WORDS: Jenny Miller
Families are saying hello to a new year, but with the coronavirus pandemic still hanging around, things continue to look way different than we’re used to. Some students are back in the classroom every day, others are still doing modified or virtual schedules, and some are still being home-schooled.
Whatever your family is doing, we’re all left with time on our hands where the kids are stuck inside, and it doesn’t take long for little ones to start feeling bored at home. That’s when parents can step in with these fresh ideas to keep boredom away. And what’s better than indoor boredom busters? Boredom busters that are educational too!
Take a Virtual Field Trip
There’s a reason why field trips are such a fun part of being a kid! Taking a field trip reminds kids that there’s more to the world than their classroom, plus it’s a great way to break up the monotony of doing the same thing each day. You may not be able to recreate the exact experience but taking a virtual field trip is the next best thing.
Another plus for virtual exercises of this sort is that parents and siblings can join in too, so it’s educational and an opportunity to spend time together as a family. Try visiting a virtual zoo or aquarium if your family loves animals, check out a museum for some art or history lessons, or get off the couch and move together while watching a concert or fitness class.
Game Night Done Right
Games today come in all forms, from traditional board games to creative make-believe games – and even the latest video games and mobile apps. We love the timelessness of classic games like chess, but it can be just as fun to switch things up. For example, Parents magazine has some fun ideas for making classic games educational, like turning Twister into a math game or creating your own giant Scrabble.
And as much as we love these hands-on games, don’t worry if your kids gravitate towards the digital side of gaming. While it’s always good to have limits for screen time, many parents are surprised to learn that video games have multiple benefits for children’s development. As Engadget explains, video games are great for developing coordination, problem-solving skills, and social skills (to name a few!).
Especially now that kids miss their friends, online gaming is a perfect solution for kids to get the social interaction they need. So, let the kids play on – just within reasonable limits! One more word of advice: for the best experience, it’s worth looking into the best internet connection for online gaming. Not only do you want to boost speed for gamers, but you’ll want to be sure your connection is robust enough to support online work and educational needs.
Kids in the Kitchen
This last idea might seem more far-fetched than typical kid stuff, like games and field trips, but that’s exactly why kids love it so much! There’s no place like the kitchen for kids to get a little dirty while learning some hands-on, real-life skills. The next time you’re cooking, let little kids help with small tasks, like mixing up a cake, while older kids can put their math lessons to use by helping you follow a recipe.
Along with learning how to cook (and getting to sample their creations), kids love doing kitchen science experiments. Parents love these because they’re easy to do, plus most use basic ingredients that you already have on hand. And the result is a visual learning opportunity that’s just as exciting as it is educational.
Parents continue to face some interesting dilemmas these days. Thankfully, whether your kids are inside due to the pandemic or changing weather, a world of learning is right at their fingertips. All you have to do is give a little guidance – or even join in on the fun!
