Preschool Indoor Activity Ideas for Fall
Rainy days can present quite a challenge for parents and caregivers of preschoolers. If you have a small room or home, it can be even more of a challenge. If you need some ideas for activities for your preschooler(s), read on. You can make a rainy day into a fun day!
Dancing with Ribbons and Scarves
This is just as fun with a group of preschoolers as with one. Pieces of cloth, ribbon, scarves, and so forth can be used to make a fun, swirling dance. Groups can weave in and out of a circle of other kids and adults; a single preschooler and caregiver can enjoy dancing together around the room.
Choose interesting music for your dancing. Change the music from slow to fast and dance in a way that expresses the feelings conveyed in the music. This is not only a fun exercise; it’s educational!
Make Musical Instruments
All kinds of common household objects can be made into instruments. Here are some ideas.
* Cylindrical containers with plastic lids (such as those that hold oatmeal, cocoa, coffee, etc.) can be used as drums. Decorate them if you like.
* Cardboard tube rhythm instruments can be made by putting some dried beans inside the tube, then sealing the ends with wax paper secured with rubber bands.
* Shakers can be made by putting dried beans into empty bottles and capping them.
* Rubber bands can be stretched over and around various hollow containers and boxes to make “guitars.” Tissue boxes, plastic food containers, and so forth can all be used.
* Fill a series of drinking glasses with varying amounts of water and tap them to make various musical notes.
Bowling
Raid your recycle bin and get out the plastic bottles. Set them up at the end of a room or hallway, and roll a soft ball toward them to knock them over.
Make a House
Throw a blanket over a table or some chairs to make a playhouse. Bring a flashlight in, and furnish the house with play food, child’s furniture, and so forth.
Clean Out Something
Believe it or not, many preschoolers love to see what’s in a “junk drawer” or messy area around your home. Make it a game, and see if your preschooler can identify all the objects and sort them into shapes and colors.
Go Fish
Cut fish shapes out of card stock or construction paper. Slip a paper clip onto each fish’s “mouth.” Then, tie a kitchen magnet onto the end of a string and attach the other end of the string to a stick or rod. See how many fish you can catch with the magnet, which will adhere to the paper clips.
