As the world continues to practice social distancing, families are spending more time at home in order to keep our communities safe from COVID-19. Although many of us find ourselves fatigued by the pandemic, there are still ways we can stay active and engaged while staying at home. Turning the Page’s new Digital Hub offers a platform for families to find exciting DIY activities to inspire students and encourage their educational growth. Check out our staff picks for our favorite at-home activities.
(Tip: Right click on an image then select ‘View Image’ for a larger image of the instructions!)
Leslie: 10 Minute Journal
This one is my favorite activities because I am big on self-reflection and always encourage others to reflect on their own lives. I think middle schoolers especially would benefit if they start journaling before going to high school because the transition can be overwhelming. Journaling can also be very beneficial while children are learning from home and sometimes feel unmotivated to do things. This is a good time to self-reflect and recognize the good stuff that they have going on and grow to look forward to.
Max: Marshmallow Bridge
Building things was always one of my favorite activities to as a kid, so this has always been one I enjoyed. I’ve done this many times as both a participant and a facilitator and one of my favorite things about this activity is how flexible it is. I’ve used gum drops and gummy bears instead of marshmallows and I’ve even seen one particularly “creative” student use popsicle sticks and chewing gum. You can also set it up as a competition and see whose structure can hold the most weight or just have fun building them up and knocking them down!
Rebecca: Frost in a Can
I love this science experiment because it’s simple (so your student can take charge!) and doesn’t require going to the store to buy a bunch of materials. It can also be easily adapted to different age ranges by writing a hypothesis or prediction about what will happen with the cans, writing a conclusion, or asking your student their thoughts on the science behind the frost. This is a fun at-home wintertime activity – and could be continued as an outdoor activity during the next snowfall!
Jenna: Rainbow Walking Water
The first time I did this activity I was in the third grade and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I believe the activity would be an unexpected interactive science project for students at home. Find the instructions here.
Fiona: Yes, and!
I’ve always loved improvising and storytelling with others. This “Yes, and” activity is a great way to practice thinking on your feet, accepting others ideas, and creativity. The sillier the statements are, the more fun this activity gets! I love to see how family and friends can build off each others ideas and the crazy places a story can go from beginning to end. Plus, its a game you can play anywhere, anytime!
Andrew: DIY Lava Lamp
Last summer, Alecia Gabriel from Motor City STEAM presented at a Family Room to show us how to make a DIY Lava Lamp! She did a great job not only explaining the process of making the lamp but also the science behind it. Plus, it’s an activity that lends itself to creativity and experimentation with coming up with fun new colors!
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