Most of us are spent out now after the cost of Christmas and maybe buying more in the sales, Finding things to keep the children entertained which doesn’t cost a lot can be a challenge; so my homespun activities could be the solution:-
Flower pressing: I used to do this with the children when I was a registered child minder.
Pick some flowers from the garden ,( get the children to identify them if you want to make it an educational activity) store them between 2 pieces of parchment paper, then remove and iron beneath a cloth to dry out the flowers, next place them between the pages of a substantial book so that they are tightly compressed.
Leave for at least a week and use the preserved flowers to make pictures or greetings cards.
A microwave can be used to dry out the flowers , rather than an iron, if preferred.
Papier-Mache: Blow up a balloon , then soak strips of newspaper in a thin glue mixture, apply them to the balloon one at a time , until the whole balloon is covered, adding an additional layer will make it stronger,
Allow the glue to dry and the paper to harden, then insert a pin through the paper to pop the balloon, you are left with a papier-Mache sphere to decorate as the child wishes; a face, a planet, but not a football!
Beer mat flip: A game invented by adults in a pub that has been adapted by children.
Simply balance a beer mat or coaster over the edge of a table, flip it upwards with your finger tips so it turns mid-air
then catch it as it rotates
.
Read about traditional games that can benefit children here
I have also written this e book available to download for only 99p buy it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=easy+children%27s+activities+and+crafts+to+do+at+home+by+Karen+Dennis&rh=n%3A266239&crid=1HW6BKIXEOCDO&sprefix=easy+children+s+activities+and+crafts+to+do+at+home+by+karen+dennis%2Caps%2C572&ref=nb_sb_nosse
As always questions and comments are welcome
Until next time
Karen
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Linked with
These are cute ideas. Thanks for sharing and linking. #KCACOLS
Thanks,Kendra and for having me
I used to love pressing flowers as a child. Sometimes the simplest activities bring the most joy! #KCACOLS
Totally agree thanks for sharing
I do love the idea of flower pressing, this is definitely something I’ll try with our girls! #KCACOLS
I hope they enjoy it,I,m sure they will
What fab ideas x #mischeieveandmemories
Thanks, Sam
Just returning from #kcacols
I have tried to introduce my grandkids to the activities my kids enjoyed.
That’s great, Michele,did they enjoy them?
They like anything that involves together time!
Fantastic, thanks for your comments
Thank you for the reminder of doing flower pressing! We haven’t done that in ages. Definitely something to look forward to, especially in the Spring months. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories xx
My pleasure, Annette, thanks for having me as always
I haven’t done papier mache since I was young and a great idea for an activity with the kids. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
Thanks for your kind words, Jade
I had a flower press as a child and Anya was gifted a microwave one so I was excited to see how the process has changed. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
That sounds lovely, Laura. Thanks for sharing
My dad taught me to do the beermat flip as a kid. That photo made me smile. I still sometimes do it but the kids aren’t particularly interested….ha! #KCACOLS
That’s lovely, Lydia, shame that the children aren’t impressed though
Ha! so many happy memories of childhood activities here! Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Thanks for having me and for your comment Stephanie
Don’t forget to add penny shoving to the beer mat activities.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo, sorry for the delay with commenting and sharing. Hope to see you back soon.
Thanks I had forgotten about penny shoving