Semi-independent Activities for Kids

Alright, friends. The kids have been out of school for 7 days and I have learned a few things. Here goes the truth: I was not cut out to be a stay-at-home mom. Truth is, I like to work. As we all try to adjust to this new “normal”, let’s give ourselves grace. 

Second thing I learned: My kids need activities they can do by themselves while mom takes the millionth conference call of the day. 

Big props to all the teachers out there sending us lessons to enhance our children’s learning. I really appreciate the videos with instructions my kids can listen to. 

Now, let’s talk about things to keep kids busy aside from their school work. Let’s make learning fun. Just because it isn’t a worksheet or their schoolwork doesn’t mean they aren’t learning! 

For reference, I have a 3-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy.  

Semi-independent Activities:

• Storyline Online — We have listened to almost every age-appropriate book on here. My 5-year-old is able to move on to the next story without my help, no problem. Some of our favorites: Chester’s Way, Hey, That’s My Monster, and No More Noisy Nights.
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden — If you haven’t already started watching the daily live home safaris with the zoo, you need to start! If you missed last week, you can watch on their website or Facebook page. They even post activities for the kids — check it out here.
• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems — My 5-year-old really enjoys this. The artist takes the child step-by-step to draw a picture. New video daily!
• Scavenger Hunts — Everyday I just Google for an indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt for kids. For little kids, if they can see a picture instead of having to read a list, this is better. Or make up your own. If your child is working on their colors, ask them to find you an item that is each primary color.
• FaceTime grandparents, family, friends, etc — Virtual babysitting.
• Georgia Aquarium — Live cam here. You can watch all of their tanks live!
• Make cards — My kids love to make cards for loved ones. I get all the supplies ready and let them make the cards while I am working at the kitchen table.
• Picnic in front of the TV — This will buy me at least 30 minutes. I make them a boxed lunch just like I would for school or a picnic and lay down a blanket and turn on a show.
• The Little Gym Lexington East — A virtual gym class for kids! We watched it on their Facebook page here.
• ABC Mouse — This does cost money (I am sure if you googled, you could find a free code), but you can try 30 days for free and see if you and your kids like it first! My kids have really enjoyed playing the games. They each have their own page, so they receive age appropriate games and lessons.
• The American Dairy Association Northeast — Virtual farm tours here. They also have printable coloring pages and worksheets on their website!
• Scholastic — FREE virtual learn at home activities here.

We will get through this. In my opinion, this is not a time to be concerned with screen time. We do play outside as much as the weather and my job allows. Give yourself and your children grace. 

Hang in there, friends! 

XOXO,

Angie