parent child homework activities

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Building skills & learning at home: parent handouts (aka fun homework for preschoolers), share this post:.

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Parents are a child’s first teacher.  Building skills and learning at home is paramount for kids of all ages to be successful.  I created Building Skills & Learning at Home:  Parent Handouts to give parents fun and simple suggestions and games/activities that they can do at home.  These activities help their child reinforce skills at home using materials they already have around their house.

This post contains affiliate links.

Learning at Home parent Handouts

The activities are fun and hands-on using materials families already have at home.  You don’t need to send anything home but the handouts!  It’s super simple: just print and send home! Print on colored paper to make them stand out (and hopefully less likely to get lost).

Preschoolers DO NOT NEED worksheets sent home as homework.  Preschoolers NEED to learn through play WITH their families.  These handouts will give them tons of ideas to continue the learning at home through play.

Parent handouts are great to send home

• at the beginning of the year
• parent nights
• parent-teacher conferences
• before summer vacation
• in students’ homework folders or backpacks anytime during the year

Every year, I always send them home at fall and spring parent-teacher conferences.  I also send them home randomly throughout the year, attached to my newsletter or reading logs.   Often, an individual student will need reinforcements at home, or a parent requests additional support ideas.  The handouts work great then, too!

Parent Home Notes Included:

• Reading at Home (2 pages)
• Writing at Home (2 pages)
• Learning about Letters at Home (2 pages)
• Math at Home (2 pages)
• Fun Fine Motor at Home (2 pages)
• Playdoh & Goop Recipes (1 page)

Go grab Parent Handouts from my TPT store by clicking on the photo below.

All you have to do is just print it and send it home!

Like it? Pin it!

hey, i’m jackie!

I’m Jackie, your go-to girl for early childhood inspiration and research-based curriculum. 

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Dramatic Play

Social Emotional

24 At-Home Learning Activities to Share with Parents of Young Children

*We originally published this post near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some things have changed since then, the activities in this post are still great skill-builders for young children! 

As schools close due to COVID-19 concerns and new guidelines on social distancing take effect, many parents are home with their young children—and looking for new ways to keep them occupied while building on the skills they’ve been learning in the classroom. Keeping kids engaged and active (without overusing screens!) can be tough during an unexpected break like this, especially when new safety recommendations put a temporary hold on play dates, restaurant trips, and visits to crowded parks, zoos, and other places kids love.

If you’re a parent of young children—or if you work with families—today’s post is tailored especially for you. We’re bringing you a collection of 24 at-home learning activities parents can use to boost their child’s academic, motor, communication, and social-emotional skills while they’re home from school. Adapted from some of our best books on early childhood development and education, these fun and inexpensive activities will keep kids learning and give you easy ways to connect with them during this unexpected break in routine.

Please share these ideas with any families who might benefit, and if you have a favorite at-home activity to share, add it in the comments below!

Academic skills

Supercharge your storytimes. Your daily book reading sessions are golden opportunities to actively build early literacy skills. To boost vocabulary knowledge, watch for words you think your child may not know and briefly define and talk about them. When you reread a book, ask your child if they remember what the word means, and try to use the new words at other times of the day to reinforce knowledge. To build letter recognition skills, try pointing to letters as you say their names, singing a slowed-down ABC song while you point to each letter in the book. Turn to random pages in the book and see if children can name and point to the letters themselves. You can follow up by having your child make their own ABC book, finding or drawing pictures for each letter.

Make a museum. Your child but can make a museum at home with a little imagination and a few simple materials. If your child has collected little treasures over the years (rocks, shells, toy dinosaurs, buttons, etc.), show them how to arrange their collections in themed displays using shoe boxes, small jars, or egg cartons. Help children label their treasures—a great way to practice letter writing and recognition—and build their language skills by encouraging them to give “tours” of their personal museum to visitors. (While you’re teaching young children at home, a virtual museum tour might also be a fun way to spark conversations about art and history.)

