I have to admit the thought of half term in lockdown filled me with dread. I’ve had years to master school holidays with working and had my formula perfected. But thats all gone out the window for February 2021. So what is it I am planning to do to entertain Lena (age 11) whilst still working?
I should by saying I’m very much following the lockdown rules, thus we won’t drive anywhere just to have a walk. Here are some of the activities we have planned. If you have younger children you can have more crafty activities. I will be working every day but finishing early so we can do something together.
I also think its worth highlighting how important it is to give them some space to enjoy their home again. Home schooling means they haven’t had a chance to properly relax in their own environment as its been filled with computers and exercise books. So instead of scheduling every moment of the day, allow some time to simply “be”.
Baking
In lockdown 1 we did lots of baking but that seemed to have slipped in recent months. So Lena and I will bake some banana loafs and blueberry muffins. Because – well why not!
Draughts / Chess
This is an activity I gladly delegate to Paul. He will play draughts with Lena and Chess with Ethan (reluctantly as Ethan wins!)
Video
As we haven’t been able to see grandparents for months I’ve suggested she records a message before using her film editing app to create graphics. This is a fantastic way to create whilst connecting with her grandparents.
Stargazing
Ok I appreciate this is a nighttime activity but provided we have a clear night we will head out in the garden with our telescope to see what stars we can see.
Board Games
We have so many , this is such a great way to get children off gadgets but to do an activity as a family as well with older siblings joining in
Dominos
We will be using our hard floors to our advantage by seeing how long we can build a domino line. Takes a while to set up and just seconds to knock them down.
Dog walk
Now normally we’d head to the coast for a walk but as we cant do that we will walk locally instead. Lena would rather walk somewhere more interesting so this wont be her most favourite activity
Vision Board / Visual Wish List
Lena will create her own vision board of what she wants 2021 to be like. So this will include places to visit. People to see. And inspirational quotes. This is then placed in her bedroom
Painting / Drawing
We have a brilliant paint by numbers giraffe that she is halfway through so she will continue painting this bit by bit. Definitely getting closer to being completed.
Film Night
Now we watch films a lot in our house but one night I will suggest a campout film session. I’ll bring duvets and pillows down before we snuggle down with popcorn and chocolate.
Chalk assault course
If it stops raining and the pavement dries then we will create an assault course by chalk in the garden. We did this last summer and included hopscotch , balancing lines, jumping, hopping, turning around, jumping on 1 foot and running. All the family did it and we timed each other. Was such fun.
Come share your half term ideas over on instagram
