..so it’s mid summer school holidays and things at home have hit that point of sheer boredom…particularly combined with the limitations of the pandemic. And trying to think of ideas each day that will occupy all the learners at the sane time is feeling oh somewhat challenging!
I hear you, Mummas! It sure can be tricky.
…so I have compiled 5 PLAY Ideas to support you during this time! All activities require adult supervision at all times.
1. FLORAL ICE SUNCATCHERS
A simple sensory activity to set up using natural items collected from a yard and/or nature walk with water in containers for freezing.
You will need:
- bowls
- petals, leaves, stems
- water
- string
- Collect all ingredients
- Fill bowls with water
- Place nature items in the water with string to one side of bowl and ends in water
- Freeze Overnight
- Remove from the freezer (may need hot water)
- Hang in the sun and watch it melt.
- Optional – use water spray bottles with warm water for an extension of play
2. FLOWER PETAL PLAYDOUGH
Another simple and beautiful sensory activity that can use the leftover natural items from the previous activity, along with playdough and accessories. We love these shops for playdough accessories.
You need: playdough, fine motor tools, a tray and flat surface.
3. THERAPY PUTTY
This putty is made with a DIY recipe from Playathomemummy. It is a great activity for fine motor and sensory development that can be used with little learners that are beyond mouthing objects.
You need:
- 1 x 22g Elmer’s Glue
- Food colouring
- 1/4 tbsp of bi carb soda
- 1 and 1/4 Contact Lens Solution (with boric acid). I used Bausch and Lomb brand.
Mix ingredients until combined. Add contact solution slowly, mixing well between pourings. Knead until putty is pliable and stretchy.
4. COLOURED SPAGHETTI
This is a messy activity but one that can be cleaned up relatively quickly when set up in a way that allows for that. Be sure to check out this MESSY PLAY TIP of ours before you start.
You need:
- Spaghetti
- Oil
- Food Colouring
- Cook spaghetti andante in a pot of boiling water
- Drain spaghetti
- Put into a snaplock bag or bowl with a few drops of food colouring
- Mix until desired colour is achieved
- Add some oil to help spaghetti from getting sticky.
5. DRAMATIC PLAY CENTRES
Dramatic PLAY is one of our most favourite ways of learning. We have had multiple shop fronts, services and sites over the years which has seen our multi age learners throughly engaged in their learning. Littlelifelonglearners creates and sells such amazing play packs that give the dramatic play centre a sense of authenticity and you will have seen them in our playspace many a times.
Hit that COMMENT button and tell me which is your favourite idea and what is going to be next on your PLAYlist.
Happy PLAYing!!