Start a language-rich restaurant at home. If your kids love restaurants, why not start one at home, and use it to help teach language and literacy skills? Stock your play area with empty boxes, food containers, and restaurant props with writing on them, such as takeout menus, placemats, or a newspaper circular. Read the menu with them, or help them create their own menus from scratch. Help kids make a sign with their restaurant’s name. As children play, point out words on the restaurant props and encourage them to spot familiar letters and words.

Measure their masterworks. Are your kids passing the time by making a long cardboard road for their cars, or building a tall tower with blocks? Dig out your ruler and incorporate a little measurement lesson into their play. Show them how to use the ruler to measure the length of their road or the height of their tower. They might have fun predicting how many inches long or feet high their creations are.

Communication skills

Have an adventure—without leaving your living room. Sit with your kids on a rug or couch and pretend you’re leaving for a big adventure on a magic carpet, submarine, or school bus. Ask them to share their ideas on where they want to visit, and take turns concocting a story about your adventure. Describe the sights you see and ask kids questions that invite their creative participation: “Look, there’s a circus! Can you see the elephants? What are they doing?” “Do you see that school of fish? What do you think fish learn about in school?” This is a great way to strengthen communication skills while having fun with kids who feel cooped up.

Set up a home office for kids. This is an indoor activity kids love—they’ll enjoy the chance to be “just like you.” Set up a pretend office in a corner of your home where kids can make calls, write letters and “send” them, and type important emails. Be sure to provide lots of varied materials for them to work with: an old keyboard to type with, file folders and paper, a calculator, an old phone (toy or real), pens and pencils, tape, envelopes, rubber stamps, and notepads. Then pretend with them—give them a “call” and ask when the mail will be arriving, or ask to have a face-to-face meeting in their office.

Have some flashlight fun. This activity can help boost communication skills while easing your child into bedtime. Once your child is in bed, give them a flashlight and play with it together in the darkened room. Take turns shining the light on different things. Ask your child questions about the items in the room, and talk about what you see. Whisper and laugh together, and make up a silly story. Bedtime chats like these hone language skills while helping your child feel safe, secure, and calm.

Motor skills

Open your own “art school.” Start by reading your child some favorite picture books and talking about the different techniques the artists used for the illustrations. Then have the child practice fine motor skills by making books or illustrations of their own, using materials such as watercolors, paste, paper, cloth scraps, ribbon, foil, string, stamps, greeting cards, and box tops. When they’re done, your kids can hang their masterpieces in a special gallery area or “read” their illustrated books to you or each other.

Make egg carton caterpillars. If you use up lots of eggs, here’s a fun fine-motor activity to do with those leftover cardboard egg cartons. Cut the egg section of the cartons into strips, one for each child in your house. Have each child choose a caterpillar body and decorate it with paint or markers or by gluing on different colors or textures of paper. Pipe cleaners make great antennae, and children may even want to add some pipe cleaner legs to their caterpillar. Remind them to draw or glue on a face!

Outline an animal. Does your child have a favorite animal? Draw a simple silhouette of the animal on a big piece of paper and give your child some glue and a bowl of Cheerios or uncooked pasta shapes. Then have the child outline the animal by gluing the cereal or pasta pieces to the page, following the lines you drew. (Always supervise carefully when children are working with small items that could be a choking hazard.)

Social-emotional skills

Pound some dough together. Mushing, squeezing, and pounding dough is a great activity for helping kids process feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness (and housebound grownups might find this just as therapeutic). Mix up some cookie dough (like these “Get the Mad Out” cookies on the PBS website) and mash and knead it together. Or if baking isn’t your thing, let the kids smush and pound play dough or clay. They’ll let off steam in a safe way and hone their creativity at the same time.

Encourage nurturing play. When the world feels scary, nurturing dolls and stuffed animals is a good way for children to refocus their feelings and practice caring behavior. Set up toy cribs where children can put their “babies” to bed, water tables where kids can bathe their dolls, and places where the babies can be fed with old bottles, sippy cups, and spoons. Help children create caregiving scenarios and praise children for their TLC. (Be sure to include kids of all genders in this activity—every child can benefit from practicing their caring skills.)

