tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6738636758146088234..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: Simple activites for a five year oldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34269088810938904402009-07-17T17:05:27.035+10:002009-07-17T17:05:27.035+10:00My kiddos are soon to be 7 and 9 yrs old. Water i...My kiddos are soon to be 7 and 9 yrs old. Water is the all time favorite thing in the summer. Then add a little dirt and mud is the next favorite thing. They spent hours doing both. They also like doing their own gardens.<br /><br />Library is a definite must. We also use homeschoolshare.com for lapbooks and unit study ideas to go with the books. My girls absolutely love books being read to them and it is even more fun if they have a finished product to show others about the book that they just loved! <br /><br />We also recycled a old tire into a tire swing and my youngest spends hours on it. Nature journals are also great for being outdoors. There is a blog called Handbook of Nature Study. The Outdoor Hour challenges are fun to do with the kids and I also learn lots. Handbook of Nature is an actual book and you can see it online for free. Oh yea...and don't forget the stars, moon, planets, etc. at night. One good astronomy book and hours can be spent outside looking at the beautiful night sky.<br /><br />Well that's about it off the top of my head. Have loads of fun with all the suggestions from everyone!Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06960966405388268236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33570998550218562242009-07-15T04:43:46.809+10:002009-07-15T04:43:46.809+10:00Not sure if anyone has shared this yet but I recen...Not sure if anyone has shared this yet but I recently found a great link: 100 Fun Frugal Things To Do With Kids<br /><br />http://moomama96.blogspot.com/2009/07/100-fun-frugal-things-to-do-with-kids.html<br /><br />Mostly I'd just let their interests and curiosities lead the way. I'm sure he'll have plenty of ideas of his own!<br /><br />~TaraTheOrganicSisterhttp://theorganicsister.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49935431738117883932009-07-13T22:53:53.823+10:002009-07-13T22:53:53.823+10:00I haven't commented in a long while, but this ...I haven't commented in a long while, but this one begged attention. When our son was five we:<br />took a flashlight out at night on frog hunts counting and comparing sizes. We even had friendly competitions for who could find the most. For some reason, this is more fun in your pajamas!(look for whatever is abundant in the night in your area)<br /><br />looked for animal tracks in the sand, made plaster casts of them and then looked them up in our trusty guide book<br /><br />birdwatched<br /><br />took nature hikes-being sure to touch and smell and use as many of our senses as safely possible, and singing as we went (might explain why we never saw any animals)<br /><br />made up nonsense stories, each taking turns with the plot<br /><br />made nature art collages on sturdy paper or cardstock using the neat stuff we collected on our walks<br /><br />cooking-what boy doesn't like to eat hot cookies or buns? and it is much more rewarding if you helped!<br /><br />pretend play (I have been a dragon, a damsel in distress, a pirate...and my son was always the hero)<br /><br />Quiet time activities included reading to him, coloring with him, snack time with "serious" talk (the things your discover!)or just handing out in our sheet tent under the dining room table.<br /><br />Let loose, enjoy and he'll never give tv a second thought. Oh, and you'll both sleep amazingly well, LOL!<br /><br />My "baby" is 18 now. I do wish I could come play with you guys!<br />BrendaBrendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17777368683630370474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88026283218026726512009-07-13T14:29:18.612+10:002009-07-13T14:29:18.612+10:00Science Experiments - search "kitchen science...Science Experiments - search "kitchen science"<br />Park - go to the local park for fun on the swings and playing with other kids. <br />Play Group - see if your local place of worship has a play group where he can play sports and other games with other kids. <br />Dress up box - you can usually get pieces of clothing inexpensively from the charity shop to make costumes for police officers or firemen. my favorite game!Christinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37980575470034419132009-07-13T11:58:16.690+10:002009-07-13T11:58:16.690+10:00I have a six year old boy and here are some of the...I have a six year old boy and here are some of the things he enjoys:<br />Gardening, bug hunting, painting, coloring with sidewalk chalk, bike riding, reading books together, playing games on the computer, cooking, doing science experiments (baking soda vinegar is his favorite), finger crocheting, sewing (fleece does not fray so no need to turn or anything), playing legos, going to the park, imagination games with his siblings, playing with the chickens, making nature collections, hiking, drawing. If you need any good experiment websites or craft sites we homeschool so I have tons in my favorites I am more than willing to share. :)Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05067605913177888794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80149361929452796602009-07-13T11:01:28.791+10:002009-07-13T11:01:28.791+10:00There have been some awesome ideas in here!
