There's no better name for this post other than "Quarantine Crafts."
This teacher mama has been desperate for normalcy throughout this whole ordeal. I really miss teaching my students and having super fun activities and structure throughout the day. Below you will find some crafts and sensory activities that DO NOT involve wasting food. Especially since we need those as staples right now. Being a teacher for low socioeconomic populations taught me to NEVER do activities with food. Since there are families everywhere who go through hard times, I've always made it rule of thumb to never waste food in the presence of my students. Honestly, that's a great life skill regardless. Most of these things you probably have around the house- and if not, you can improvise!
I want to start out by saying, we have not had a "schedule" per say. I don't want anyone under the illusion that its all fine and dandy all day over here. I have a list of items in my head that I want to do each day- reading time, outside time, creative time, etc.
I also just want to throw in here that mental health is going to be so important- more important than entertaining kids. Kids don't need to think mom is a circus master.
Not only am I teacher, my master's degree is in school counseling. Everything we put the kids through in counseling sessions, we had to put ourselves through. Let me say, this can be intense, even as an adult. When I say take care of yourself, take breaks, take walks, deep breaths, have grace with yourself, here's why: When times are rough, people need grace. It's hard for kids to learn when they know the situation is stressful or the teacher isn't enjoying it. So as a parent, if you are feeling something- lean into it, feel it all, let it pass.
Your kids may not need a circus master, but they do need a parent who is emotionally available. Children cannot process the amount of stress we can, and they start acting out when they feel it. Having conversations about emotions and feelings with your child is perfect right now. And, being (appropriately) honest with them about how you are feeling is a great way to foster a spirit of empathy.
Skip this section if you don't need tough love: I know this situation isn't permanent. No situation is. I keep reminding myself of that. It could get better so find hope in these moments. It could get worse, so look for good things to enjoy and appreciate. I know the thought that "it could get worse," isn't comforting at all. But realizing that and seeking joy in the every day can help you appreciate every single day that the status of the world hasn't changed. Disclaimer: I'm totally preaching to the choir on this one. Ask my husband.
Tips for mom:
1.One thing I am doing for me- writing a list of things I want to do as an individual and doing them while I have the time. If you are someone who buys supplies for projects and then doesn't finish... or maybe even start them.. now is your time. You already have the supples. There's nothing more amazing than stepping back and looking at a project you finished. It's a great brain break for your
2. I get up and read a devotional and before bed I read a self help book.. and pray.
3. Connect with friends.
4. Go for a walk/get outside whenever possible.
5. Delete facebook and allow myself ONE news article per day.
6. Find things to occupy my kids for a long time, which is why you're here!
Activity One:
While we are out on our walks, I allow Emerson to take a little bag to collect things she finds in nature- this in and of itself is a great activity for her! Who doesn't love a little nature walk?
When we get home we take those items and give them a bubble bath on the deck. This is great because the girls get a little directed water play time while washing the new items we found.
After letting the nature items dry, we paint them!
It's super simple, but you can stretch this activity over 2-3 days and it doesn't involve wasting food!
Activity Two:
Pressing Flowers
My mom always did this activity with me as a child and there are so many variations to extend the activity.
This also involves a nature walk or going out into your yard and picking flowers. They don't have to be legit flowers- they can be dandelions, violets, etc. They do not have to be flowers from your treasured flower beds. Both the girls each picked flowers- Cora is able to do this now too! *insert tears*
When we came inside I ripped some wax paper or parchment paper and grabbed a large book. We arranged the flowers inside the paper and closed them inside the book. I sat a case of Bubly on top to press it down and make them more firm.
The next day we took them out and mod-podged onto blank cards that I had sitting in the drawer- you can also have them do this on paper and insert it into a picture frame, or a canvas- whatever you have laying around the house. Honestly, if you don't have a canvas or frame now- do it on construction paper and frame it later!
We plan on mailing these cards to people we love to cheer them up! There's no quarantine on mail- or spreading the love- yet.
Depending on the age of your children, you can also look up each flower online (or in a book) and learn all about them! You can find out the name, scientific name, where they grow, when they bloom, if they are technically a flower or weed, etc. Here is a great option for a book! Basically- have fun with it.
Activity 3
This isn't a craft, just an activity that my kids spend a lot of time doing on nice days- playing car wash!
It's super simple and low maintenance. If your kids have those Little Tikes cars, wagons, etc. Give them a sponge and little bowl of soapy water. It will keep them occupied for a while- while also learning to take care of and clean their own toys!
I hope you enjoyed! If you liked this and want more ideas, let me know and I can add how we are play schooling while quarantined over the next few weeks!
XO,
Shelby
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