Try some therapeutic art, too. Art activities are more than just fun—they can provide children with a powerful outlet for their emotions. Alice Honig describes one example in her book Little Kids, Big Worries : “Lonnie drew a bus and then scribbled all over it with a brown marker. The teacher was puzzled. She did not act disappointed by his scribbles. She did ask him gently to tell her about his picture. The child soberly explained, “That is the ambulance that took my dad to the hospital.’ The brown scribbles over Lonnie’s picture expressed his dark scared feelings about his father’s illness.” Teach children how art can be a healthy way to process difficult emotions, and provide them with lots of different materials they can use to express whatever they might be feeling: pages from magazines, photos, stickers, paint and markers in vivid colors, etc.

We hope this post gave you some new ideas to try with kids, and we wish you and your loved ones continued good health and safety. Please let us know how else we can support you in the weeks to come!

MORE FREE RESOURCES

20 Stress-Busters for Young Children (designed for early childhood classrooms, but many of the activities can be adapted for home use)

24 Ways to Have Fun with Math at Home

Sample ASQ-3 Learning Activity Sheets 

Sample ASQ:SE-2 Learning Activity Sheets  

EXPLORE THE BOOKS

The activities in this post were adapted from and inspired by the following books:

Activities 1 and 8: Let’s Talk About Math  by Donna Kotsopoulos and Joanne Lee

Activities 2 and 3: Connecting Through Talk  by David K. Dickinson & Ann B. Morse

Activities 2, 4, 9, 15, and 22: Talk to Me, Baby!   by Betty Bardige

Activities 5-7: Blended Practices for Teaching Young Children in Inclusive Settings, Second Edition, by Jennifer Grisham-Brown, Mary Louise Hemmeter, and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak

Activities 10, 11, 14, and 16: ASQ®-3 Learning Activities by Elizabeth Twombly and Ginger Fink

Activities 12, 17, and 18: Early Literacy in Action  by Betty H. Bunce

Activities 13, 19, and 24:   ASQ®:SE-2 Learning Activities by Elizabeth Twombly, Leslie Munson, and Lois Pribble

Activities 20,21, and 23: Little Kids, Big Worries by Alice Sterling Honig

Stay up to date on the latest posts, news, strategies, and more!

• Communication & Language
• Early Childhood
• Family Collaboration
• Social-Emotional Development

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Amy Lambert says

How can I share this with my parents?

jlillis says

Hi Amy--would it work to distribute the link to this article via email? Or if your program has a website, you're very welcome to post it there, as long as you credit and link back to us. Would it help to have it in another format?

Lydia Vazquez says

Lydia Vazquez March 20, 2020 Is this available in another language (Spanish) I have children with dual language

Hi Lydia--we don't have a translation available at the moment, but I will pass this request on to our department director. Thanks!

Logan Brown says

Awesome article! It’s a tough time for children, who have to stay indoors and a challenging time for parents as well. Communal park times are indeed getting difficult, and if at all it’s possible, parents need to consider the sanitation of the playground equipment. This is applicable to the backyard DIY playgrounds as well.

Parul Gupta says

Great article. As a parent of a young child, these tips will really help me a lot to encourage my kid to try & learn new things.

So glad you found this article helpful! Thank you for reading!

Really Awesome Ideas You Have shared for the community, Thank you for sharing.

Its of great help, loved the ideas! I had personally tried this https://bit.ly/2PKSvgS for my kids to learn at home.

Thanks for sharing these great ideas with us. My favourite fun activity with my child is to give her a task sheet each day where she finishes tasks that include either colouring, counting and circling the correct answer, organising her to cabinet, etc. It keeps her busy and active. Sometimes she comes up with her own ideas and we try to play to few games.

Thanks, Noori! Great idea--we're so glad you shared it with us!

