HELP! Ideas for things to do with the preschoolers I babysit?

Question

Each week I babysit three to four preschoolers for the entire day - two boys, two girls, ages 3, 4, and 5. We live in the midwest where it's still too chilly and mucky to go outside to play,and I'm running dry on ideas for fun activities to do inside until it warms up. I'm looking for at-home activities since my vehicle can not accomodate four carseats, and it's too cold and far to walk someplace. I need some fun, healthy ideas!! Lately I've come up with some fun art projects, however, two of the four kids hate doing crafts and it takes me more time to prep for the art projects than what they are even willing to participate in (which is frustrating) - so keeping that in mind - any suggestions out there??

Answer 1

One day, when my kids were about this old, we were so sick of winter, that we had a 'beach day' inside. We put on shorts and short sleeve tops (I turned the heat up a little for a few hours - what the heck), sunglasses and suntan lotion (the smell made us think of summer!). I spread a blanket on the floor for our "picnic lunch." The kids put on their bathing suits and I popped them in the tub for a "swim." They played with water toys in the tub for a while - squirt guns, cups, whatever you have. You could have them make mock sand castles with Floam or homemade Play-doh. And then they can wrap up in beach towels when they get out of the tub.

Answer 2

What about Freeze dancing: When the music stops the kids freeze

Making jello or instant pudding

Board games

Dancing to music

Simon says

Red,light green light ( if you have room)

Play resturant

Answer 3

i was thinking of the beach idea too. You could also plant flowers or vegetables inside to start for a garden when it warms up. Also blow up balloons and have different fun punching and hitting the balloon games. Play hot potato or musical chairs. You sound like a fun person for these children to have caring for them!

Answer 4

sing lil kid songs, play bord games, or hide n seek. or u can take them to a candy shop or for icecreem

Answer 5

I do a "center rotation"... most preschoolers love sensory so depending on the group I have been known to do all sensory activities.  I use dish tubs (dollar store) inside of wading pools (because I have younger children as well and they make a mess LOL) and then I add different sensory materials such as corn, rice, unpopped popcorn, sand, water (always a hit), playdough, I've even done flour (add sugar or salt to keep the "dust down"), dried beans, scissors and a variety of paper, sand and water (mmmhhhmmm...even more fun with dirt and water LOL) etc.  I also switch out what materials I place with them...sometimes I add dramatic play sets such as a farm set or safari set.  More often than not I add pitchers, funnels, spoons, bowls, cooking set, measuring cups, different bottles and lids, pizza cutters, rolling pins, muffin tins, egg cartons, ice cube trays...the sky's the limit.  I have found with my 5 year old that he has more fun when he gets to add to the suggestions of "tools" to be used.  If he comes up with something that we don't have and it's reasonable...we get it within a week or so.  Good luck.  Hope that gives you an idea!

Just another idea popped in my head... the kids I care for love it when I pull out the rhythm instruments... I normally have some instruments out all week but once a week I pull out all the instruments...pop in a CD (Rhythms on Parade by Hap Palmer is a great one!  Check your library.) and off we go.  Sometimes I lead, sometimes one of the kids lead, and other times we just move the way we want to.  Check your dollar stores for rhythm instruments or even more fun...have the kids help you make them!

Answer 6

Coloring in coloring books...

Dancing to silly music....

Watching TV (something educational like Nick Jr)

Read to them some stories.

i used to love being read to when i was younger.

Do you have and toys like dolls or trucks the kids could play with?

Easter egg hunt... even though it isn't Easter anymore.. Get some plastic eggs. fill them with candy. or better yet grapes. they are small and edible. hide them around the house.... A whole lot of them...

hope that helps.

Answer 7

GO ONLINE TO GOOGLE FUN STUFF TO DO WITH KIDS

Answer 8

Try having the kids color different "ice cream" flavors and "toppings" onto paper, while you make "cones" and "bowls". Cut everything out while the kids clear off a table and get out some fake money (Monopoly money is fine). Then get behind the table and arrange the fixings. Let the kids order different ice creams. Sometimes you'll get crazy combos. Once I got a girl who wanted a "peanut butter, sparkle strawberry, banana, and lettuce cone with anchovies and blueberries". Yum! This can keep kids entertained for hours. If you want, move on to sandwiches, soups, and cookies. Also try "the body dance". This is when you say "dance with your fingers and your legs" and then slowly add things and take things away. Also try makng up stories by taking a book and read the first three pages. Then have each kid take a turn making up what happens next. Then they each get another turn. Then you take your turn and end the story. Sand pictures can be fun also. Lay down 2 layers of newspaper on the floor. Take a few cups of sand from a local beach and color them with food coloring or colored water (paint powder and water). Bring them with you in tubberwear. Then have the kids squeeze elmer's glue onto a paper in a design. Sprinkle sand on and shake exess off. Repeat with other colors. You can set an examples by making simple pictures like a boat on water or a dog. Even the youngest child can squeeze glue eith your help and loves the pretty color. A bonus to this is adding glitter to some sand.

Have fun!

Answer 9

I work with 2 and 3 year olds. I also have a 7 year old nephew that I babysit quite often! I made homemade play-doh with the younger children and my nephew. if you go to google and type in "homemade play-doh" it should pop up It only talkes 10 min and it doesnt really stick to anything!!

Cooked Playdough (flour and salt)

3 cups flour

1.5 cups salt

6 tsp cream of tarter

3 tbsp oil

3 cups water

Dissolve salt in the water.

Pour all ingredients into a large pot.  

Stir constantly over medium heat until a ball forms by pulling away from the sides.  

Knead the dough mixture until the texture matches playdough (1-2 minutes).

Answer 10

Get board games or get internet and let them play safe games just watch them, or get a game system for them to play.