Grandkids visiting? Mix up some fun!
Many of us will be hosting preschool and elementary school aged grandchildren for the holidays and our first thought may be to hit the dollar stores for some coloring books, crayons, markers, etc. to keep them busy in the odd moments. Why not try the host of activities available in our own cupboards, that will entertain them while at the same time making the visit a memorable one? Consider these sure fire hits with the kids that take very little time, money, and effort on our parts, but will entertain children from toddler age up to the age of 9 (believe me, I've done it) for a considerable amount of time. These activities also have a calming effect on children so they are great for a wind down after more physical activities:
Homemade Play Dough – Everyone loves to manipulate play dough and the kind you make at home (click here for recipe) has the added punch of enjoying the process of making the dough together in addition to playing with it afterwards. While you are making it, don’t forget to take advantage of the wonderful math and science concepts you can teach your grandchildren while you let them measure, count and mix. Many times mom is too busy to take the time to cook with the kids and many schools are phasing this kid of activity out of even their early childhood curriculum due to the fear of lawsuits (cooking, health issues) when doing these kinds of activities in large groups so you may be the only one doing this kind of activity with them. For tools to manipulate the dough after it is made use your cookie cutters, pizza wheels, plastic knives, pastry cutter, rolling pins, etc. A little food coloring will produce great colors, but I like the natural color since it makes the experience even more creative. Once you give dough a color it limits the child’s choices on what they think they can make out of it. Make sure you have some zip lock bags on hand as they will surely want to take the dough home with them to remember the fun time!(although the play dough is not poisonous, it is not for consumption so if your toddler is still putting everything in his/her mouth you might want to skip this one.)
Finger Painting with Chocolate Pudding - This activity is messier but has the same benefits as the play dough (the joys of creating it, learning from it and then playing with it) but with the additional benefit of eating some of it before. Use the instant pudding. After it’s mixed,cooled, and firmed up, just drop it in a lump on a clean tray at the table,set your aproned grandchild in front of it and watch the joy! Encourage the child to put their fingers in it and demonstrate making circles, squares, etc. then let them create their own designs. (Mommy rarely lets them do anything as messy as this on purpose…)
Fruit Loop Lacing – Buy the long licorice shoelaces, a box of Fruit Loops, and watch your grandchild make edible necklaces galore. A great way to practice fine motor skills necessary for handwriting, and fun to eat afterwards. For the older kids, you could challenge them to make patterns ( ie: two reds, a yellow, four greens, etc.) and then try to match each others patterns.
Whatever you plan on doing with your grandchildren, remember that it is the process, not the product that is important. These activities stimulate creativity and to nurture creativity children must take risks and not be afraid that what they produce is "wrong" in some way. Keep it light and fun and together you’ll create a wonderful memory.
Remember to visit Nona Nita's Nook at www.nonanitasnook.com
Comments