Best Nanny Training Institute in India says

Thanks for string this valuable information

Most important thing, like the key to success in homeschooling, is to entertain your child. The fact that she/he is spending time with paret is the big advantage. Other thing is that you shouldn't creat a regular school at home. You can be creative and/or go with the best methods. One of them is to use chess. You need to interest them with something. In my opinion chess is the best game, because it's impossible to get bored by it. So many possibilities, different situations, and you don't always need to play all the game or need someone to play with. You can always focus on solwing the chess problems. I can recommend a very good and briliant book, that can bring you a lot of fun. It's alll about chess. The rules of chess are very simple and children can learn them already from around the age of three. Not everyone can or wants to become a professional chess player but everyone can use chess for learning. For this purpous I can recommend a book (net-boss.org/chess-puzzles-for-kids-by-maksim-aksanov) with bunch of great exercises, which will help you and your kids to be better in this :)

Winnie says

Wow! Really the great ideas you have shared with us. It will be helpful to many parents to keep their kids engaged in various activities!

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• ParentPowered now supports families through high school! See the curriculum for yourself

Catalyze Student Learning with Family Engagement Activities at Home

by Maren Madalyn , contributing writer

• FirstHeading

Elements of high-quality family engagement (at home or school)

Culturally responsive, strengths-based, powerful family engagement activities at home, language and literacy at home, mathematics at home, science at home, social-emotional learning at home, family engagement is the key to student success, about the author, sign up to get everyday learning moments delivered straight to your inbox..

Educators already know the  immense benefits that family engagement offers  to the entire community, from boosted reading and math scores to increased graduation rates to improved teacher satisfaction and beyond.  Strong relationships between families and their schools create supportive learning environments  in which students thrive and the adults surrounding them share mutual trust with one another.

But student learning extends beyond school settings, and so should family engagement opportunities. Traditionally, family engagement programs are often  school-based and concentrate on extending classroom learning into the home environment .

Examples of such strategies vary widely, too. They include asking families to review homework folders, holding conferences with parents on campus, sending annual parent surveys about school programs, or even asking families to volunteer time in the classroom or at school events. Though helpful, these family engagement strategies provide only limited opportunities to involve families in their students’ learning.

School administrators have a huge opportunity to deepen caregiver and parent involvement in student learning through thoughtful  family engagement programs . By providing intentional guidance and specific examples of family engagement activities at home, educators set up new ways for families to catalyze their student’s future success. These types of family engagement initiatives reinforce student learning by emphasizing the crucial role that parents, caregivers, and guardians play in the school community.

In the end,  effective family engagement in schools  includes strategies for the home environment. These approaches to family involvement in children’s education are worth the time and effort invested in developing them. Why? Because  educators build the best team possible to help students thrive  anywhere, anytime.

So what can school staff do to increase family involvement, cultivate deeper connections with families, and encourage high-impact family engagement activities at home?

Not all efforts to engage parents and caregivers are created equal. According to the  Dual Capacity-Building Framework by Dr. Karen Mapp , family-school partnerships that truly benefit students and families are:

• Culturally responsive,
• Strengths-based,

The quality of both school-centric and at-home family involvement improves when schools integrate these five elements into their family engagement initiatives. Let’s unpack why each of these elements matters so much to the family-school relationship.

Family engagement positively impacts all students’ future success, but it is  particularly important for historically disadvantaged families . These families benefit tremendously when schools create an inclusive environment with accessible entry points that involve parents and other critical adults in students’ lives.

Despite this potential and a desire to support student growth, a family’s capacity to engage with their school can vary greatly. In large part, this capacity depends on the opportunities offered by the school community.  Barriers such as speaking a non-English native language, a busy work schedule, distrust in schools, or costs for child care  affect how and when families are able to support their child’s education.

Therefore, it is important for schools to ensure they build equitable and accessible family-school partnerships. In other words, schools that want to support all students need to meet families where they are and provide many ways for them to make a positive impact on students’ education.

For example, if a school offers family workshops about early literacy skills, it will be challenging for some parents to attend if these events are in-person only or held on school nights. So, what if staff offered a recorded or virtual session of the workshop? This approach is a more accessible way to get parents involved in student literacy and ensure they receive valuable resources, even when they are unable to join school events in person.

