Keeping the grandkids happy and occupied can sometimes tax even the most creative mind. Here are a number of activities you might like to think about. They're easy to do and cheap to fund and should keep them happy for hours.
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TCHUKA RUMA
Simple DIY games can be very satisfying for kids and can often be played on the spur of the moment, or on the go, much more easily than board games. Ruma is a simple but surprisingly challenging game. It keeps their brain active and they won’t want to stop until they discover the solution. whatwedoallday.com has a video of how to set up and play the game that is worth watching. You can access it here.
What you need:
Divide a 10 inch strip of paper into 5 equal sections. We made 2 game boards. One is 10 x 2, the other is 10 x 3. Write “Ruma” in the final end section. (See photo) Objective: to get all the counters into the “Ruma” section. Set up: place 2 counters in each of the blank sections. How to play: Pick up counters from any square and drop them, one by one into each section (similar to Mancala) towards the Ruma square. This is called “sowing the seeds”. What comes next depends on where your last counter falls. If your last counter falls into Ruma then you move again, sowing seeds starting from the square of your choice. If your last counter falls into an empty space, you lose. If your last counter falls into a space already occupied by one or more counters, pick up all the counters from that square and continue sowing the seeds. Good to know: There is only one solution that will get all the counters into the Ruma square. There is a mathematical reason for this but we don't need to go into that now. Watch the youtube video here if you want the solution. |
FLAP THE KIPPER
What you need
Traditionally you would cut a kipper shape out of newspaper (which is actually best because the thinner the paper, the more your kipper will flap). But if you want to get crafty with it, you can print out the free kipper printable and decorate it. Put your name on it so you’ll be sure who won. Place your paper kippers at the starting line. Now use the rolled-up newspaper to flap your kipper along by smacking the floor behind it. The first kipper over the finish line wins. |
SIFT AND SPELL
What you need:
Give the child the slotted spoon and get them to sift through the rice until they find a letter. Half the fun is actually finding the letters and half is deciding what toy's name they belong to. Keep sifting and arranging the letters until you have completed the names of all the toys. |
EGG CARTON SPIDERS
Create cool, creepy-crawly egg carton spiders with this fun art and craft kids' activity.
What you need
Cut the bumpy half of your egg carton into individual egg cups. Using the skewer or sharp pencil, make eight holes in the bottom edge of each egg cup, four on each side (see note), these are for your pipe cleaner legs to poke through. Paint each egg cup black, and let dry. Push a pipe cleaner in through one hole and out the opposite side's hole. Bend the legs at halfway for knees and then a small section at the end for the feet. Repeat for each of the legs. Glue on googley eyes, and your egg carton spider is ready to pounce. Notes:
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PIPE CLEANER TOY
What you need:
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