As children spend more time at home, it’s important to keep them engaged and entertained. Here are some easy hands-on activities that families can do together, all of which are teacher-approved! These activities are not only fun, but they also promote learning and creativity.

1. Homemade Playdough: Mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add food coloring and water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. Kids can explore shapes and textures while exercising their fine motor skills.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items found in nature, such as a leaf, a rock, a feather, or a flower. Give each family member a copy of the list and go on a scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park. Encourage children to observe and appreciate the natural world around them.

3. Kitchen Science Experiment: Conduct simple science experiments using ingredients found in your kitchen. For example, mix baking soda and vinegar to create a volcanic eruption. Or, make oobleck by combining cornstarch and water. These experiments allow children to explore scientific concepts in a playful way.

4. Family Book Club: Choose a book that the whole family can read. Set aside dedicated time each day to discuss the story, characters, and themes. You can even create bookmarks or illustrations related to the book. This activity promotes reading comprehension and bonding.

5. Arts and Crafts: Set up an arts and crafts station with a variety of materials like paints, markers, and colored paper. Encourage children to let their imaginations run wild and create their own masterpieces. You can display their artwork around the house for everyone to admire.

6. Indoor Obstacle Course: Transform your living room into an exciting obstacle course using pillows, blankets, and household items. Create challenges like crawling under tables, hopping over cushions, and balancing on a line of tape. This activity promotes physical activity and gross motor skills.

7. DIY Science Kits: Create your own science kits using simple materials like balloons, baking soda, and vinegar. Label each kit with a different experiment and let children take turns choosing and conducting the experiments. This hands-on approach allows children to explore science at their own pace.

8. Puzzle Time: Set aside a dedicated time for solving puzzles as a family. Choose puzzles with age-appropriate difficulty levels and work together to solve them. Puzzles promote problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and patience.

 Remember, the key to successful hands-on activities is to involve the whole family and have fun together. These activities not only keep children occupied but also provide valuable opportunities for learning and quality time. Enjoy your time together and happy learning!