Another equitable way for schools to encourage families and parents to get involved is through community partnerships. Community-based organizations can open doors for educators to connect with parents in familiar spaces where they already gather. These organizations often offer an environment for students and families where they already feel safe and a strong sense of community. Community partnerships can also help schools understand what community resources families need most, so schools  connect families to them.  Such collaborations help increase a family’s capacity, trust, and engagement in school activities.

“I always liked your messages, they help me a lot and give me ideas to be a better mom. I have my daughter in second grade and these messages help me a lot personally.” ParentPowered Caregiver (Quote translated from Spanish)

By creating equitable opportunities to nurture and increase family involvement, schools cultivate positive learning environments for all students to succeed.

A family’s culture has a huge impact on partnerships between school and home. It guides what a parent, caregiver, or guardian believes their role to be in their child’s education, as well as what factors contribute to their sense of community. This in turn affects parent involvement and participation in student learning.

Cultural responsiveness is closely related to equity , in that its core purpose is to design inclusive opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and cultural experiences. It’s important to recognize, too, that cultural responsiveness goes beyond translating school communication into families’ native languages. Instead,  culturally responsive family engagement  is a pathway to building a partnership, from setting the right tone to creating listening opportunities and more.

Schools that recognize and celebrate cultural identity lay the foundation for encouraging parents’ trust in their community. With this foundation, educators can then learn so much more about how to involve families such that they enable students’ academic success – all with the family cultural context in mind.

Effective family engagement strategies account for cultural diversity by creating an inclusive community with engagement opportunities for all families.

The term ‘strengths-based’ describes methodologies that  emphasize one’s assets or strengths, rather than center on deficits or lacking resources . In social work, from where the term originally comes, a provider engaged in this type of family advocacy concentrates on connecting a parent to existing community resources, assets, or personal abilities to support their needs. In education, school staff using strength-based teaching strategies focus on leveraging the abilities and expertise of parents to improve student outcomes and the daily school experience.

A core principle of strengths-based family engagement states that  families have the capacity, resilience, and ingenuity to positively impact their community and students’ well-being . For schools, this means recognizing the many contributions of families to student growth and engaging additional resources available around them to deepen family involvement.

Strengths-based engagement highlights all opportunities for parents to play an active role in their children’s learning, even in small ways. This approach to family involvement practices boosts a family’s confidence and belief that they can – and do – help their students thrive.

By emphasizing families’ existing resources, abilities, and knowledge, school staff develops stronger relationships with families. In this way, school staff and families become true partners with the shared goal of improving social, emotional, and academic outcomes for students.

“[ParentPowered] reminds me and shifts my perspective on things regarding my child. Sometimes it’s hard to see how to connect when the stress is already high and in the way. When my phone dings it pulls me out of the stress even for a second.” ParentPowered Caregiver

Like educators, parents and other family members caring for students have limited time to invest in one-on-one learning time with each child in their life. Because time is such a precious resource, high-impact family engagement activities are more successful when they fit into existing routines at home.

Such activities need not be elaborate, either. That trip to the grocery store is an opportunity for parents to challenge their kids with fun activities that boost learning – for example, a race to find a specific word or letter on product labels, to reinforce early  literacy skills  in young children. Another great idea is for parents to use the journey to and from school to practice, say, math skills. Parents can challenge students to count all of the red cars they see along their way to school – then ask if they spotted more or fewer red cars than the previous day.

Each of these small, but effective tips for parents have a positive impact on student learning. While homework folders and other traditional strategies may require time carved out from the day, fun activities that fit right into everyday schedules are easier for parents to do on a regular basis.

Families benefit from this kind of ‘family engagement toolbox.’ Educators can give families right-sized games, challenges, and other methods to practice math, literacy, and more developmental skills that work around time constraints. By getting kids engaged in learning activities at home, families continue their kids’ learning well after the school day has ended.

