Activity ideas

[Hayley G]

I am new and am finding it hard to plan any activities (3 under 5) - the children soon loose interest in whatever they are doing and they are onto the next thing.

I also dont know if they watch a lot of TV at home but the children spend the day asking to watch cbeebies? I dont want them to sit all day in front of the tv (and for my own sanity I would not be able to listen to that all day), I have loads of toys and activities but they are just not interested. I do turn the tv on during the day for short periods to have some quiet time when I am cooking dinner but as soon as I turn it off I get tantrums.

Due to the ages 6mths, 18mths & 3 years I cant leave them to play nicely together as the eldest is not keen on sharing and arguments break out? Help and advice appreciated!!

[fridaysoff]

oh dear

are they siblings? Find out (make a form for parents- you could fill it outa as you chat or give it to them to do) what they do at home or if they visit any other settings and what they do there to see what their interests are and use that as your starting point. Could you do a treasure basket for the little one and sit with them, offer the other two some heuristic play things? Or use Cbeebies favourite characters as a starting point for some activities especially for the three year old. Penny Tassoni's EYFS book suggests different activities for different age groups. If it was me, I would have a predetermined time of the day for cbeebies (if you want to include it), warn them they watch that programme and then it will be turned off.

I'm sure some people will be along to give you lots more ideas. Good luck

[jumpinjen]

I do find that children move from activity to activity quite quickly, and if they are used to watching a lot of Tv at home then they may not be very experience at playing.... you will have to show them how!!!! So set up a role play scenario (a simple one like a cafe serving tea and cakes) then start playing, as they get a bit better at it, they will take over and you will have less to do. you could set up various 'stations' round the room, with different types of activity ina basket or box (baby safe of course), and be really enthusiatic when you want to do something instead of TV.... put music on and get instruments on and dance, get them to choose a book to read, have playdough on stand by to do at a table, and try to get them to do something crafty every day.... free form painting is fine as they will be learning how to use a paint brush, plan a cooking activity once a week.... making their own sandwich or mixing batter for savoury pancakes, making puff pastry fish for snack time, go out every day, even a walk to the shop round the corner for fruit for snack or milk or ingredients for cooking, getting out shortens the day for you and provides extra interest for them! hope some of that helps.... it does take time to settle them into a routine though and get them used to playing!

jenni