We’re well into this strange and unfamiliar social distancing phase all over the world. And we’re sure it’s been challenging to keep your kids entertained at home all day! It takes time and effort to keep planning indoor activities and in an already stressful time, it’s easy to run out of ideas. Luckily, we recently put together a list of downloadable activites to do at home and Some of these screen-free play ideas are useful too, and don’t forget to take a look at the potential of the Marble Run too!

We also think it’s a good idea to turn to some homeschooling moms for inspiration during this time. They have plenty of experience with planning constructive activities for their kids and you might find something new and exciting here. Here are three of our favourites and some of their ideas. Since these are unusual times, we hope these ideas may inspire you to create your own version with the available resources.

The Eclectic Homeschooler

Andrea has two daughters who have been homeschooled for the last two years. She has great recommendations for kids’ books, interactive learning and keeping children curious with dress ups and pretend play.

1. Pretend play is fun for kids while they’re toddlers and till they’re in the early years of school. It keeps the imagination active and opens up new worlds for them. Check out Andrea’s daughter training to be a vet here and both girls enjoying a Japanese tea party here!
2. You can also set up a little puppet show like Andrea does with store-bought inexpensive materials or DIY, for an afternoon of entertainment!
3. Decide a theme for the week and plan activities around that, like Andrea’s lessons on oceans where they explored coral reefs, watch documentaries and painted reef animals.

Herheartshomeschools

Allison is a mother of four and has lots of craft related ideas for indoor activities. Break out the coloured paper, paints and markers and sit your kids down for hours of fun!

1. Allison has easy ideas like covering a table in brown paper and turning it into a little art class of sorts. It’s perfect right now with limited resources!
2. Start a little home garden, letting your kids plant seeds and watch them grow. Stick a big piece of paper up on a wall and mark the progress, with things like how much water and sunlight they need, how much they grow per week and more.
3. Allison’s kids also really like playdough, and who doesn’t! Let your kids play it with it and let the imagination run wild or use it to shape numbers and letters. Working with their hands helps reinforce concepts faster.

Chickieandroo

On Lauren’s page, you’ll find lots of book recommendations and craft ideas that keep her two homeschooled kids busy. She also has ideas for how to make learning interactive.

1. Since outings to public places aren’t possible, Lauren and her kids picked up leaves and flowers from their own yard and turned them into a pretty forest! Look around you for inspiration and try and get as much family outdoor time as you can, while being safe.
2. Involve your kids in daily routines because as Lauren says “they are real life lessons for a living education.” Discuss current events like the pandemic and get them to help out with cleaning and gardening and other basic household tasks.
3. Something like this pond table can liven up homework. Use simple materials available at home to recreate an ecosystem that your kids can’t actually go and see at the moment. Bring it indoors and watch them learn and have fun!

How are you keeping your children entertained during this time? Where do you get your inspiration from? Let us know in the comments below, and stay safe and healthy!