Snow days, storm days, hurricane days, broken air conditioner days – whether it’s from bad weather or a problem with the school building, almost every school year has at least a couple of unexpected days off school.
After the children finish sleeping in and doing their dance of joy, and the stay-at-home parent gives herself a pat on the back for not having to scramble to find day care solutions, it’s time to come up with some creative, fun activities for an unexpected day off school.
Playing in the Snow
If school is cancelled because of snow, a parent would be remiss in not taking advantage of a snow-covered landscape to do some sledding, snow boarding, ice skating or build a snowman.
When left to their imagination and with a little nudge, kids can come up with some creative things to do in the snow.
Bad weather day without any snow? Family Fun has a recipe for “indoor snow” made with Ivory Snow flakes, that can be molded into little snowmen, snowballs and other creations.
Getting Caught Up On School Projects
Children younger and younger are being assigned school projects that take several weeks to complete. An unexpected day off school gives children a bigger block of time to work ahead on projects without having to squeeze them in on regular homework nights.
Parents can help by clearing off the kitchen table and providing materials, guidance and motivation. Even a couple hours of work on a project before heading off to fun and games will help keep students ahead of schedule on school projects.
An Indoor Picnic With Kids
When lunchtime rolls around, an indoor picnic can make a day off school more fun than lunch with friends in the school cafeteria. From as simple as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chips to fried chicken, pasta salad and fruit salad, a picnic lunch is always more special when eaten on a blanket in the middle of the living room. Add a pitcher of lemonade and some brownies and the kids will think they’re still on summer vacation.
Baking Cookies With Kids
Baking with children isn’t just about the end result. Reading and following a recipe, measuring ingredients, and rolling, pouring and forming cookie dough is good for kids’ fine motor skills, it’s a lesson in math and science skills, and it’s just plain fun. Simple chocolate chip cookie recipes have lots of stirring and measuring (not to mention licking the spoon) that will have the kids thinking that making the cookies is as much fun as eating them.
A Snow Day Party
Neighborhoods with lots of school-age children will be crawling with antsy kids on a snow day or day off school. The solution is for one parent to host a snow day party and invite all the neighborhood kids over for a day of crafts, movies, games or activities.
The other parents will be glad to send over some snacks, games and toys. On the next snow day, another neighborhood parent can take a turn hosting the snow day party.
Kids’ Craft Ideas
With the whole day ahead of them, what child wouldn’t want to finger paint, make a holiday craft, learn origami, color, or do a stitch craft? Parents may need to use their imaginations for last minute materials. Cardboard boxes, Styrofoam, packing materials and other recyclables can be turned into a royal castle; paper bags and crayons can be turned into a mask; and cotton balls, felt and Q Tips can become an adorable bunny.
There are many ways a stay-at-home parent can make a snow day or unexpected day off school into a fun day for kids of any age.
 |