I jus...There have been some awesome ideas in here!<br /><br />I just wanted to add, it's okay for children to be ... 'bored'... the best gift you can give a child is safe surroundings (with unintrusive supervision & access to suitable 'stuff' to do things with) within which to use their imagination...<br /><br />Kids don't always need to be prescribed a project, or have things organised for them to do, not all the time anyway. Too much of this means they come to need it, and can't think to entertain themselves...<br /><br />Cubby houses with sheets, tunnels in the mud, games of knights and dragons and whatever else their imagination can conjure... freedoms in the garden... the world is open... <br /><br />:)Kristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15413684955650645277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78572908415519809212009-07-13T07:30:04.289+10:002009-07-13T07:30:04.289+10:00Thank you all so much! As a mid-20's couple we...Thank you all so much! As a mid-20's couple we don't really know much about small children so all of your comments were really helpful.<br /><br />We're going to look for a library with a children's section and story hour and give him our older digital camera to play with and take pictures. They'll probably have boy-scout project manuals and things as well to help us out. Hopefully we can work together to send his dad lots of pictures and nice long letters about his "discoveries" (his favorite word).<br /><br />We also discovered that our local farming supply store has some workshops for small children. They have one that teaches you to build wooden trucks and one for a small pull-along waggon. We don't have chickens, yet, but he can probably help feed the other animals (we have kids, horses, and a calf). We'll also find a patch of land to give him, whether he wants to plant things or dig and play trucks. He'll be with us until October, maybe longer if his dad can't get back so we should have time to grow some small things if he wants.<br /><br />We do have a tv and computer (just don't use them much) so he's allowed to watch tv or play computer games for an hour if he wants, right now he watches my old Winnie the Pooh shows after his bathtime to wind down. <br /><br />Thanks again, I'm bookmarking this page so I can easily find everyone's great ideas. Best wishes to you all.<br /><br />LaurenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40037047544660058282009-07-13T07:05:44.205+10:002009-07-13T07:05:44.205+10:00With 60 comments so far, forigve me for not readin...With 60 comments so far, forigve me for not reading over them to see if this suggestion has already popped up...<br />Buy a packet of straight drinking straws(not the ones with the bend or flexi neck) and a roll of sticky tape. Challenge him to build things out of them ie a tall structure, a house etc. <br />Good luck and have fun.<br />BronBronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06341871563342173148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56754810398269269782009-07-13T01:23:56.839+10:002009-07-13T01:23:56.839+10:00for some wonderful ideas go to
http://belladia.ty...for some wonderful ideas go to <br />http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/<br />Its a site called the crafty crow and has new ideas on a daily basis.Sheilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11683802640860116909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45185104359895106442009-07-12T23:08:30.693+10:002009-07-12T23:08:30.693+10:00I don't know if anybody mentioned this already...I don't know if anybody mentioned this already, but when my children were between five and around 8 years old, they were enthralled by nature so we helped them to learn to identify insects, birds and trees (they were not interested in plants for some reason). No need to get formal about it, but photos or drawings in a nature journal are a good idea, as is capturing and releasing insects for a closer look (do it kindly please). Lots of books on the subject for that age group.lindahttp://rebelpigs.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78996992659050453672009-07-12T22:28:16.667+10:002009-07-12T22:28:16.667+10:00Paper mache with old newspaper and flour and water...Paper mache with old newspaper and flour and water paste. and Salt Dough. Use cookie cutters or free hand a design/plaque. After the dough is baked, use paint or cheap markers to decorate then seal with clear varnish, shelac or if small enough, clear nail polish! Long as boys have some sort of ball to kick or play catch with, they'll be occupied for hours. Marbles! Usually cheap. Dinosaurs. cars. Read him a story at bedtime and have a little chat. Freecycle or borrow toys. Make 'binoculars' out of toliet paper tubes. make birdseed balls or similar and hang in garden to watch for birds.silverilexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140641542895980958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33181723071428987962009-07-12T18:28:24.250+10:002009-07-12T18:28:24.250+10:00How about a picnic or two in the local park - my 4...How about a picnic or two in the local park - my 4 year old loves doing this.