When the boys were little and needed a little more direction in their days I did this fun little activity one summer called “something to do”. I would print off the sheet once a week and fill out each of the “something” categories.
I thought I would recreate this for my friends with younger kiddos that are finding themselves needing something to do with all of this extra – and unexpected! – time with your kids.
You can print the something to do printable here, and below you will find a list of ideas that you could use in the various categories – but really, make this your own! Use things that would excite your own children, things you already have around the house.
This is NOT meant to be another burdensome thing you feel you need to do, but rather something to help structure and organize your week (or days … but doing this daily sounds exhausting!)
If you need ideas for any of the something to do categories I have them organized below in the same order they are on the printable, so scroll through to the area you need ideas for or hit control + F and search for the something you want. Have fun!
With the current stay at home mandate there are so many authors or celebrities reading books for children or families to enjoy! Any number of those could be used in this category.
Your library, while currently closed, likely has digital content that you are able to access. I follow a few libraries social media accounts and all of them have been sharing story times as well as sharing how to access their online books – so keep that in mind as an option if you are wanting to read a new book to your child but not spend money on buying one.
Additionally, before purchasing anything new I would recommend looking over your own shelves for new treasures. If you have a fairly generous sized collection you could do something as simple as writing down Something to Read:
– about a cat
– with someone wearing green
– about a different country
etc.
The challenge would then be for your child(ren) to find the appropriate book that falls within the parameters you set up.
If you want to buy a new book here a few I would recommend:
Little Polar Bear is a sweet set of stories about Lars, a funny and mischievous little polar bear.
There are Rocks in my Socks is a fun rhyming book that I was read as a young child and was a must have for my boys when they were little.
Paddle to the Sea is a wonderful book that teaches about the Great Lakes, while offering a sweet and delightful story.
Little Pear is still one of my favorite read alouds … and it has been YEARS since I read it to the boys! It is a pretty short chapter book, so a good one to start on if you want to introduce chapter books to your kids.
The Island of Adventure was the first Enid Blyton chapter book we read, and really the boys first taste of a mystery story. It captured their imaginations and each chapter left them in suspense.
Peppe the Lamplighter is a sweet yet sad story about an immigrant family in NYC and the challenges they face.
Rasmus the Vagabond was one of the funnier read alouds I read to the boys. Written by the same author as Pippi Longstocking we laughed alongside the adventures of Rasmus in his quest to find a family.
Gentle Ben was one of my personal favorites to have read together. A believable, albeit fictitious, story about a boy and a grizzly bear in rural Alaska. There was learning, adventure, and character development.
Owls in the Family was another really funny read aloud that we enjoyed laughing through.
The Giraffe That Walked to Paris is another picture book and a wonderful story about a giraffe that was given as a gift from the Pasha of Egypt to the king of France.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a charming picture book for the younger crowd. It follows the imagination of a young boy as he draws himself through all sorts of adventures.
Given that we don’t exactly know when this will end be careful not to make this something that will not be able to happen should circumstances change (ie: a party with friends on May 1!)
You can utilize other items on this list that might happen later in the week or things that are otherwise happening in your week (Facetime with Grandma, movie night, etc.)
This can be ANYTHING – pick a new grocery item to try, or perhaps pick a recipe to make with your child(ren). You can make your own pizzas, make jello together, make pizza cookies, eat dessert first, or each breakfast for supper.
You could complete a puzzle, or a book or movie you started. You could complete a project you started, or a challenge you started.
This could range from audiobook to music. I have seen some moms create a music jar and they write down a selection of their favorite musical artists and the kids draw one out and they spend the week or month listening to that artist – that would be a fun way to do this prompt!
You could learn something new, eat supper somewhere new (under the table? in the tub?), try a new flavor of ice cream … or leave it for the child to come up with a new idea for the family to do together!
This could be yard work, indoor chores, or doing school work. It could also be a challenging number of push ups or sit ups. Make it a challenge for your child(ren).
I know most moms are feeling the restlessness that comes with too much screen time! But sometimes it adds a nice break, and planning for it helps it not be the automatic answer.
It’s been a while since we have watched movies for young kids and there are SO many more options available now. But here are some I remember my boys enjoying:
Shaun the Sheep
Wallace and Gromit
The Gruffalo
Cars
This can be as grand or as simple as you have energy for. Using the building item of choice (Lego, Knex, boxes) you could ask your child to build something (house, stage, circus, pet, etc.)
You could also give your child string and straws (and maybe a child’s needle to help string it easier) and have them run the string through the straws and build a structure.
Or create a fort from blankets. Or create a new game.
You could create a reading nook, or create a new recipe. Have fun with it!
If you play board or card games, utilize what you already have on hand. If you want to buy some I have a huge list of games over here you can look through.
But you could also do imaginary play, or give them new items to play with in the tub (kitchen strainer?)
While most states are under a stay at home order, it’s important to make sure you are getting fresh air and sunshine daily! Make sure you’re being intentional about it – whether it is a walk around the block, a walk at the nature park*, or laying outside when dark and looking at the stars.
*some states are allowing – even encouraging this – with social distancing being implemented. Follow your states guidelines.
This is such a great opportunity to teach our children about showing kindness to others. Whether writing a note or coloring a picture to mail to someone, decorating your windows for those that pass by, or Facetiming someone who is lonely – find ways to reach out and connect with others.