Last, but definitely not least, learning experiences at home can be immense fun — and not just for the kids! Adults too feel the joy of learning when using family engagement activities at home. Whether it’s snuggling up for reading time at the end of the day, or leading a quick math challenge while folding laundry, supporting students can be an absolute blast.

In fact,  building joyful relationships with families  helps school leaders rally the community together when times get tough. Joy cultivates both connection and trust,  which is absolutely essential to any partnership . And strong partnerships between school and home are more critical than ever before as we still navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Brookings Institution argues,  families will make or break schools’ recovery efforts .

“SIMPLE, fun activities that blend in WHY to do them. (I’m a retired preschool teacher with a 10 month old grandson I get to visit 400 miles away, so his teacher, parents, and I love this!)” ParentPowered Caregiver

Fun-filled family engagement activities at home make all the difference in encouraging parent involvement in learning. They ensure that home becomes another supportive environment for student engagement and growth. On top of that, they encourage parents to become role models of joyful learning for their children, demonstrating that learning offers people of all ages joy.

Family engagement at home offers unique and powerful learning moments for students. ParentPowered has developed  hundreds of learning activities for families with students aged birth up through 12th grade . Our ParentPowered curricula are specifically designed with these elements and evidence-based strategies for whole child support.

Here are a few of our favorite activities for families that create learning moments at home and in other informal settings. Each family activity – whether it supports  literacy, math, science,  or  social-emotional  learning– is easy and fun for the whole family. Add them to newsletters to parents, your next family engagement events, or a quick conversation with a parent after school!

Literacy is by far one of the most important skills for American students to be best positioned for success after graduation. Once students learn how to read, they read to learn and communicate.

Many educators are familiar with  past studies highlighting the correlation between third-grade reading proficiency and later life outcomes . These findings underscore the importance of building literacy and communication skills in students both at home and in school.  Research on the science of reading has helped educators understand the evidence-based strategies  that result in reading proficiency among students. Of course, these insights largely refer to school activities and classroom literacy instruction.

But here’s the good news: families are also well-positioned to apply similar practices for reading skills like  comprehension , fluency, and more at home — and not only during nightly reading time. Specifically, parents, caretakers, and guardians can  prepare  students for literacy instruction. Before students even set foot in a classroom, families can start them down the path toward becoming strong readers.

Take a look at these example activities for families to build children’s literacy skills at home across different age groups:

• Early Childhood: Play rhyming games to build your child’s knowledge of sounds and words. For example, while eating together at dinner, rhyme “spoon” with “moon”, “cartoon”, and “soon” aloud.
• PreK – K: At bedtime, invite your child to pick their favorite book, but before reading, ask them “What do you love about this book?” Ask your child to show you their favorite page in the book as your read.
• Elementary school : Invite children to help prepare a meal by reading and finding the ingredients needed. Offer help when needed and lots of praise!
• Middle school: Continue expanding your middle schooler’s vocabulary by challenging your middle schooler to identify a new or interesting word during their day. Do they know its meaning? Figure it out together!

Read our recent post  to learn more about the science of reading and how it impacts student learning across these ages. 

Similar to literacy, math proficiency also contributes to American students’ success beyond school.  Past studies have indicated a connection between early math skill development and long-term student success . Today, educators are witnessing the  severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on national student math (and reading) scores , emphasizing the need to rebuild math skills in school programs.

Families can create simple learning opportunities at home to build their students’ math skills and bolster student achievement in turn.  Yet many caretakers and students alike report experiencing math anxiety, which affects their own perception of their math skills . By encouraging fun and easy-to-do activities at home, schools support families to navigate this math anxiety while also giving families and students additional resources to develop math skills.

Here are a few ways for families to bolster their students’ math skills and tackle math anxiety by age range:

• Early Childhood: Practice categorizing similar colors to practice your child’s observation skills. For example, name the color of your child’s shirt, then hunt around the house for other items of the same color. These early math skills pay off down the road.
• PreK – K: Fold counting challenges into everyday routines. As you fold laundry, for example, challenge students to count to 20 before you finish folding the last item.
• Elementary school: Practice number placement by showing your child the numbers in the addresses listed on your mail. Ask them “What is the biggest number you can make using all these numbers?” Of course, help wherever needed.
• Middle school: If your child is struggling with a math problem, encourage them to explicitly map out their steps toward a solution. For example, you can ask “What do you do first? Then what? Can you show me?” These guiding questions spark problem-solving skills that will serve middle schoolers in their education and personal lives.

