As many of you are aware, schools have closed throughout Michigan until April 6. Therefore, schools are providing students with some activities that children can be doing during the day to keep the students engaged and learning. However, as a parent you are probably wondering what are you going to do with your children for the next three weeks to keep them engaged? Here are some helpful ideas of things you can do with your kids:

1. Have a dance party – Crank up some kid friendly songs and dance away. Your children will love seeing you be wild and crazy with them.
2. Practice coloring – You can print lots of pre-made coloring sheets online. For example you could print from http://www.supercoloring.com/ or https://www.crayola.com/featured/free-coloring-pages/. If you don’t have a printer give your child some paper and let them draw you a picture.
3. Go outside and play – Just because you are home doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Play outside with your children. Run around, play a game, or even go for a walk. Here is a website with 30 games you can play outside with your children. https://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/
4. Research topics of interest – Children do not normally get to research things that interest them during school. Give them this chance to showcase what they are interested in, and learn something. Whether a child is interested in sloths or judo, let your child research the topic.
5. Learn something new – There are lots of online videos on youtube, or online courses where you can learn a new skill. Help your student learn how to do something that they have always wanted to do.
6. Play some board games – There are lots of board games that are stashed in your cupboard that you have not played in awhile. Have a Uno tournament, or play a new card game.
7. Practice math facts – Children from first grade on up can always use some extra practice with their math facts. Instead of just quizzing them with flashcards, make a game out of it and see how many facts they can get through in two minutes. There are lots of games out there too that you can download and print that are math games.
8. Read – Children of all ages love being read to, yes even middle school and high schoolers. Even if your local library is closed, you can get ebooks sent to your phone or tablet that you can read together.

That is just the tip of the iceberg. I will be posting more ideas each week. If you are struggling to find some games online please feel free to email me and I will gladly help you find some games or materials for your children. Have fun!