LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Millions of children since school closure are in isolation in their own home. This tip is about learning through play – something that can be fun for all ages!

Types of play

• There are so many different types of play that can be both fun AND educational.
• Language, numbers, objects, drama and music games give children opportunities to explore and express themselves in a safe and fun way.

Movement games

• Create dance choreography to your children’s favorite songs. One person does a dance move and everyone else copies. Everyone takes turns being the leader.
• “Challenge” who can do the most toe touches – jumping jacks, windmill toe touches in a minute.
• “Mirror” each other – facial expressions, movements, sounds. One person can start as the leader and then switch. Try it with no leaders!
• Freeze dance: Play music or someone sings a song, and everyone dances. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Last person still dancing becomes the judge for the next round.
• Animal dance: Same as above but when the music stops, call out a name of an animal, and everyone has to become that animal.

Telling stories

• Tell your children a story from your own childhood.
• Ask your children to tell you a story.
• Make up a new story together starting with “Once upon a time…” Each person adds a new sentence to the story.
• Act out a favorite story or movie – older children can even direct younger ones while learning responsibility.

Change the object

• Every day household items like brooms, mops or scarves can become fun props for games.
• Place an object in the center of the room and whenever someone has an idea, they jump in and show the rest what the object can be.
• For example, a broom might become a horse or a microphone or even a guitar!

Memory game

• First person says, “When COVID-19 lock down ends, I am going to… (e.g., go to the park)”.
• Second person adds to first person, “When COVID-19 lock down ends, I am going to the park and… (e.g., visit my best friend)”.
• Each person adds to the previous trying to think of all of the fun things to do when COVID-19 lock down ends.

Singing

• Singing songs to your baby helps to develop language.
• Play or sing a song, and the first one to guess it right becomes the next leader.
• Make up a song about hand washing or physical distancing. Add dance movements!