Not all learning happens at school. Parents can teach kids important skills while having fun with these educational and learning activities. The supplies needed are probably things you have around the house, but if you have to buy anything, it won’t cost much.
Three Educational Activities
1. SHOPPING SPREE
Equipment cost: $5.5 +
Equipment required: Paper, Pen/ pencil, Money, Treats
According to a recent study, almost a third of adults (31%) say they wish they had learned more about managing their money in school, so why not help educate your little ones on the topic at home by creating a “fake” shop? Turn a section of a room into a makeshift shop using items you know they would love, such as their favorite toys and snacks, and give them some money to play with. This money could be real or fake, it is entirely your choice! Price all the items to encourage the child to engage in simple math to determine if they do or do not have enough money for certain items. A trip to your local Dollar Store can provide supplies and products for the store.
2. WORD SNAP
Equipment cost: $6.5 +
Equipment required: Paper (Index Cards work great), Pen/pencil, Colored Pencils
Everyone loves a game of ‘snap,’ so why not make your own version to help improve memory and vocabulary? Choose a mixture of words depending on the child’s age and vocabulary range and write the words onto DIY cards. Once all the cards are ready, lie each card face down and get the children to pick a card. Encourage each child to read the word from their card out loud and then choose another — if the two cards do not match, put both cards back down again and try until all pairs have been found!
3. TREASURE HUNT
Equipment cost: $5.5 +
Equipment required: Paper, Pen/ pencil
To help improve map-reading and navigation skills, why not hold a treasure hunt in your home or garden? Create a map of your garden or home showing different locations where players can find clues. The clues will eventually lead kids to the treasure. This activity is highly stimulating, and it will improve communication and teamwork skills and encourage ‘out the box’ thinking. It will also result in a sense of achievement, so don’t forget X marks the spot! This fun activity could take some time, depending on age and ability. but it will only cost $5.
Three Mindfulness Activities
Understanding a child’s emotions and physical needs is crucial, as learning and long school days can often be overwhelming for kids. It has been found that anxiety disorders are estimated to affect 5-19% of all children and adolescents, with around 2-5% of these children being younger than 12 years old.
The ability to be mindful is excellent for lowering tension and can enhance future learning. There are a variety of calming activities that children can engage in to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
1. NATURE ART
Equipment cost: $4.0 +
Equipment required: Paper, Glue
Studies have shown that over 80% of teachers say children are more engaged in learning when taking lessons outdoors.With this in mind, why not help to relax your child’s mind by taking them outdoors into the fresh air for a lesson? We all know how curious kids can be, so combining the outdoors with crafts and making nature art is a great way to stimulate the brain. Let them explore and gather various materials, such as leaves, grass, rocks, sticks, etc., that can be found outdoors and create a piece of art or self-portrait. It keeps them busy from any worries while feeding their curious nature.
2. FIVE SENSES CHALLENGE
Equipment cost: $5.5 +
Equipment required: Paper, Pen/ pencil
This is a common method to help relieve someone from anxious thoughts and is perfect for practicing with children, as they can also put their senses to the test. Take your child for a walk and ask them to hone in on their own senses by observing their surroundings. Get them to record what they see, hear, taste, smell, and touch by either writing or drawing them. This allows them to explore how their body functions in a fun and educational way.
3. CLOUD CATCHING
Equipment cost: Free
Equipment required: Green space
Lay down outside with kids and look up at the sky. Encourage children to say what they can see “hidden” in the clouds, pointing out any shapes and images that their mind may create. This is a free activity that can be great for harvesting creativity and even developing their story-telling skills. All you need is green space to enjoy this activity.
Activities compiled by The Knowledge Academy. theknowledgeacademy.com