Creative activities
Getting active isn’t just about running around outside. It can involve any sort of creative activity. Doing arts and crafts – drawing, colouring, painting, glueing and so on – isn’t just about making a mess. It also helps spark children’s imaginations, boost their confidence, and express themselves – as well as offering plenty of chances to get messy!
In this video, Alison from PlayTalkRead explains why messy play is so good for your children.
Tips for creative activities to try
Tip #1: Painting without a brush
Tip #1: Painting without a brush
Tip #2: Make magic potions
Tip #2: Make magic potions
Tip #3: Make jewellery out of pasta
Tip #3: Make jewellery out of pasta
Tip #4: Become a spy
Tip #4: Become a spy
Tip #5: Make a word search
Tip #5: Make a word search
Things you can do together
Tip #1: Hiding in plain sight
Tip #1: Hiding in plain sight
Tip #2: Super science
Tip #2: Super science
Tip #3: What’s the time Mr Wolf?
Tip #3: What’s the time Mr Wolf?
Tip #4: Memory games
Tip #4: Memory games
Tip #5: Bingo
Tip #5: Bingo
Things they can do while you get on with other stuff
Tip #1: Ideas jar
Tip #1: Ideas jar
Tip #2: Poster play
Tip #2: Poster play
Tip #3: Keep active
Tip #3: Keep active
Tip #4: Family portraits
Tip #4: Family portraits
Tip #5: Virtual day trip
Tip #5: Virtual day trip
It’s important to play
Don’t feel guilty about letting your children play. It may just look like they are messing around, but playing is one of the most important things children do. It helps their minds develop, keeps them fit, helps them understand the world around them, and keeps them emotionally healthy.
The best thing you can do is to give them the space to play and let their imaginations run wild. Even if it means there’s a mess to tidy up afterwards!
For more great ideas:
- download this play pack from Play Scotland.
- check out these resources from Smart Play Network to help them play and have fun
- find lots of fun activity ideas on the Tiny Happy People website.