Summer vacations have almost begun. At least in this part of the globe.
Some schools are closing early because of the rising temperatures (and it’s still the beginning of a long summer).
With the kids at home, and no school work to keep them busy, parents are working overtime trying to figure out ways to get them to do something productive, and off those gadgets.
Here are a list of 18 activities that have been tried and tested by many parents, and myself, over the years. See what works for you. You can tweak according to the age group suitable for you.
1. Create a Summer Journal
Kids can write a few lines or draw or doodle about their day.
2. Build a Mini Garden
Grow herbs or small plants in pots or bottles. Learn about hydroponics or making bonsai.
3. Make a Family Recipe Book
Collate your favourite recipes form home. Ask grandmothers and other relatives to contribute. Create a family recipe book. Stick pictures of the dish or illustrate with fun drawings.
4. DIY Crafts from Recyclables
Make utility items for yourself like book ends, bookmarks or file covers or worksheet holders using old cereal boxes. Get creative and look for other items you can use.
5. Story Time Theatre
Pick a favourite book. Get your siblings or cousins or friends for a fun afternoon and act out the scenes with toys or home-made props.
6. Scavenger Hunt at Home or Park
Organise a scavenger hunt with a list of things to find. Make a list of hints to add to the fun.
7. Lego or Block Challenges
Decide on daily theme and create something amazing. You can also throw a challenge to your friends.
8. Start a Summer Blog or Comic Strip
Unleash your creative. Share experiences, thoughts or stories through writing or drawing. Something like Calvin or Dennis the Menace.
9. Build a Bird Feeder
Do your bit for the birds in the hot sun outside. Build a simple bird feeder. Paint in bright colours to attract the birds. Place it along with a small water tray.
10. Learn a New Skill
Coding basics, languages, chess, musical instrument like guitar or flute, calligraphy, origami. Anything that you find interesting.
11. Simple Science Experiments or Projects
Create a solar windmill, or a volcano, try out experiments with household items.
12. Book Club with Friends
Pick a book. Read. Meet once a week to discuss. Do it either in person or virtually.
13. Daily Drawing or Photography Challenge
Decide on a theme. Create a collage of either drawings or photographs or both. Explore your creative expression each day.
These activities below are for the older children. The younger children can try it out under supervision.
14. Build A Portfolio
Create a passion project with something meaningful like poetry, coding project, digital art portfolio or even build your own website or blogs page. A perfect way to showcase your achievements and talents.
15. Volunteer Locally or Online
Lend a helping hand at animal shelters or libraries, or the local flea market. Provide virtual tutoring or mentoring.
16. Join An Internship Programme
Learn about real-world work and gain practical exposure. Good time to learn new responsibilities. Try it with a Local Business or Family Member.
17. Gain Financial Literacy
Learn about accounting, saving and budgeting, understand investing and markets. Track your expenses to learn from experience.
18. Take an Online Course
Build up your skill sets by exploring graphic design, public speaking, psychology, or entrepreneurship.
Your Call
Children will want to engage in activities which excite them, offer something different from the usual things they are doing.
These are just ideas. Build on them. Make it suitable for your child. Maybe even try a combination of two or more activities.
The objective is to fuel learning beyond the textbooks. Time for us to think out-of-the-box!