Things for Grandparents to do with grandchildren during self isolation

As the weeks roll on it can become tiresome having to think of ways to keep in touch with grandchildren and help them stay busy and active. I've had video calls from grandchildren showing me their fabulous artwork and inventions. I've also had some cards sent to me. One that I thought was most appropriate was a grandchild waving at me through a closed window.

So here a a few ideas for grand parents in self isolation.

Making Cards

Encourage kids to make a card for a friend or family member they can't go to visit.

Treasure Hunts

I heard about the Bear Hunt from one of my grandchildren. This is a game in which people put teddy bears in their windows so that children (and adults) can hunt for them and count or photograph them as they walk or drive past. Here are my bears.

Write a story or poem or song

The Bear Hunt reminded me of a story I wrote for my children about two tiny teddy bears they received for Christmas when they were small. Perhaps you could inspire some story writing with your kids.

Or they could make a short movie with a mobile phone, or a travelogue that takes you on a tour of their house or room describing everything they see in detail. A recent article on travel writing referred to Xavier de Maistre who, when confined to his room for some months some centuries ago, wrote "A Journey Around My Room".

And while we are on the topic of Teddy Bears how about using Zoom or similar program to hold a Teddy Bear's Picnic. Everyone can bring a teddy to the virtual event.

Making things move

One video call I had was from a grandson who had constructed a marble run down the stairs from cardboard, blutak and sticky tape. Each night I get the next addition demonstrated via video call. What fun. I sent through some links to inspire more...

Honda commercial
Virtual Musical Chain Reaction

And along these lines kids could have some fun with some internet searching for ...

Rube Goldberg chain reaction machines
William Heath Robinson machines

An extension to this machine idea and to help kids visualise changing motion try making some pop-up cards or stories. A simple internet search of "making pop up cards" will give you lots of ideas to follow.

Making bodies move

At the moment it is still OK for a family or household to go out into the fresh air for a hike or walk. But even if they can't, but have a yard, they can create an adventure circuit in their own yard then take you with them using a mobile phone video call.

And if it is too wet to play outside, perhaps a maze could help. There will be lots online but this is one I created for my children with friend Nola who is currently in lock-down in Japan.

Playing with Mindfulness

There is a great article with some Mindfulness activities you can encourage with your grandchildren. Maybe even do them together via a video meeting.

Reading online

Sometimes it is great to enhance that video call with reading a story to your grandchildren, one that they remember from times sitting in your lap or perhaps even new ones.

So there are a few ideas for some happy experiences to pop out of what can be a very lonely time for grandparents who are self isolating. If you have more ideas then please leave a comment below.

Have fun! If you need more help visit Karyn at Teach Beside Me (a home school mum and teacher).