Category Archives: COVID-19 children’s enrichment activities special needs

WHAT’S OUT THERE?

MARCH 27

Movement

Look up at any window. You might see a bear. Or if our idea takes off, maybe favorite gaming images instead. Communities around the country are taking the children’s rhyme “Going on a bear hunt” and turned it into a game for the COVID-19 quarantine. The link on the left tells you about the game in Augusta County. Take a walk around Augusta towns and see for yourself.

This sounds like so much fun, we think you could be excused for stealing the idea and giving it your own twist.

Network with your friends to pick a favorite gaming character from any video game. Have everyone print pictures of the character and put them in their windows. You might have figurines or stuffed toys you can put out also.

Use social networking to get the word out to get friends and neighbors. And friends of friends. And neighbors of neighbors. Ad infinitum. In addition to the apps you usually use, neighborhood apps and neighborhood list serves might be especially helpful. Once you get the word out, take a walk every day to to see if the character you suggested is showing up in any windows.

Remember, this will only happen if you get the word out to lots of people.

Art and Literature

Sidewalk Art. Do you remember the sidewalk art scene in Mary Poppins? How the sidewalk came alive with the work of a street artist? Bring your sidewalk alive with sidewalk art ideas. Or draw a gaming character from the activity above, or a bird from the activity below, and encourage walkers to come find your masterpiece.  

Science and Math

Birdzilla. Download this bird bingo game, and mark the spot when you see a matching bird.

Bird Bingo Adapted. If listening works better than looking, familiarize yourself with these birdsongs. Each player picks five birds to listen for. Who will hear all five of their birds first?

GAME NIGHT IDEAS DURING HOME QUARANTINE

March 27

Get Ready for Game Night

Art and Literature

Make your own board game.  This video by the National Museum of Australia is full of great ideas for creating board games using readily available materials.  The museum has additional videos and activities.

Movement

Movement and Music Games. Yesterday we posted a link to a rock podcast.  Use the podcast to play some music and movement games, like musical hide and seek.

Science and Math

Brainteasers. How quickly can you do the penny triangle challenge? This and other brain challenges use materials you should be able to find around the house, but if not, just improvise, sticks for toothpicks, buttons for pennies.

Adapting Games

Making Games Work…. This article has outstanding suggestions for making board games frequently played at home accessible at all levels.

After-School Online March 26

Subscriptions and Podcasts

Science and Math

But Why This semi-weekly NPR “Kids and Family” podcast digs into life’s pressing questions, like “How Do People Fall Asleep?” and “Do Animals Get Married?” This podcast does cover some topical issues, such as the COVID-19, so some parents might want to pre-screen or discuss the podcasts. Technically, these aren’t all Science and Math podcasts, but … close enough.

Movement

Rock Podcast.  Spare the Rock is a weekly radio show out of  KUTX 98.9, Austin.  This web link takes you to their blog, where if you scroll down you will find their most recent playlist.  Now, we put this under movement for a reason, so grab your phone, connect with your friends, and throw a virtual dance party.

Art and Literature

Today’s reading subscriptions will appeal to younger children. To make this suitable for older readers, consider having them create their own read-aloud recordings to share with younger children. They should think about how they will introduce and conclude their reading, and how they will use vocal tone to make it interesting.

Story Podcast Circleround is a weekly podcast from WBUR 90.9 Boston.  The website includes links to coloring books and soundtracks. 

Kids’ Books Read Aloud. If listening to read-alouds doesn’t work for you, this YouTube series features read-along books.