You can never have too much fun in the snow, and the learning never stops either while you play and talk together
Today, many of us have lots of snow around, so some sledging is great to learning about balance, speed, slipperiness – and the words to describe them
For those who like building, there are some ideas for snow castles – whole snow villages, why not?
Or for the artistic, some ideas for creating beautiful sculptures and patterns with things you can find around outside
Some mornings we just want to hide under the bedclothes, and it is no different for children
Building a den, or a fort, or a spaceship to be in can be a great help if children are worried or stressed.
And anyway, it is a fun way to develop planning and action skills, and end up with a place where it is nice to be cosy and have stories or play
It can be inside or outside, big or small. Your child might want to make it themselves, or for you to help (or do most of the work …). You might help them find materials like boxes, sheets, branches, etc
And think how to decorate it and make it a good place to be. Older children can help too to make it a family space, or everyone might want their own.
This kind of space can be very helpful for children who have sensory issues or who get over-stressed quite easily. Click here for some more ideas that might help them
Sometimes life just does not make sense, and today’s rhyme certainly doesn’t!
Children enjoy nonsense, and it is a great way to play with language and let off steam at the same time
Hearing different sounds and how they fit together is an important foundation for reading and spelling.
And there is lots of play you can try after. Maybe not over the moon, but can you jump over a stick (how high?) or a puddle?
You can even do jumping contests out and about with loved ones while keeping a 2m distance
Today we have a story all about joining in, what it is like to be left out, how to share things and attention, and how to cope with bossy people!
It is a great story for if everyone is getting a bit fed up with lockdown and being on top of each other
And a chance to chat with your child about the future – making friends, how to play together and what to do if it goes wrong
You can watch the story together on the Book Trust youtube channel. It is by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Tony Neal.
Ever just feel like you could lie down and have a snooze?
Today’s song is all about the difference between being quiet and still and bouncing around. This is great fun, and also helps children develop skills to manage their levels of activity and feelings
And a chance to chat and learn about different animals and how they move about. A great one to do out and about with family or friends at a 2 metre distance too
Words, tune and two versions to watch (including one with signing) are on the downloadable sheet
Even now the lockdown is easing, days at home may still seem long – and it is still tempting to snack away the time!
Today’s play idea is a way to have chats with your child about different kinds of food, and how we need to balance the different types
As you set up a shop together, your child can have a real experience of buying and selling – learning as well about money, shops and even some economics and politics (who says you can make sweets more expensive than fruit – is it fair?!)
You can download the Eatwell Plate here
Sensory play is brain building work for children. It allows them to explore, problem solve and be creative.
It doesn’t always have to be messy! Squishy bags are great way for children and families to enjoy mess-free messy play!
Although glitter and shiny stars make eye catching squishy bags, the use of natural items such as flowers and leaves can spark children’s creativity even more – and they’re free!
This is also a great activity for adults as it’s very calming and will chase worries and stresses away.
Making a pinwheel is easier than it looks and the fun is in watching them spin once they are finished.
It can also be really therapeutic for you and your children. Pinwheels can be used in mindfulness activities, to help you to concentrate on your breathing. Or just watching the spin and feeling how it changes as you blow helps with focus and calm
The patterns can be as simple or creative as you like. There are a couple of templates on the attachment below, but if you prefer you can start with a plain piece of paper and get arty!
Pinwheels make a super rainy day activity, but if you are lucky enough get a dry day why not take them outside and see if you can get them spinning in a breeze?
When you’re sorting laundry there’s a good chance you’ll find some socks!
It’s easy to turn these into simple puppets that can delight your child and get their imagination going.
Puppets are a great way to develop communication skills – some children find it easier to express feelings and needs through a puppet too.
You can make them as fancy as you like, and your child might like to help you (or let you help them)
Making the puppet is only the start. The real fun begins when your child starts to play with their new puppet friend! You can join in too …
Any why not do a puppet show during a video call with a grandparent or anyone else your child loves and misses seeing!
A fun rhyme today about some naughty sheep who get lost – poor Little Bo Peep!
Losing things and finding them is all part of life, and this is a gentle way for children to learn about it and how to cope
And we have some ideas for turning this into a game of hide-and-seek, or lose-and-seek, that you can play indoors or out
If playing outdoors, always follow the latest health advice of course
Every family has its ups and downs, but most have some happy or funny stories that children love to hear
Today is all about helping your child learn about the past, to practise asking questions. They will learn about how stories work too, and develop their understanding of sequences – great for later literacy and maths
But it is really all about feeling close and safe and cosy together. All you need are a few photos – about you, the family, your child when they were smaller – anything you’d like to tell your child about
This is a great thing to try during video chat with grandparents, family, friends – anyone your child might be missing who can show them a photo from the past and tell them about it
Or, make a photo diary of the day with your child to tell everyone about later!
Even in the most loving homes, we get on top of each other from time to time. Today’s idea is all about making a den, a place to feel safe and secure
At the same time, we learn all about what it is like to feel good, and how to manage if we feel stressed
And about personal space and why it matters, about being in control of things – and there is no limit to the stories and games we can make up in a well made den!
You can use a blanket, behind the sofa – anything you have to hand. Or take it outside (following health advice always) if you have a garden or balcony
This kind of space can be very helpful for children who have sensory issues or who get over-stressed quite easily. Click here for some more ideas that might help them
Blowing bubble pictures is a quick, easy and fun way to create fantastic masterpieces – and your children can even have a go as well!
Using items that you will hopefully have to hand, this craft activity can help children to develop their language – naming colours and shapes and describing patterns.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves through art, producing beautiful pictures without having to feel anxious about how skilled they are with pencils or paint brushes.
Anyone can have a go, and you could even do an art show to display your pictures
bumps to bairns 