<br /><br />Star-gazing...I'm not sure where you're based - we're Northern Hemisphere - so are planning to watch the perseid meteor shower which takes place from mid-July...<br /><br />Drawing, painting and cooking are also very popular. Our local library are running a reading club this summer, so we're signing up for that.<br /><br />Don't underestimate the occasional use of the TV, you can sometimes find informative children's programmes which can lead to further activity or discussion.<br /><br />That's all I can think of at the moment, but hope it helps.<br />DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55718950356146838022009-07-12T16:35:15.756+10:002009-07-12T16:35:15.756+10:00A tent to make or een hut. Fisching or fly kites.A tent to make or een hut. Fisching or fly kites.Johannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09291947506209553975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34351760526816729272009-07-12T15:41:42.648+10:002009-07-12T15:41:42.648+10:00You have so many great ideas here I'm sure you...You have so many great ideas here I'm sure you'll have a great summer. I agree with every one else, and only want to add that it would be a good idea to organise different "boxes" of things to do. One box with art supplies, one with playdough, one for wood blocks and lego, one for cars, one with books, one for outside play (bubbles, water guns etc)and keep one special box of things to do for when he is feeling homesick and missing everyone. This way, you can pull out a box of stuff, get him started and leave him to it. You'll find that kids do best when they aren't over organised...a bit of help and a few props and they'll be away without too much help on your part, then you can get on with dinner etc while knowing you have plenty of stuff prepared for when you need it. I hope that helps.Corrinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00835431780884002644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16177134796525077722009-07-12T12:58:04.044+10:002009-07-12T12:58:04.044+10:00My 5 year old son would rather be outside than doi...My 5 year old son would rather be outside than doing anything else! He occupies his days with playing in the sand, catching frogs and bugs, collecting rocks and sticks, playing with suirtguns in the backyard - squirt guns are definitely a favorite. <br /><br />I agree with the flashlight idea, my son has never met a flashlight he didn't love! His favorite is the kind you wear around your head :)<br /><br />We catch all manner of insects and learn about them on the internet or in books. Make a bug journal about all the insects you come across. We have several birdfeeders and are also into looking up birds and learning about what birds come to our feeders... you could build a simple bird feeder with recycled materials, fill it and see what takes advantage of the free food!<br /><br />Take advantage of your local library... ours has a fun summer reading program and story hour each week.<br /><br />We also have a large garden and he loves to dig holes in the dirt on the edges of the garden. Building forts is also a favorite...find old blankets/sheets and make a tent in the yard or have him help build something out of old wood. My son loves tools and has learned to use a hammer pretty well.<br /><br />We have caught several monarch caterpillars and watched them morph into butterflies... <br />Have him keep a "journal" of his summer. He can dictate to you and draw pictures of his favorite activities.<br />If he is used to television it make take a little time for him to turn his creative brain "on" again, but be patient and soon he will forget all about that television. He will be having too much fun in the "real" world!<br /><br />5 is such a fun age... I am truly enjoying my son and his many creative ideas - enjoy your summer with your 5 year old blessing!Jodinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7230335534284316432009-07-12T11:57:14.675+10:002009-07-12T11:57:14.675+10:00Plenty of wonderful ideas here! You can't beat...Plenty of wonderful ideas here! You can't beat activities for small boys where they can get dirty,wet and experience a bit of well supervised 'safe' danger and have some adventures.Also things that give them a bit of responsibility like the digital camera idea which is a great one!<br />You've got chooks haven't you? Beingresponsible for looking after the egg collecting and helping with the clear out might appeal.Sounds as if he'll needd to have pelnty of mucking about clothes so he can get dirty and not worry.And don't forget plenty of day-dreaming time when he can ramble,look and imagine.Kids are often so overorganised these days it's exhausting and so bad for the development of their imaginations.Good luck, hope you enjoy it as much as he will.Vonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17421069895155350144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80588770737176943382009-07-12T10:14:16.620+10:002009-07-12T10:14:16.620+10:00I thought of another one...
