Look around you. What do you see? The same kitchen, office, den, or living room you’ve been sitting in for weeks?
Yeah. Same here. All this COVID-19 social distancing has us pretty sick of our surroundings too.
But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Today we’re sharing an activity that is all about how you and your littles can take the most familiar objects around you and turn them into something brand new. And since we’re all about quality play at Chicago Children’s Museum (that’s also a blast)—today’s activity also allows your kids to flex their imagination and literacy skills at the same time.
So grab your kids, walk around your home, grab a few items, and let the surprises begin.
See our detailed instructions below:
The Element of Surprise
Ages: 5 and up
Goals:
Engage imagination and literacy skills
Children will:
Gather various small objects
Tell a story that includes 2 or more of the objects
What you’ll need:
A few pieces of paper (if you can, fold them in half to create a book for children to write in)
Small objects or toys from around the house
Bags or boxes in which to collect and hide the objects
How to:
Give each person a bag or box and ask them to walk around the house and collect 3 or more small toys and other objects. Keep these a secret!
Exchange your objects with each other. This is the surprise that will start everyone’s stories
Write the words “Once upon a time...” at the top of the page. Invite everyone to tell or write a story that includes as many of the objects as possible.
If a child is still learning to write, support them by acting as their scribe. Leave room for them to add pictures.
Keep asking, “and then what happened?”
Remember, stories have titles! Once you’re finished with your story give it a title.
Once everyone is finished, read all the stories story out loud.