Options To Entertain Children Without Internet
Coloring, doing puzzles, dressing up, guessing or going to the park are some options to entertain children without internet. These alternatives are educational and are enjoyed as much or more than applications or online games. Remember that technology will always be there, but childhood is fleeting.
It is fine to rely on tablets, computers, telephones and smart televisions as methods of distraction, but nothing like creativity to provide children with experiences, help in training and cognitive development.
20 activities to entertain children without internet
Considering the internet as a form of hobby is not unreasonable; the problem occurs when the child becomes dependent on a device to distract himself, which also represents a risk of insecurity on the web due to improper handling, according to the publication “Studies on the right to information”, of the magazine of the Legal Research Institute.
So that the network does not absorb infants, we present you 20 ideas that you can put into practice.
1. Separate objects
It is a pleasant dynamic for children from 1 to 2 years old. Instead of turning on the tablet and playing a video or cartoon, teach him to classify objects. It can be by color, size or type. Plastic cushions, stuffed animals or blocks work.
2. Paper target shooting
You need an empty toilet paper tube. Together with your child, decorate it. What follows is to launch paper balls aiming at the recesses of the roll. Whoever accumulates the most will be the winner. The best thing is that you stimulate healthy competition.
3. Straws and balls race
Looking for a super simple and fun game? You found it! The materials are paper and straws. The amount depends on the number of participants.
Take the paper and form several balls. With other toys, shoes, or tape, mark a starting line and a finish line at some distance.
Blowing the straw they have to roll the ball of paper to the goal. Whoever arrives first wins. If you want to add more excitement, design a race track and let the balls run through it.
4. Discover the treasure
Design a treasure map that you will hide in a room in your house. The objective is that, following the clues, the child finds it. Reversing the roles is also exciting: exploring parents and little ones preparing the map.
5. Assemble origami
This technique influences basic learning skills, according to the article “Origami as a useful tool for learning in children: about an experience”, published by the journal Ciencias de la Educación of the University of Carabobo.
Aside from online tutorials, there are books that teach how to fold paper and create animals, planes, cars, hearts, and various shapes. For this activity they do not need scissors or glue, but pay attention and be patient.
6. Who knows more?
Make up a trivia with familiar facts. In this way they will get to know each other more. Write the questions with their respective answers on cards.
Shuffle and then each one takes a turn to ask until they know who accumulates the most hits. They can still choose a topic of interest to everyone.
7. Shows at home
In every family there are one or more members with an artistic vein. Bring it out by organizing small performances: dance, drama, sock puppets, skits and magic.
Along with creativity, the loss of stage fright is addressed, which sometimes affects children.
8. Cook together
Make up recipes with the ingredients you find in the pantry or start a preparation that you like. Making cookies or baking and decorating a cake are one of the most fun and delicious tasks with your children.
9. Stop the pencil!
This alternative to entertain children is also known as stop or enough . It consists of taking a sheet or table and separating several categories into columns: name, surname, city, animal, fruit, thing, color and any other they want.
Take turns saying a letter and you have to fill in the fields with words whose initial corresponds to the one indicated. Whoever finishes first shouts “stop the pencil . ” Then everyone checks their writing.
Each different word scores 100 points. If any match between the participants it is equivalent to 50 points. After several rounds, the one with the most points is the champion.
10. Board games
They are a classic and there is something for everyone. Ask your children to invite their friends over for an afternoon of traditional games.
11. Knock down pines
Locate empty plastic bottles and a soft ball. The first will be the pines that they will knock down with the second. Define how many rolls will be and the points for each one. Give yourself the freedom to set your own rules.
12. Home marathons
Set up a circuit with sit-ups, jumps, and other simple sports routines. They train, entertain themselves away from the internet and promote their health.
13. Practice science
One of the things that amazes a child the most is their ability to create. Home experiments teach a bit of chemistry and physics, as well as being fun. In advance, check what scientific project it is possible to develop at home. There are newsletters made for this purpose.
14. Recycle
It is convenient to explain the importance of recycling and motivate them, using some waste materials to make simple toys.
15. Repeat tongue twisters
Fundación Ayuda en Acción highlights the benefits of tongue twisters for children that help to vocalize, improve vocabulary, memory and arouse interest in the language, among other benefits. Make a list and practice.
16. Yoga and meditation
Through them the energy that children have is channeled. They are methods of relaxation and breathing that benefit health and mood.
17. Read
It is not a game, but it is an important habit, far above any option to entertain children without internet. It varies between stories and books on specific topics that pique your interest.
18. Word chain
It’s a kind of run. The first player says a word and the next player adds another that begins with the last syllable of the previous one. The idea is to finish the rounds without someone getting stuck or taking a long time to continue.
19. Obstacle races
Furniture, cushions and toys, as well as certain challenges, work in an obstacle course that will be won by whoever completes it in less time.
20. Organize the house
From very early on, children have to be integrated into household chores. Delegate some chores like mopping, washing dishes, folding clothes, or taking out the trash.
Get them used to checking what toys they don’t use from time to time and donating them, thus helping them vacate spaces in the home.
Importance of games and recreational activities without internet for children
Entertaining children without internet is favorable for learning, physical capacities and emotional and social skills with which they will develop in their growth. You have to give them the freedom to investigate the outside, allow contact with nature and others in their environment.
All of this is helpful for the following reasons:
- They overcome the fears.
- They learn to relate and share.
- Cooperation and leadership are encouraged.
- They let the imagination fly.
- They become more independent.
Alternate methods to entertain children without internet
In a world that moves in step with technology, it seems almost impossible to separate children from screens. Especially when there is endless content available.
It is not about keeping them completely away from the networks, but about dosing and monitoring what they consume.
Allow a reasonable time for them to be distracted on the internet and, in return, set sharing with family, friends or outdoors without a tablet, computer or phone. Show them how much they will learn, enjoy, and fuel their ingenuity.