teaching him to tie h...I thought of another one...<br /><br />teaching him to tie his shoe laces <br /><br />His Daddy and teachers will love you for this one!LashyLashlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04583145358193436189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23339723542466047102009-07-12T08:26:20.906+10:002009-07-12T08:26:20.906+10:00There are so many fantastic ideas here, including ...There are so many fantastic ideas here, including the one I was going to say, which is: read to him.<br />So now I want to say, don't feel you have to "entertain" him all the time. Make sure he has time when he has to occupy himself, or join in with what you need to be doing. <br />That boy is going to have a great summer!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9652304979589432632009-07-12T05:43:30.583+10:002009-07-12T05:43:30.583+10:00My kiddos spend hours outside digging in our garde...My kiddos spend hours outside digging in our garden, and running their cars and trucks through the "roads" that they make. I designated one part of one flowerbed as their digging area because I don't have a sandbox.<br /><br />Also check out your local library. Most have a summer reading program, or story times, or possibly even a weekly art time. At least, they will have lots and lots of books. My son, who's nearly five, just chose about eight books about big trucks and machines. We're having fun reading them, and next week we can get new ones. The best things about libraries is, they're free!Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01381906944928170359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2861151322205778982009-07-12T04:23:02.229+10:002009-07-12T04:23:02.229+10:00Take advantage of all the *free* stuff happening t...Take advantage of all the *free* stuff happening this time of year. Our town and the surrounding towns all host "Concerts On The Common" once a week. You can catch a Jazz, Swing, Classical performance. The library's here also sponsor loads of free classes, exhibits this time of year. What about a living history museum on a reduced admission date? The zoo, water slides, hikes at local mountains or trails with a backpack full of binoculaurs for birdwatching, a camera, notebook, sketch materials. Visit a farm, flower nursery or different churches have all their Vacation Bible School weeks at this time of year. Hope this helps!Suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11016058828515830560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73140575477005052582009-07-12T04:15:08.202+10:002009-07-12T04:15:08.202+10:00great ideas, i'm gonna bookmark these! i remem...great ideas, i'm gonna bookmark these! i remember my brothers knitting at that age.kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02797043775747612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26586593003077805662009-07-12T02:05:08.927+10:002009-07-12T02:05:08.927+10:00Cover a table with a roll of craft paper and give ...Cover a table with a roll of craft paper and give him finger paints. Hose him off after he is done with his masterpiece. Take a picture of him painting and send it to Dad.<br /><br />Try Amanda Soule's Book the Creative Family...loads of great ideas in there. <br /><br />Chalk to draw on the pavement is also fun.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />AM of the breadminervabirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14797562694181195390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2036792549788424242009-07-12T01:58:15.351+10:002009-07-12T01:58:15.351+10:00What a great idea for the camera!!! I am sure he ...What a great idea for the camera!!! I am sure he will be proud when he shows his Dad at the end of the summer exactly what he did. <br /><br /><br />If you live in a safe place, pitch a tent in the backyard. Spend the night outside with him, tell stories, watch for fireflies, stare at the stars.<br /><br />There are so many wonderful ideas on here, I am sure you can keep him busy for the whole summer without any problems! :)Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08919793216222224648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43526353263966826382009-07-12T00:10:22.090+10:002009-07-12T00:10:22.090+10:00This holidays my children including a five year ol...This holidays my children including a five year old have made pinatas (balloon, water, flour and recycled magazines)Decorated cupcakes, made cubbies and camped. Spotlighting is a super favourite and super hero re-enactments. When all else fails paper, pencils and scissors always hits the spot. Good luck..my brother is serving in Iraq (we plan on making him a care package as part of this weeks activities).Fayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00719648026724079257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40794162876503559092009-07-12T00:04:47.181+10:002009-07-12T00:04:47.181+10:00This may have already been mentioned, but my girls...This may have already been mentioned, but my girls (ages 2-6) can spend hours playing with homemade playdough, I have posted recipe and link on my blog.Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04891945462999914908noreply@blogger.com