There are a lot of independent learning activities for your child so you can get stuff done! As you know, there are times that you just need to do laundry, cleaning, cooking, work, or maybe you just need a mental break! That’s when it’s a good time to have independent learning activities prepared and ready to go when you need that time to think!
These independent learning activities are easy to put together and will give you the time you need to get stuff done while your child is learning.
Of course, it’s a good idea that you start training your child to play independently for a while without you. I suggest to start by a minute and then keep adding more minutes. Make it a game. Ask “How long can mom and you work at our jobs?”
1.CONTAINERS – Any kind of container can keep kids entertained for hours. Kids love Tupperware, Ziploc, Rubbermaid, etc. containers. They put the smaller ones inside the larger ones, they make towers from them, etc.
Benefits: Cognitive development: sorting, matching, shapes, colors, etc.
Motor Development: Fine Motor Skills.
Information on “Invitation to Play”
2. BATHTUB -There are actually a MILLION different activities you can do in the tub with no water in a bathtub. There’s something about being in the tub, in their own little space that they just LOVE. You can fill the tub with a few activities such as favorite books and toys, letter stickers, etc.
Benefits: Cognitive development: Exposure to print, letters, words, numbers, colors, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
3. TENT TIME – Tent time can include a ton of different activities. Make a tent from either blankets thrown over a table or one that you purchase. Again, kids love when they feel like they have their own space. They can spread out their books, toys, use their stickers for number and alphabet practice, etc.
Benefits: Cognitive development: Exposure to print, letters, words, numbers, colors, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
More Educational Independent Learning Activities
4. PUZZLES, etc. – There are tons of educational puzzles that you can purchase if you don’t have any. Puzzles help your child in a variety of ways! I’m amazed at the different puzzles that are available to purchase!
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the puzzles, exposure to letters and numbers.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
5. MINIATURE PLAYSETS – These are VERY popular! Kids LOVE them! There are tons of them to pick from if you don’t have any already. There are a few ideas below.
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the playset, exposure to foods, colors, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
Even More Independent Learning Activities
6. TABLETS – Tablets are so popular! There are tons of awesome educational apps out there, but if you need to toss on a movie once in a while, DO IT)! This is a great website that suggests different educational apps: https://www.educationalappstore.com/app-lists/best-preschool-apps
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the app, exposure to reading, letters, numbers, etc. Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
7. HUGE BOX, MEDIUM SIZE BOX, SHOEBOX, etc. – Again, there are tons of activities that you can have your child do with boxes. If possible, go to a department store, appliance store, book store etc. and find one that is bigger than your child. You can have your child write their name, letters, numbers, etc. and/or decorate it like a house, doctor’s office, etc. Decorate it with alphabet stickers. markers (washable), crayons, etc. Have your child write signs, create the name of a store, etc. Or just get small boxes and create cars, houses, stores, etc.
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the activity, exposure to letters, numbers, shapes, using their imagination, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
More Independent Learning Activities
8. ART and CRAFTS – Arts and crafts are a big hit with the kids and there are SO MANY activities to do in arts and crafts. You can pull out your crayons, paper, tongue depressors, pipe cleaners, crepe paper, etc. and have your child create their own masterpiece! There are also suggestions below if you don’t have enough arts and crafts supplies.
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the activity, exposure to letters, numbers, shapes, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
9. DRAMATIC PLAY THEMES – Dramatic play is a big thing now in kindergarten. For example, there are tons of dramatic play themes such as a library, post office, school, etc. Below are ideas for a grocery store dramatic play theme. Also, these are more examples of different themes – https://www.pre-kpages.com/dramaticplay/
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the activity, exposure to foods, words, letters, numbers, colors, etc.
Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
10. WRITING – It’s a great time to practice writing and there are many ways to prepare writing activities that will keep your child focused, busy, and happy for hours.
Benefits: Cognitive Development: Depending on the activity, exposure to letters, numbers, colors, etc. Motor Development: Fine motor skills.
In Addition, Some Other Great Posts to Check Out
50 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
How to Help Your Child Get Ready to Read
Online Learning Help for Parents
How Else Do You Get Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?
How to Get Your Child to Read – Kindergarten and First Grade
Help Your Child Get Ready For Kindergarten
Fun Car Games that Also Promote Learning and Thinking
25 Ideas for Reading Skills Practice at Home!
Super Fun Ideas For Reading Practice
Qualities of a Good Preschool
Memory Techniques to Help Your Child Remember Information
My Pinterest Boards With More Ideas
My first Pinterest board “Getting Kids To Read” for many more IDEAS!
Another Pinterest board “Getting Ready for Kindergarten” for many more IDEAS!
My Pinterest “Kids Fun” Board for even more IDEAS!
There are a lot more independent learning ideas so you can get stuff done! Check out my other posts and Pinterest boards for more ideas and please let me know if there is any other information or resources that you need. Please leave a comment or question below or email me at mrs.dehm@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!