Ways to Combat the Winter Blues

February 2, 2017

It seems to be that time of year where we here in the midwest are beyond ready for winter to be over and the sun to come out. Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep your little ones engaged mentally and physically while having fun inside.

Homemade playdoh!
One of my all time favorite indoor activities will always be making playdoh. The process of making playdoh involves science and math, and engages the senses. The act of playing with playdoh is definitively open-ended in that there is no one way to play with it. In the event that you are looking for some ideas to spice up your playdoh explorations you can Click Here.

Blanket forts and flashlights!
Many of my favorite childhood memories involve building blanket forts. The dramatic play that naturally ensues is rich in opportunities for creative thinking, language development, and so much more. Why not enhance your children’s experiences by adding shadow play. Adding flashlights and maybe a few props can turn this dramatic play into a STEAM based activity.

Put a spin on your favorite board game
Turn a game like Candyland into a gross motor activity by adding physical challenges. For example, if you land on yellow do ten jumping jacks. Have your children help brainstorm silly things that will transform an old favorite into something new and exciting.

Build a recycled city
Raid the recycling bin and see what you can create using cardboard materials of all shapes and sizes. A few materials that might enhance your creative process – colorful tape, construction paper, popsicle sticks, markers, scissors, or string/yarn. If you are daring, let your little ones tell you what they would like to use to enhance their buildings.

Freeze Dance
Crank up your favorite playlist and dance your hearts out until the music stops when you freeze like a statue. Believe it or not, this favorite activity is a fun and exciting way to help your child develop important gross motor as well as cognitive skills such as impulse control.

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What are your favorite indoor activities? I would love to hear about them. You can comment here, on facebook or twitter.