When you’re stuck in the house with the kids, it can be all too easy to slump on the sofa in front of the TV. It’s clear that interaction and engagement can have a huge impact on a child’s development. Using up that time for educational activities doesn’t just improve their knowledge - the connections between your family will deepen too. To get the creative juices flowing, here’s some tantalising educational activities you can do with your kids.
Trivia time
Who said trivia has to be boring? There’s endless possibilities when it comes to educational quizzes. Similarly to charades, you can play guess the animal by imitating certain creature characteristics or guess the country by describing parts of a nation’s food or landmarks. Trivia games are a brilliant way to get up and have some fun, while simultaneously getting some learning in there too.
Plant paradise
Sowing the seeds of a passion for plants will be something your child thanks you for in later life. Whether they’re in the house or the garden, buying some small plants and helping them grow is both exciting and educational. Every day, make sure you and the kids water your plants and keep an eye on their growth. Before too long, you’ll be living in a beautiful botanical paradise.
World of pasta
If geography is where your kids need to up their game, this pasta painting activity can give them a huge boost. All you need is glue, a cardboard plate, a variety of water colours, a pack of dry pasta and some large coffee filters. With an atlas on the table, get your little ones to glue their colourful pasta down in the shape of the continents, talking them through each one. This is a fun little arts and crafts activity that’s packed full of worldly delight.
Culinary fun
You’re never too young to learn how to cook. Teaching the kids even the very basics of cooking is a crucial learning experience for the future. We’d suggest putting on some big chef hats and taking your kids through the baking fundamentals. Cook up some cookies and go with a specific theme each night - when you come round to the icing stage, the little ones can create their favourite movie characters or animals.
When you’re bunkering down in the house with the kids, replacing the glow of screens with fun, genuinely educational activities can have a brilliant effect. Not only will you feel as if you’re spending more time with the family, but your children will be giving their knowledge a huge boost.