Photo by MaryAnn O'Brien of local teachers Jill and Matt Kras' house. They created this snakes & ladders game to keep their four kids entertained.

Activity Ideas For Kids During Self-Isolation

Dear parents,

We see your struggle. It’s not easy working from home and playing the part of a teacher/coach/parent all at once to your little ones. As a new mom myself, I know how hard it can be to keep even the littlest ones occupied when your social life has shifted completely online. Thankfully, TCE has you covered. We’ve compiled some fun ideas to keep your little ones occupied and keep you sane while we navigate isolation time together.

DRAWING TUTORIALS:

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…oh, wait no…just another drawing from your kid that’s hard to decipher. Let’s face it, we love our children but their doodles could use a bit of direction. Or at least more than just one line on a sheet of paper before refusing to reuse it again. Why not use this extra time at home to brush up on their drawing skills? Local organizations like Social Art and Yaymaker have been hosting regular tutorials online to help kids (and adults) indulge in their creativity and create full drawings step-by-step. You’ll need basic supplies, but some craft stores are offering curbside pickup. Before you know it, you’ll have a mini art gallery in your household.

NATURE WALK BINGO:

You know how you’re always telling your older children to make themselves useful? Now they can! A nature walk bingo game is a great way for older kids to get some fresh air while having fun and being productive in the process. Creating bingo cards online is easy at sites like Bingo Baker. Encourage your children to be on the lookout for sights in nature like bird nests, goose droppings and spring flowers. Go on the hunt for specific items like coffee cups and empty chip bags to clean up and teach kids to help the environment. The winner gets to be the first to wash their hands after. BINGO! Your neighbourhood will thank you.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WINDOW ART WALKS:

Neighbourhood Window Art Walks are being encouraged by many municipalities across the region and neighbourhood communities are enthusiastically joining in and making their own. Each day, there’s a new drawing theme posted online. Participants can draw a picture according to the theme of the day and hang it so that it’s visible to people walking by your home. Then encourage your little ones to take a walk with you to spot all the art your neighbours have displayed. It’s like a scavenger hunt, colouring contest and outdoor adventure all rolled into one. 

DANCE PARTY:

Are your little ones going a little stir crazy being stuck inside? That’s fair. Who isn’t, right? Thankfully, ThunderStorm Productions is giving your kids a chance to shake their sillies out with regular virtual dance parties. The #DanceDistantly series gives kids a chance to get their groove on with a live DJ from the comfort and safety of your own living room. Wiggle the waggles away!

ENTERTAINMENT:

These are challenging times and a lot of kids are missing their friends and structured schedules. Luckily, our beloved local children’s entertainers need our support now more than ever. Cheer your kids up with a fun live stream performance. Local favourites like Erick Traplin have been hosting Facebook Live events. You can watch a recent performance or watch for upcoming ones. Maybe your little one will even invite you to sing along with them!

We will be posting updates regularly with more activities for the kids as things unfold. In the meantime, our hearts go out to you. Remember we are all in this together!

 

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Care Lucas is Executive Director of WLU Student Publications, and Publisher of TCE. You may have bumped into her at Steel Rails over the years, or in one of the Region’s many magical record stores where she regularly combs through stacks of vinyl. At home she spends time building puzzles with her son Atticus, cat Garfunkel and chinese crested dogs Star and Dookie.