Good Parenting

Has a rainy day caught you and your child indoors? Struggling to come up with ideas to fill the day? There’s no need to sit on the couch all day long! Chase those rainy-day blues (and the “I’m bored” comments) away with fun, creative preschool curriculum activities. If you are ready to get rid of that cooped up feeling, or just want to be prepared for the next rainy day, here are a few ideas to make your day fun!

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1. Have a Treasure Hunt

Treasure hunts are always big hits, no matter if it’s rainy or not! Sure, it takes a little prep time to hide clues, but it’s worth it. Adjust difficulty of clues and location according to your child’s learning level. (You can use picture clues for young children and tricky puns for older ones.) Add fun by giving clue instructions to hop or dance on to the next clue—so your child can get a little exercise too! Prizes can be treats, a movie, books, a puzzle, etc. Incorporate clues that relate to what your child is currently learning like numbers, letters, or animals!

2. Put on a Show

Have your child or children put on a show! Encourage them to try a play (real or make-believe) or have a talent show. Start with a fun theme or a line like “Once upon a time.” You can also have a puppet show behind a couch or table. Make fun puppets out of paper bags or buy stuffed animal puppets from the store. Encourage your child to use his imagination and use numbers and letters he has been learning in the show!

3. Take a Trip or Go Outside Anyway

Use the excuse of rainy weather to go somewhere fun! Bundle up and take your child on a field trip to a local indoor pool, inflatable play space, a local gym, or roller rink. Get rid of some energy together and have fun teaching a new skill to your little one, or go outside and get wet anyway. Add boots and raincoats and go outside and dance in the rain and splash in puddles. Teach your child how to use an umbrella or pretend to be frogs or fish! DonÂ’t forget to have a hot cup of soup when you come back inside.

4. Make a Fort in Your Living Room
ItÂ’s time to make a mess! Break out the couch cushions, blankets, and boxes and build a fort in your living room. Pretend your new fortress is a castle, a house, a tent, car or tractor, and so forth. Have lunch or treats under your fort, or take a nap under your oasis together! You can even cook some cookies together and eat them in your secret cave.

5. Blow up Some Balloons

Chase the rainy day away with fun balloon games! Blow up some balloons and play keep away, or see who can keep the balloon in the air without touching the ground the longest. Play dodge the balloon instead of dodge the ball, or mound up all the balloons in one corner and see how high you can stack them. See who is the fastest at sitting on a balloon and popping it! Incorporate fans in your balloon games to make games even more fun.

The next time a rainy day comes you and your childÂ’s way, donÂ’t be couch potatoes! Add fun, creativity, and learning to your little oneÂ’s day with exciting preschool curriculum activities you will both love. Liven up the day with these kid-favorite pastimes and can easily incorporate curriculum lessons. Remember that just because itÂ’s pouring outside, it doesnÂ’t mean the day is ruined. Simple activities like cooking, playing, and exploring will take up more time than you think. Try these preschool curriculum activities today!

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 8:03 pm and is filed under Good Parenting.