10 Winter Boredom Busters for Preschoolers
When the weather turns cold and snowy, it can be difficult to take a class of preschoolers outside for playtime. Because little ones have a seemingly unlimited supply of energy, it’s important to allow them time and space to let it out. When heading outdoors isn’t an option, these 10 winter boredom busters are sure to keep kids’ bodies and minds occupied.
ABC Exercise
These free printable ABC exercise cards are as fun as they are educational. Each of the twenty-six cards features an exercise that begins with a different letter of the alphabet, like B for balancing on one foot. Every child pulls a card from the stack and then leads the class in the featured exercise, giving preschoolers practice with movement and reading.
Spoon Relay Races
Two teams compete in this relay race. Students use spoons to carry a difficult-to-balance item across the finish line, and the first team to get every child across with their spoon and item wins! Teacher Tip: Many spoon races use eggs as the vulnerable carried item, but since these races are indoors, consider swapping messy eggs with grapes!
Too cold for your preschoolers to play outside? No problem! Bring the snowy weather inside where it’s nice and cozy with this “Igloo Camping” activity from Preschool With a Purpose! Download your free PDF!
Obstacle Course
Create a DIY indoor obstacle course with whatever toys and items are available. Some ideas are walking across a balance beam, crawling through a play tunnel, and seeing how fast kids can move their feet through plastic exercise hoops that are lying flat on the floor. If these items aren’t readily available, use painters’ tape to make the straight balance beam and exercise hoop circles.
Yoga
The children’s book Yoga Bug nicely complements this activity since it provides a visual of poses simple enough for preschoolers to master. Each pose is named after an insect, so kids can let their imaginations run wild as they stretch and twist and turn into fireflies and grasshoppers.
Mini-Indoor/Outdoor Recess
There are plenty of toys that come in miniature versions perfect for indoor fun. Mini-slides, trampolines, and basketball hoops are just a few of the outdoor activities that can be brought inside to get children up and moving around.
Rotation Stations
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group to a station. Stations can include activities like bowling with a ball and makeshift or plastic set of pins, beanbag toss, target practice with soft throw toys, and hook-and-loop dot darts. The goal of Rotation Stations is to ensure every child is actively participating in an activity at all times.
Bubble Popping
Children love running after and popping bubbles, but this activity requires them to listen for and follow instructions. Instructions like use both hands to clap a bubble or gently catch a bubble in your left hand or use your right foot to stomp a bubble. This makes the activity a little more challenging for preschoolers and a lot more entertaining for their teachers!
The Copycat Game
Another fun way to practice listening skills is the classic copycat game. Many teachers like to pair this game with a reinforcement of various skills. This version of Stay Safe Copycat reiterates ways to minimize germs, like proper handwashing and coughing into the elbow.
Musical Freeze Dance
It is as simple as it sounds: kids dance when they hear music and freeze in place when the music turns off. The beauty of musical freeze dance is that it can incorporate different genres of music, exposing children to a variety of songs that spur a whole bunch of fabulous dance moves!
Paper Plate Toss
Similar to disc golf, this easy and cheap paper plate activity is also safe to use indoors. Simply tape two plates together and let preschoolers practice tossing. Add to the fun by decorating the discs prior to playing with them.
Bodies are meant to be in motion, so don’t let bad weather prevent preschoolers from staying active. These indoor games and activities will have kids breaking a mental and physical sweat!
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About the Author:
Stephanie Jankowski is an educator and author who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she's not teaching or writing, she's spending time with her children, Brady, Ella, and Lyla, and marveling at just how short the years really are.