One of the most difficult things about the childcare business is coming up with creative and easy daycare activities. This is especially true if you have a wide range of ages. Obviously, you want the activities for each child to be age appropriate, and at the same time, promote learning or some other positive result. You also want to make them fun, or you'll never keep the child's interest.
It is likely that you will participate in some of the activities, but it is also necessary to have some activities ready which can keep them busy for awhile. This will allow you to look after a few of your other important duties. With all this on your mind, it can sometimes seem like you are doing the same daycare activities repeatedly. Here are a few simple activities to mix things up a bit, but still keep things beneficial and fun for the children.
Daycare centers should definitely provide some free play time, which allows the children to learn some social skills and develop their creativity as well. Additionally, you will need to set up some structured daycare activities. Allowing the children to draw and write is important, however doing it too often might become boring and the children won't stay interested.
Choosing A Theme
Theme based daycare activities are always fun and popular with the children. Base your activities on any sort of theme you like. The possibilities here are endless. Animals, colors, careers, holiday or seasonal themes are some ideas to get you started. Or just about anything else you can think of. Some activities could be arts or crafts, or maybe a coloring or drawing contest, for example.
Acting Out A Story
Coming up with a type of story line is another great idea, and then the children can act it out. Basically, you just come up with the general idea, and then let the children create their own story from there. Children of any age could participate, and this really lets them show their creative side. Take it a step further by allowing the children to create their own props and costumes. Certainly a great way to add some variety to your regular daycare activities.
Just Ask Them
Something else you can do when you are out of ideas is to simply ask the children exactly what they would like to do. You could pick one day out of the week that could be the kid's choice day. This would definitely eliminate the worry about doing something the children are not interested in. Each child could suggest an idea and then take turns until everybody's ideas are used up. Not only is this fun, but it will give the children confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Everyone Helping Out
Some of your daycare activities could be incorporated into your daily chores as well. Many children love to help adults with certain tasks. It gives them a sense of importance when they do big people jobs. It could be something as simple as setting the table or arranging a book shelf. It really doesn't matter what the task is, as long as the child is actively involved.
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