Given the Covid-19 situation and the risk it poses, Australian families now have to self-isolate themselves and their families to avoid potential exposure to the virus. Ordinarily, when children are home for lengthy periods, like school holidays, parents find various activities and programs outside the home that help keep them busy.
However, in a situation like the current one, parents need to don their creative hats and begin to think of various ways to ensure their children are entertained during the lockdown. Any parent or person looking after small children know how much the little ones resent the idea of being cooped up indoors. In that aspect, they are no different from adults.
Also, children are incredibly intuitive; they can easily sense the stress and worry you are feeling, and you don’t want that worry to rub off on them. Not being able to spend time with friends, go to preschool or even to the local park can be very upsetting for very young children.
Stay Connected With Your Family
Parents are unable to explain to their children why it is so important that they stay indoors at all times; keeping them busy and happy can be challenging. If you are wondering what you can do to keep your children occupied during this difficult time, read on. There are many ways to do this apart from sitting them down before a TV or putting an iPad in their hands.
Encouraging children to stay closely connected with family is essential. Social distancing has indeed brought families together, but having to deal with bored and cranky children continually can become a frustration point for even the most dedicated parent.
Keeping childrens’ hands and minds busy is the best way to ensure that you don’t always have to deal with tantrums that stem from boredom. Here are some activities to keep children busy with during self-isolation:
1. VOLCANOES
Equipment you would need
- A PC or iPad for basic research
- Container
- Tray/Container
- Bottle
- Sand
- Bicarb Soda
- Red Food Colouring
- Spoon
- Vinegar
- Jug
Directions
- First, fill the container or tray with sand.
- Add several spoonfuls of the bicarb into the bottle.
- Now bury the bottle in the tray of sand, leaving the bottle opening exposed.
- Next, mix several drops of vinegar and food colouring in the jug.
- Pour this liquid mixture into your bottle and then observe results.
2. LOLLY TOWERS
Directions
- Tell the children that you all will be building a tall tower.
- You could also challenge them to create or just make the tallest one.
- Now demonstrate to the children how they can pierce the marshmallow with a toothpick.
- Show them how to build the tower by joining many of them together.
3. LEGO CHALLENGE
Equipment you would need
- Lego/ Duplo
- Some challenge cards (or internet access for ideas)
Directions
- Invite the children to do any form of designing.
- Give them specific scenarios they can solve.
- You have to build the grandest house in the world – what will you add to it?
- You need to get across the river – can you build something to help?
4. ONLINE YOGA
Equipment you would need
- A PC or mobile device that has internet connectivity
- A yoga video (YouTube has several children’s yoga channels)
- A mat or towel
Directions
- Tell the children that you will be doing a yoga session.
- Discuss various concepts of yoga such as stretching, control, gross motor control, calmness, mind break and balance.
- Show them a few yoga videos.
- Encourage them to join in with you.
5. MAZES
Equipment you would need
- Straws
- Sticky tape
- Thick card
- Scissors
- Marbles/rolled up foil
Directions
- Invite the children to design and construct a maze on their own.
- Help them with the basic design and construction, and any changes to create a stable structure.
6. CUP CHALLENGE
Equipment you would need
- Card stock
- Paper cups
Directions
- Ask the children to construct the tallest tower possible using card stock pieces and cups.
- Show the children how they can stack the cups in various ways.
- Sit back and then allow them to use their creativity to create and build their structures.
7. AIR POWERED CAR
Equipment you would need
- Straws
- Balloons
- Sticky Tape
- Lightweight car
Directions
- Invite the children to help you steer a car.
- Use the tape to stick the straw into the balloon.
- Tape this onto the car.
- Blow some air into the straw so that it fills up the balloon.
- Pinch the end of the straw to hold the air in.
- Line your car up and then just let go of the straw.
8. PEOPLE BLOCKS
Equipment you would need
- Blocks
- Printed photos of friends and family
- You can also use printed photos of any favourite movie characters)
- Sticky tape or hot glue
Directions
- Make a few characters for the children to use by attaching the photos of the people they know to any bits or blocks that will keep them correctly upright.
- Use shelves or boxes, to make blocks.
9. CHOC CHIP COOKIES
Directions
- Help children with washing hands.
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Include the children in counting and measuring.
- Talk about how you can measure them and the amounts you will use
To make the chocolate chip cookies:
- Cream the butter with vanilla and sugar.
- Stir in the egg.
- Add the flour and salt.
- Stir in the choc chips.
- Roll into small balls.
- Place on the tray and cook them for about 8-12 minutes in the oven that has been preheated to 180°C.
10. PLAYDOUGH
Equipment
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cups of salt
- 2 tbsp spoon oil
- 4 tbsp cream of tartar
- Food colouring
- 2 cups of boiling water
Directions
- Mix all the ingredients and knead them until you get the right consistency.
- Add flour or water as required.
- Use various kitchen tools, pasta, placemats, cars, blocks, characters, or things collected from your garden to create various objects with the playdough.
Other Activities
These are just some of the activities you can get your children involved in while you and your family are in self-isolation. Also, you can continue reading to them, getting them to read books if they are old enough.
Colouring, painting and other art projects can keep them busy, positive and happy at a time when the world around them seems changed and very confusing. When doing all these things with them, it helps you de-stress and forget that the situation outside is worrisome in many ways. Very importantly, stay happy and safe.
For any more information about our Educational Programs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Just give Clovel Childcare and Early Learning Centres a call at 02 9199 0294 or reach out to us via this contact us form.
Thanks for reading,
Clovel Childcare
1300 863 986
