My latest article posted over on Modern Molly Mormon is below, i'm posting it here because I think its a pretty good list of stuff for all kids of all ages to have fun with as the summer school holiday looms ahead.
Need some ideas for the summer holidays? Well I've been working on a
few that my kids can do when they finish school for the summer in
June....so I thought I'd share...
1. Scrapbook ~ I don’t
think suggesting this would be a surprise to anyone! Back in the day
scrapbooking was just a scrap book that we would stick odd cut outs of
our favourite shoes or hairstyles etc. I suggest going back to this
time with our kids and encourage them to scrapbook various things
through their days to show their highlights. By the time school starts,
all those words that have been muttered ‘I am bored’ or ‘I do not get
to do anything fun’ will be right there in pictures to show them! Kids
of any age will enjoy making their own summer journal, even toddlers.
2. Garden pots ~ Even if
you have your own garden area and the kids are happy to help, why not
get them some small pots {or larger if you have the space} exclusively
for them? Giving them some responsibility is a proven method that most
kids thrive for and more often than not, live up to above and beyond.
Smaller children love to get dirty so why not give them some tiny pots
and either sunflower seeds or pretend flowers?
3. Artist folder ~
Similar to the scrapbook, give the kids their very own folder with
sheets of plain paper inside and let them create. This is ideal in the
car, waiting at the dentist, in a restaurant on just sat on the sofa.
When each page is complete, date it and get them to sign it!
4. Disposable camera ~ I
know my 4 year old loves it when he gets to randomly take photos of
anything and everything. Naturally, I don’t print many of his photos
but I do make up a slide show on the computer for him so he can sit and
admire his talent! Kids love all that dodging around like a little pro
just to get that perfect shot…minus the head! A disposable is cheap;
bump proof and stops arguments between siblings.
5. Bird watching ~ We
live in an area that isn’t exactly close to a beach yet we get loads of
seagulls and other birds associated with the waters. Having multiple
trees in our garden means, we usually have birds around here. Having
kids with toy binoculars, laying on a blanket spotting birds, comparing
them to a book {use the library for some good ones} will keep them
quiet for ages, plus it will work their imaginations and most likely
get them chatting about clouds and other things they see!
6. Flower spotting ~ If
you are in an area where your kids can just wonder through a field or
arboretum garden of some sort, pack them up with a book, magnifying
glass and a bottle of water and see what they find. Chances are they
will find bugs, creepy crawlies, and other things too.
7. Word games ~ There
are loads of different kinds of printables online, my kids love making
small words out of larger ones. This is another versatile game that can
be done almost anywhere at any time and aids their reading and spelling
without them quite realising it!
8. Home theatre ~ many children love
to act out, dress up, and emulate a favourite singer, actress or other
favourite character. All they need are a few old clothes, a few
curtains, and a place to perform!
9. Garden disco ~
especially for the girls, fancy skirts/tops, a pretty hairstyle and
some music to dance along to! Invite kids over to join in and the rest
just unfolds!
10. Garden party ~ this can be as minimal or extravagant as you like,
give the kids a few games (ball games, skipping, water slides etc) some
food and maybe an adult or two and they will be entertained all day!
11. Hammer n nails ~ One
for the boys (or tomboys out there!) My 4 yr old loves nothing more
than to sit with a plank of wood, mini sized hammer and some nails.
Obviously, this would need parental supervision but it keeps the boys
quiet! For older kids maybe they can make a box, bird feeder, or
something equally simple.
12. Sewing box ~ scraps of fabric, needles and thread and anything can happen. Cut out a simple shapes
such as a teddy bear so it only needs the edge sewing and stuffing with
off cuts of fabric, cut lots of squares to stitch into a blanket or
even a bag. Old clothes are great for this and very inexpensive. Boys
enjoy this almost as much as the girls
13. Cook for a family ~
this can be as basic as burgers and fries or if your kids are older a 3
course meal. Letting them plan, shop and prepare a meal will boost
their confidence and keep them focused for hours! Moreover, you don’t
get to cook either!
14. Camping in the garden ~ Lets
face it, all kids like to camp out even if it is only the garden! If
you have toddlers go camp out with them! Grab some flashlights, books
and nibbles and the kids will have the best night of their life!
15. Kid’s yard sale ~
Hands up if your kids have a load of unused toys, books, games etc? (My
2 hands are up!) let them get in on the act of taking care of their
needs and hold a yard sale, with the proceeds they can perhaps use it
to learn the first steps in financing or buy a new toy/book/game or
even better, save it and watch it grow in their bank!
16. Write your book ~
Every kid has a story to tell, it's not going to be the one we tell
about that exact same experience or trip to the supermarket. Give them
a book and pen, shoot ideas to what they can write about, use bullet
points so they aren’t overwhelmed if they aren’t fans of writing. Make
a front page cover, choose a book title and tell them how much YOU want
to know what their life story is from their view.
17. Role play banker/shopper/parents i.e. finances/thrift ~
A small table and chair, a few packets/tins from food storage and a few
friends and you have a shop. Add some boxes, envelopes and a satchel
style bag for a post office. Make pretend money from strips of paper,
make a till from a narrow box and you have a bank. The imagination is
endless with just a few items here and all the while kids are learning
about some important principles! Especially if their bank is empty and
they only have limited funds at the food store!
18. Papier-mache ~ Bowls,
mountains, plant pots, jewellery holders, pen cups, action man mounds
and more. Just a few ideas to get the kids into creative play,
recycling old papers/magazines is an added bonus for our Green issues!
19. Service project for neighbour ~ With
the nice weather here (at last) get the kids out doing their own
service project for a local neighbour or family member. Anything from
reading to someone, going to the store, cutting grass, feeding pets or
even making them a snack will give the kids are all sense of
accomplishment!
20. Learn an instrument ~ This isn’t as hard as it looks, nor does it
have to cost much money. Freecycle can offer some good old instruments
to good homes, yard sales (trying really hard to get Americanised
here!!) and thrift stores. Libraries offer books for beginners, they
don’t have to be perfect or even last longer than the summer, but
chances are, once they start and see how easy they can pick something
up they will want to carry on!
21. Buddy a younger person ~
Does your child know someone who would benefit from having a buddy? Is
your child one who would benefit from a buddy? Maybe assigning a buddy
to someone will reach out to someone and give something they need most,
from confidence, faith in themselves, a hard time at home or anything
at all. Great works are done when we have someone to look out for us
and the rewards are outstanding for those giving their time and effort
to someone too.
22. Body/hand/foot painting ~
Ok so you guys can join in here, I know my kids just love it when we
have messy play. Having washable floors makes it easier if the weather
is cold but in all the clean up is simple with a hose when outdoors.
Just get some plain rolls of wall paper, loads of washable paints and
let the fun begin!
If your children are anything like mine then they are going to wanna
work through that list throughout the summer, which isn't necessarily a
bad thing considering how long summer is for them! As usual, I would
love to hear what anyone does from this list and hope at least one of
the ideas gives you a kick start! :)
