We are temporarily reviving our Children's Blog to provide some resources for families who are stuck at home during this period of social distancing due to COVID-19. We will put together a variety of activities for you and your families every day at 1:00 pm. Watch for weekend Boredom Busters on Saturday and/or Sunday. See which ones you can do, and if you get the chance, share the results with us on any of our social media platforms, which will be listed at the bottom of this blog.
Today's theme is Dramatic Play!
Let's look at the Importance of Pretend Play. Engaging in pretend play helps develop:
- Language skills
- Social & Emotional Skills
- Thinking Skills
- Imagination
Other benefits to dramatic play:
- Relief from emotional tension
- Children feel powerful
- Understanding use of symbols
- Differentiate between fantasy and reality.
Puppet Show: http://www.legendsandlore.com/mkpuppets.html
Sock puppets and paper bag puppets are fun and easy! You can decorate them with lots of extras or just one or two things, and tell great stories. Be prepared to be silly, and have lots of fun!
Camp Out: https://www.mykidsadventures.com/how-to-have-an-indoor-camping-experience/
Indoor camping is a great way to break up your every day normal and have an "out of the house" experience, without actually leaving the house.
Check out this Indoor S'mores recipe! Try fishing in the tub (with some water friendly toys)! Do some virtual stargazing!
Scene Acting: https://www.stagemilk.com/acting-scenes-for-kids/
Kids love acting out their favourite scenes from movies. Encourage them! Turn on the soundtrack to their favourite movie, and have them act it out. Turn on a film or show with the sound off, and have them provide the words for the scene.
This activity is geared towards older children, but you can adapt it for younger ages.
If all else fails, you can never go wrong with Charades!
Pretend Play Meteorologist: https://earlylearningideas.com/weather-station-dramatic-play/
Forecast the weather for today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week. You can check Environment Canada for accurate results, or have the kids predict their own weather. Bonus activity: prepare for extreme weather scenarios, such as a hailstorm!
Hopefully these activities help break up the day and get your family engaging in some fun dramatic play.
If your kids loved these activities, feel free to send us feedback or pictures on any of our social media platforms, linked below.
Library staff are available by phone (403-887-2130) or email Monday-Friday, 9:00 am 5:00 pm.
You can access all of our digital materials (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more) through our website. If your membership is expired, or you need a membership, call us at 403-887-2130 and we can help.
