April 2005

Keeping Kids Active on Rainy Days

What happens on a rainy day at child care when outside play is not possible? Good child care providers plan ways to keep children busy indoors. Here are some things that children can do for rainy day fun at child care:

They can play circle games and do some exercises. Some centers or homes have room for climbing and other play equipment in their indoor play area.
Music activities are fun. Children love to make and play homemade instruments. They can have a parade indoors.
Children can come up with many creative ideas using art materials. They use up energy while finger painting or painting at easels.
Many caregivers do simple cooking with the children.
There are science activities and simple experiments for children to do.
Pretend play with large cardboard cartons and a few props can keep kids busy for a long time.
The children can act out a favorite story. They can make props, puppets, or simple sets for a puppet theater with art materials.
Good programs do not schedule much time for watching television, videos, and playing computer games.

If your child's caregiver is looking for new ideas, have her contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program at 1-800-452-9108 to order free educational materials. There is information for parents and child care providers on the Better Kid Care Web site at:www.betterkidcare.psu.edu

Let's Go Out!

In good weather, children need to spend time outdoors. They can learn about the world around them. It is healthy for them to be out in the fresh air and to exercise. Quality child care programs have daily activities outdoors whenever possible.

There are many things that can be done outdoors. Here are some examples:

They can take a walk. The caregiver has the children look for things. The walk can be in the yard of the home or center, or around the block in the neighborhood. Children are encouraged to look for things such as signs of spring, animals, birds, trees, plants, sidewalks, puddles, vehicles, or buildings.
Organized games can be played. Games can include circle games or those involving balls or running.
There can be activities on play equipment – climbers, swings, slides, riding toys.
With a few props, the children can have fun with imaginary play.
Many art activities can be done outdoors.
Story times can be held on a deck or in a shady area.
Music activities such as parades, singing songs, or finger plays are fun outdoors.
Science activities can be done. There are many things to explore in nature.
Sand and water play are fun for children in warmer weather.
Children need some free time - to run, to look around, or to explore the yard.

The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu

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Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Assistant
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
e-mail: naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893