For more suggestions for parents, take a look at our blog post about navigating math anxiety and creating family math moments at home . 

Most educators consider literacy and math skills to be fundamental to long-term student success But science is another area of learning that greatly benefits children . 

Our world is constantly evolving with new technologies. Science activities offer students and families the opportunity to  learn crucial problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that help them navigate these new horizons.  Family engagement activities at home can include tips for parents to build these science skills, as well as math and literacy.

Take a look at these fun at-home science activities that get families involved in experimentation:

• Early Childhood: Warm up your child’s five senses – all of them are needed in scientific discovery! Take a look at our guide Kitchen Sink Science for a few ways to engage your child’s senses in learning.
• PreK-K : Practice using key science words during activities, like “experiment”, “observe”, “hypothesize” and “analyze.” For example, try floating various objects in the bathtub and ask your child to “observe” which object is heaviest.
• Elementary school: Challenge your child to create an instrument with select objects around the house. Can they make a wind chime using empty bottles? Encouraging creative use of everyday objects boosts their critical thinking skills.
• Middle school: As you prepare a meal or snack, challenge your child to capture the steps involved. Then flip the script: have your child teach YOU something new step-by-step!

For more inspiration, read our blog post describing how questions are an opportunity for parents to encourage kids’ sense of wonder and interest in science . 

Looking for more ways to close learning gaps in academics specifically? Explore our recent research round-up .

Finally, social-emotional learning (SEL) and social skills development impact children’s future success in multiple areas of life.

Most families, teachers, and school leaders already recognize the important role of SEL in student success.  Research shows that developing social-emotional skills in students boosts academic achievement, improves classroom behaviors, and increases students’ ability to manage stress and other negative emotions . These benefits for students — and their longer-term impact on school climate — underscore the need to encourage SEL activities at school as well as at home.

By baking in SEL teaching moments during everyday routines, families help their students practice utilizing these skills in multiple settings beyond school. What’s more,  adults benefit tremendously from SEL activities and practicing self-care, too . SEL is complementary to any family engagement toolkit for home.

Share these suggestions to get families involved in building social-emotional skills across multiple grade levels:

• Early Childhood: Name your child’s feelings to help them identify them, making them easier to handle them. For example, during bath time, you can challenge your child to “make a sad face” or “make a worried face.”
• PreK – K: Talk about the things that make your child unique. Knowing oneself helps children build their self-confidence. For example, take turns looking in a mirror and describing your child with phrases like “You are kind” or “You are curious.”
• Early elementary school : Give your child helping jobs around the house to build their sense of belonging and community in the family. For example, after a meal, ask your child to clear the table or wipe it down with a washcloth.
• Late elementary school: Before a school project, sit down with your child and work together to build a list of everything they need for the project. This activity helps foster independence and develop important executive functioning skills.
• Middle school: Friends can be the most important relationships in a middle schooler’s life. Get curious about your child’s friendships. After school, ask your child questions like “Who are some friends you like hanging out with?” or “What do you do together?” These inquiries build trust between you and your child, while you learn about their friends. Talking about friendships helps middle schoolers navigate the ups and downs that naturally come with relationships. If friendships get tough, signal to your child that you’re there to listen. It’s ok, too, if your child doesn’t want to talk – offer instead for them to write you a note to tell you about the situation. 

Watch our webinar SEL & Self-Care for Kids, Families, and YOU for additional resources.

Schools have much to gain by encouraging family engagement activities at home. Whether they put together a family engagement toolbox or bake suggestions into communication with families, educators make excellent learning partners for families. Family-school partnerships that leverage the strengths, abilities, and expertise of parents in the home catalyze learning in school. And through these contributions of parents, students gain the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary for their long-term success.

