Quiet Time for School Age Children
Encouraging low-key activities during quiet time helps children develop independent play skills.
Are you looking for fun home-learning activities to do with your school-ager? Our team of early childhood curriculum experts thoughtfully curated these home-education activities from our proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum to help your family Learn On® when away from the Academy. Whether it’s during mealtime, playtime, clean up time, bath time, or bedtime – our at-home curriculum is built so you can easily integrate school-from-home learning opportunities in seamless, easy, and fun ways.
States Matter
Level of instruction: Easy
When: Playtime, Outdoors, Quiet time
Time recommendation: 5-10 minutes
Participants: Child-led, Siblings
Learning Domain: Cognitive Development
Learning Standards: Observational skills, Critical thinking skills
Materials: Three jars: one filled with water, one with a block in it, and one with nothing (air)
Instructions
Define and discuss the three states of matter; liquid, solid, and gas. Display the three jars—each containing a liquid, gas, or solid (see materials for suggestions.) Encourage your child to look at and lift the jars to discuss what he or she sees and feels. Discuss the weight and if either of the jars show movement. Encourage your child to label each jar to represent the three states of matter.
How much does each jar weigh? If you switch out a liquid or a solid, will the weight of the jar change?
Mindful Stretching
Level of instruction: Easy
When: Getting Ready for the Day, Bedtime, Quiet Time
Time recommendation: 5-10 minutes
Participants: Child-led
Learning Domain: Physical Development and Health
Learning Standards: Mindfulness
Materials: Calming music, music player
Instructions:
Invite your child to find a quiet spot in the house to perform mindful stretches. Put on calming music and encourage your child to close his or her eyes and take a deep breath in. Upon exhale, encourage your child to stretch and touch his or her toes, stretch side to side, or stretch his or her arms into the air.
How did stretching make you feel? Did the music help?
Neighbor Signs
Level of instruction: Easy, Moderate
When: Outdoor, Playtime, Quiet time
Time recommendation: 10 – 15 minutes
Participants: One-on-one, Siblings, Child-led
Learning Domain: Language and Literacy
Learning Standards:
Letter recognition, Sight word recognition, Fine-motor skills, Social-emotional development
Materials: Paper, poster board or cardboard, markers
Instructions:
Create signs of encouragement, friendship, and love to post in the yard for friends around the neighborhood. Invite your child to brainstorm simple sayings for his or her sign, such as “I love you”, “I miss you” or “Thank you”. Encourage your child to draw pictures of his or her friends at play or from the neighborhood. Post the signs in the front yard by a mailbox or on a tree.
How do you think your friends will feel seeing your sign(s)?
Looking for more activities for you and your child?
- Playtime : Make sure your child’s time spent playing is filled with opportunities to learn.
- Outdoor Time: The great outdoors can be the best classroom of all.
Or return to the Life Essentials® At Home page to find activities to explore with other age groups.
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