During the strange times we now find ourselves in, we want to welcome you back to Hogwarts, where you will find a friendly retreat for you, your family and those you are caring for.”
Audible
We love listening to audiobooks in our house. They have so many titles for kids!
You can now also stream audio books free at stories.audible.com
PBS Kids
Great games and resources for families. You can sign up for their newsletter to get tips sent straight to your inbox.
Kiwi Crate
Kiwi Crate has tons of FREE resources for parents to use at home. You can also check out their store - they have Crates for all ages - what a great way to play while you’re at home!
Scholastic
Scholastic has made some lessons available here.
Adventure Academy
Adventure Academy was created by the people who made ABCmouse
Haiku Lesson
Teachers & Writers Magazine has an article about how to teach kids haiku.
GoNoodle
GoNoodle is popular to use at school, but you can also create a family account to access a ton of videos, including ones for movement and relaxation.
Storybird
Storybird.com - A website focused on encouraging kids to read & write. You can take classes on writing video games and comic books, and focus on building skills.
Cincinnati Zoo Facebook Live
From their Facebook post: Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3pm where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home. Join us starting Monday, March 16 at 3pm (EDT) for our first Home Safari- featuring Fiona!
Puppy Cam
Need a dose of cute puppies? Check out these live streams of puppies playing. They also keep older live streams on the site, so you can watch puppies on demand!
Story Time Live with Katie & Riley
The author of The Happy Kid Handbook is going to be hosting a storytime with her daughter every weekday at 1pm PT/4pm ET. Go to Katie Hurley’s Facebook page to join in.
Virtual Museum Tours
Here’s an article from Travel and Leisure with 12 Museums you can “tour” remotely.
And here’s another huge collection of virtual tours.
Virtual Field Trips
Here a link to a google doc with over 30 virtual field trips, to places like The Louvre, The San Diego Zoo, and Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy!
Virtual National Park Tours
This article has links to 33 National Parks you can tour from your couch.
Boston Symphony Orchestra at Home
They are building a library of performances you can watch at home.
Online Board Game Ideas
Boston.com has a great article about board games you can play online!
Kids Art Spot
Videos Art Classes for Kids - There’s a free 14 day trial.
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
The author of some of my favorite books (Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus, Elephant & Piggie series) is offering a free video series and he’s invited kids to join him and “draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing” - starts at 1pm EDT on weekdays
Michael’s Website and Facebook Page
Michael's is hosting a Facebook Live every Wednesday at noon CDT with fun family activities. They also have projects on their website.
BIG LIFE JOURNAL
Printable resources focused on using a growth mindset. You can download the resources at your convenience at home!
Other Websites for Family Fun
My favorite sites to visit for fun activities for the family
Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls - Especially for LEGOs & STEM
Red Ted Art - there's also a YouTube Channel
We can do this!! Let's make the most of a tough, stressful time. Happy playing!
Looking for more play ideas?
Try the Ultimate Playdate Guide!
This award-winning book has over 50 play ideas, designed for two children - perfect for siblings! It’s conveniently indexed by social skill, mess level, indoor vs. outdoor, and age range. Designed for ages 3 to 10.
Playdate ideas include:
* Pretend play
* Arts & crafts
* Indoor & outdoor games
* Board games and card games made for 2
