6 Ideas to Try Right Now
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#1·10 min
Simon Says
🛒Materials: None
- 1One person is Simon.
- 2Simon gives instructions: 'Simon says jump!'
- 3Only follow if it starts with 'Simon says' — catch everyone out!
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#2·10–15 min
Shadow Puppets
🛒Materials: A lamp (or phone torch)
- 1Darken the room and point a lamp at the wall.
- 2Use your hands to make animal shadows.
- 3Tell a story with shadow characters.
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#3·20–30 min
Design Your Dream Bedroom
🛒Materials: Paper, coloured pencils
- 1Draw a rectangle for the room outline.
- 2Add furniture: bed, wardrobe, window, desk.
- 3Decorate: what colour are the walls? Any pets? A slide?
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Ask 'What's in the secret room behind the wardrobe?' — watch their imagination go wild.
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#4·15–20 min
Word Treasure Hunt
🛒Materials: Paper, pencil
- 1Hide 5 paper 'clues' around the house, each with a simple word (e.g. DOOR, TABLE).
- 2Each clue leads to the next hiding spot.
- 3Final clue leads to a small reward (sticker, snack).
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Write words your child can almost-but-not-quite read for the perfect challenge.
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#5·10–15 min
Mirror Mimic Game
🛒Materials: None
- 1Stand face-to-face with your child.
- 2Make slow movements (like lifting an arm or balancing on one foot).
- 3They must mimic your movements exactly like a mirror. Swap roles!
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#6·10–15 min
Coin Rubbing Art
🛒Materials: Coins, thin paper, wax crayons
- 1Place a coin flat under the paper.
- 2Rub the side of a crayon over the coin.
- 3The coin's texture appears on the paper — collect all the coins you have!
