That don’t involve screens... plus two that do.
By Jenna Gilfillan, M.Ed.
Tent Takeover- I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love building tents. The best part of tent-building is that it takes forever to build and they play inside the tent afterwards! Worth taking over a room for the day. Be the hero and give the kids extra sheets, clothespins, and cushions. Watch out though, it might be too fun not to keep building it with them.
Science Experiments- There are plenty of fun projects with immediate results and wow factors. However, there are even more lessons to be learned from long-term experiments including a much-needed skill- patience! Try out a gross-out experiment such as putting 3 slices of bread into individual plastic bags, then placing them in three different environments- perhaps one goes in the refrigerator, one goes in a cabinet, and the third goes outside. Which grows mold fastest? Why? Not into the ick factor? Try planting seedlings and doing the same process as the bread! Schedule weekly check-ins either way. Kids can chart and draw the changes they notice!
Flashlight Fun- Bundle up and venture outdoors! Send those kids outside with headlamps and flashlights in the backyard, even after sunset. Have you ever heard the phrase “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” This Scandinavian mentality originates from places where it’s colder and darker than what we are used to! Imagine the memories they will make, not to mention the much-needed physical activity. Chances are you’ll be able to supervise them (depending on the kids) from the warm side of the window by watching their lights!
For more ideas of screen-free inspiration, read Jenna’s book Rain, Rain You Can Stay- available on Amazon. Email hello@arboroempowered.com for a personalized, autographed copy!
Sometimes screen time is more for us adults than it is for the kids (shhh- don't tell them that!). If the screen is what we need, here are two ways to make the most of it.
Stick to the slow-paced shows. Avoid rapid scene changes. Here are some shows that pass the slow-pace test.
According to a 2011 study in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Just 9 minutes of viewing a fast-paced television cartoon had immediate negative effects on 4-year-olds' executive function. Parents should be aware that fast-paced television shows could at least temporarily impair young children's executive function."
The same is true for screen-based apps and games. Try Khan Academy Kids for a slower version. PBS Kids has some great skill-based apps as well!
Interactive channels for the win! Here is a favorite that Lindsay introduced us to a few years ago- Mo Willems Lunch Doodles Give the kids a marker and plenty of paper for these episodes. It's fun to do with your kids too! Pretty please monitor and supervise any time on YouTube- ya never know what might pop up.
Gift Shop Items Perfect for Cozy Winter Play- Hand-selected by our specialists!
Order online and pick up at Arboro or ship to you. Valentine's Day is in one month by the way...
Crayon Rocks- Selected by Rachel Burgess, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist specializing in Fine Motor Development
Pick your puzzle from this awesome collection! USA, World Geography, Periodic Table, or Art History (the Periodic Table is about 50% finished on my kitchen table right now).
Like Magnatiles, but better. This STEAM toy was our biggest hit this year! Choose from the big pack or a small pack. Tip: The big pack can be split into two smaller ones easily for a better deal.
Elevate (wink wink) your Floor is Lava game with these aesthetically pleasing stepping stones, stack them to make a stool, and flip them over to become bowls for playing restaurant. We have 3 more sets in stock!
What are your favorite winter weather tools, hacks, and activities? Comment below!
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