Hobbies And Interests
Nature Walk
Take your kids for a stroll through the neighborhood. Take them to the local park or a greenhouse so they can observe the types of insects and plants that share the neighborhood with them. While you're out, help them learn about local landmarks so they can find their way to safety in case they ever wander off and get lost. Use this time to begin safety lessons, such as looking both ways when crossing the street and staying on sidewalks.
Freeze Tag
Freeze tag is a game for three or more children. One child will be designated "it," or the chaser, at the beginning of the game. Have the chaser stand still and count to five, while the other children scatter about the play area. Show them how to count to five on their fingers if they don't already know how, or do it for them. The chaser must then run after the other children and try to tag them gently with his hand. Children who have been tagged will be frozen and unable to move unless they are tagged by an unfrozen child. The game ends when the last child is frozen. Keep a close eye on the kids so they don't wander away, and clearly designate the play area beforehand.
Shadow Outlines
Give the children some sidewalk chalk, which can be found in the toy aisle of any department store or craft shop, and have them trace the outlines of the shadows of everything in the yard. Stationary objects that cast shadows are things like slides, swing sets, benches and trees. Do this activity early in the morning. Take the children to see the outlines in the afternoon, and ask them what's different: All the shadows will now have moved outside the lines of the chalk. Use this as a lesson to explain how the sun rises and sets.
Clubhouse
Take a large cardboard box, such as an old refrigerator box, and set it outside for the kids. Give them crayons, postcards, markers and stickers. Tell the children to decorate the box as a clubhouse with windows, curtains, doors and a roof. Set out an extra piece of flat cardboard or a smaller box for a garden or a doghouse. Take a pair of scissors once they've finished, and cut a flap for the door and some windows to let the light in. The children now have a playhouse of their own design.