Children have vast imaginations that can be encouraged to grow and prosper. We live in a world where creativity and imagination are oftentimes suppressed. While we are social distancing and sheltering in place, there is ample time for them to let their imaginations run wild! Today I want to offer a few ideas of activities for children that can help your little one feed creative needs and desires.
One of my favorite activities for children is to draw a number or letter on a piece of paper with a marker and then give the child a box of crayons and tell them to create a picture. This allows them to use their imaginations. And as an added bonus, you get beautiful works of art to hang on your fridge.
Cardboard Boxes
If you have children and have ever bought something large, then you already know how exciting cardboard boxes are to a child. They can color them, you can cut out windows, or tape multiple boxes together to make mansions. You can even throw a blanket over the opening to serve as a door. Or you could help your child make a dollhouse or rocket ship to use with other toys. The possibilities are endless when you are 5 and you get a big empty box that you can do whatever you want with.
The Color Game
An anywhere/anytime active for imagination building (and good for tired parents who have been working all day) is the color game. Pick a color and have your child tell you 5 items that are that color. If this is too simple for your child, give them a setting that they have to choose from. For example, choose the color red and the setting can be the ocean. Then the child has to pick five red things that come from the ocean, such as a crab, lobster, coral, etc.
Bringing Nature Into Playtime
To get your little ball of imagination outside, this is a good activity for children. You can go out in the yard, have them pick 5 or 10 things from nature (ie: sticks, leaves, flowers) and make crafts with them. Using a hot glue gun, some hemp string or yarn, they can craft a headband, build a stick monster, or even a flower fairy. While sweetgum balls are a terror for bare feet, they are really fun to use as a craft item. I don’t suggest using them in a headband though :)!
The Mystery Surprise
Lastly, I want to mention an activity that kids love. It is super messy though and best done outside. I call this one, mystery surprise. To start, make some foam from soap, water, and food coloring. You can get directions on how to make it here. Then secretly choose 10 small toys from your child’s room (or you can buy small goody bag type items from Party City or your local dollar store). Then hide them in the foam. Your child then has to reach in and find the mystery item. Before they get to pull it out and see what it is, they have to guess. Have them guess what the object is, what color they think it is, how it might smell, what it’s used for or how to use it, etc. Once they guess the item, they can pull it out and see if they were right.
There are so many ways to harness the great, endless, beautiful imagination your children hold in their little heads. Letting that imagination and creativity go to waste is so sorrowful. Take advantage of the time spent waiting for normal to return. There are endless possibilities of activities for children. You never know, maybe activities like this could become part of your new normal.
