
The kids are back at school (again) and need to balance the structured indoor time with some fresh air (even as they distance). You encourage them to go out and play. The next thing they tell you is, "I'm bored."
Here are some great activities that will spark their imaginations whether they are indoors or out:
1. Rock Painting
Yes, they've probably done this before, but let's put a little twist on this.
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Materials:
Palettes: you can use paper plates, butter tub lids, styrofoam from take-out, or just a piece of stiff paper.
For a quick, easy kit, click this Glow in the Dark kit from Michael's. For ideas ask your kids what their favorite animal is. Have them name it, then describe it. It's interesting that this makes them "picture" the animal in their head, and you will find that those elements (eyes, ears, tails, color) will start them on their way. Another good topic is insects. Again, point out that ladybugs 🐞have wonderful black dots on red, and butterflies 🦋 have beautiful shapes on their wings that match across each side, and bumblebees 🐝 have stripes in black and yellow and wiggly antennae. This kit below from Michael's will give them lots of ideas too.
2. Pine Cone Creature Bugs
Materials:
Pine Cones If you are lucky to have these on your own property, or along your favorite walking path, whoo hoo. Otherwise, this link will send you to Michaels crafts.
Hot Glue and Glue Gun - Adult supervision
A sample picture with googly eyes from Michael's craft store (click image)
3. An easy lesson with your 3 to 5 yr olds
"Muffin Liner Flowers"
Materials:
Glue (we used glitter glue) (adult supervision)
Muffin liners (plain, silver, or decorative)
Buttons - a chance to use all those loose buttons you have hanging around.
4. An art lesson with 6 to 8 yr olds
"A House from a Paper Bag"
Materials:
Enjoy this video by The OT Guide. Thanks, Dana for letting me share your video and your super lesson on paper bag houses. How cute are these?
Subscribe to her YouTube to see more videos from this Occupational Therapist guide. https://www.youtube.com/c/TheOTGuide/about Used
*Used with permission from The OT GUIDE
Are you still stuck on what to do? Here's an easy lesson that I will share for the days when you want to do something with your kids. Keep some of these products on hand.
Materials:
Watercolor paper cut small, ~ 5 x 7 inches.
watercolor brush (some will come with the paint set)
watercolor paint set You can choose to let the kids share one or two sets, or have each child have their own set.
a small bowl of water.
small pieces of paper towels to wipe brushes between colors or pick up spills.
A hairdryer to dry paint before adding decorative stems with a black pen (unless you wait).
Black pens (regular black gel or writing) will work. I used micron pens.
A list of simple materials and you're ready to go!
Watch this simple 28-sec video. One of my favorite lessons no matter your age.
Pin it, please!

