Everyone remembers that old nursery rhyme where we sang "it's raining, it's pouring, and the old man is snoring". Well, I do anyway. Back then, infant school teachers or child care workers gave us activities that kept us occupied.
Now, things are a little different. If it's raining outside, young children are more prone to spending time on a smartphone or tablet device. Whether it is an online video of Pepper Pig or playing candy crush.
But as you may already know, young children who spend too much time on a mobile or tablet device, are doing themselves more harm than good.
So it is time we go back to basics, and introduce some exciting activities to keep children away from the screen and have some real fun.
1. Board Games
Board games are an excellent way to bring children. It will keep them occupied, and it is a great way to pass the time. Be sure to have board games that are easy and simple. Ludo, snakes and ladders and draughts are excellent board games, and they are readily available.
And if you like, you can ask children to create their own board games. You'll be amazed with what kind of games they'll come up with.
2. Sing
If you play an instrument, or just like to enjoy a sing-a-long, get the children together to sing some songs. Mind, saying that you'll probably receive requests to sing Baby Shark.
But hey, at least it keeps them occupied.
3. Watch Cartoons
While we do advocate children to not use mobile or tablet devices, you can get all the children involved to watch a children's tv program. If your school or nursery has a TV, and you have permission to do so, get the children together to watch an episode of their favourite cartoon.
Be sure to just stick with one episode, and no more.
4. Get Creative
One key characteristic traits that employers like to see in a child care worker is creativity. They want to see you create something out of nothing.
There are plenty of activities that you can do. You can paint rocks using either acrylic or washable paint. Or, you and your children can make a rainmaker together using a cardboard tube, foil, wrapping paper and rice.
One thing you have to remember is that children are very curious and they have an amazing imagination. Even if you ask them to make structures with recyclable plastic cups, and then knocking them down with a softball, they'll be entertained for quite some time.
5. Freeze Dance
Another cool and fun activity is to get all the children to dance. One dance game that is very popular with children is called Freeze Dance. In this game, children dance to music (it can be Baby Shark), and when you pause the track, children have to stand still, as they have been frozen.
You can turn this into a fun game where if a child moves, they would have to sit out. And you keep playing until there is a winner.
It is a great game for burning up energy, even on the most drizzly days.
6. Storytelling
And finally, there's storytelling. It's tried-and-tested, and almost never fails. You can also do the old trick of naming one of the characters after one of the children in your group.
Interested in a Career in Working With Children?
A career in working with children is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers, and if you're really interested in pursuing a career in this field, then look no further than The Learning Station.
The Learning Station is a London-based training provider that specialises in online distance learning, where you can study at home, and in your own pace and at your own time.
For working with children, The Learning Station offers the following courses:
Teaching Assistant
Child Care
For more information on The Learning Station, please call us on 020 8342 7210.
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