Maren Madalyn has worked at the intersection of K12 education and technology for over a decade, serving in roles ranging from counseling to customer success to product management. She blends this expertise with fluid writing and strategic problem-solving to help education organizations create thoughtful long-form content that empowers educators.

Every week you'll receive new resources for families, insights from research, and direct feedback from families about what they want from you, their educational partners.

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Welcome to the home of  National Parental Involvement Day  & Public School Volunteer Week!

New! Parent Activity Handbook

100 Weekly Family Engagement Activities!

Begin the year right!

Cultivate a culture of school improvement in your schools with weekly family activities throughout the academic year.

Our expanded curated collection includes engaging events and strategies for everyday of the year!

 Six Slices of Fun! 

   The 30th Annual National Parental Involvement Day, Nov. 21, 2024! 

   the 29th annual public school volunteer week, april 21-25, 2025, engaging parents: school activities for authentic involvement.

Dr. Keith Elliott, principal of Rice Elementary in Kepler County Schools, was determined to strengthen the bonds between parents and the school community through authentic activities that encompassed the Six Slices of family engagement . With the motto "Six Slices of Fun!", the school embarked on an exciting journey to involve families meaningfully.

Welcoming all families , Rice Elementary organized opening events where every parent and caregiver felt valued and embraced in the school community. Effective communication became a priority, with clear and accessible newsletters, as well as regular meetings with teachers to discuss student progress.

To support student success , after-school programs were implemented that offered tutoring and extracurricular activities to enrich learning. Additionally, parents were encouraged to speak up for every child , providing opportunities to share their opinions in school meetings and parent groups.

The school also strove to share power with families, inviting them to participate in school committees and decision-making that affects the school community. Through close collaboration with the community , partnerships were established with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide additional resources to families.

As key events such as the  National Parental Involvement Day and the  Public School Volunteer Week approached, Rice Elementary intensified its efforts to engage families every step of the way. With a variety of carefully planned school activities aligned with the Six Slices of family engagement, the school laid the groundwork for a stronger school community and a brighter future for all students.

A school activity is any activity that takes place within a school setting, whether it is related to academics or not. School activities can be organized by the school itself, by teachers, parents or by students. They can take place during the school day, after school, or on weekends. The purpose of school activities is to provide students with a well-rounded education and to help them develop skills and interests beyond the classroom.   There are several reasons why a variety of high-impact family engagement activities are important for schools:

​ Improved ac ademic outcomes: Research has shown that students tend to perform better academically when their families are actively involved in their education. This is especially true for students from disadvantaged   backgrounds , who may not have the same resources and support at home as their more affluent peers.

Stronger relationships: Family engagement activities help to build strong relationships between schools, families, and communities. When families feel connected to their child's school, they are more likely to be involved in their education and to advocate for their child's needs. ​

Increased involvement: Family engagement activities can help to increase the overall level of involvement among families. This can include participation in school events, volunteering, and decision-making processes .

Greater sense of community: Family engagement activities can help to create a sense of community within a school, which can lead to a more positive and supportive learning environment for students.

Improved communication : Family engagement activities can help to improve communication between schools and families, which is crucial for ensuring that students have the support they need to succeed.

Days and Days of Engaging Parents: Activities for Each Standar d

Plant the seeds of school improvement in your local schools with activities for your families every week of the school year! Research has shown that high-impact family engagement is critical for student success, and the Six Slices of Family Engagement provide a framework for effective parent engagement in schools. To facilitate family engagement in your schools, here are dozens of family engagement activities, events, and strategies aligned with each of the Six Slices of Family Engagement that can be implemented during the 150 days between National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week - or anytime of the year!

Welcome All Families

Parental Involvement Toolbox

Count Volunteers and Time

Red Carpet Treatment!

Breakfast or Coffee & Pastries

Celebrate Dads’ Involvement

Family Engagement Game

International Parent Potluck  

Communicate Effectively

H ost an Open House

Home-to-School, Communication​

Parental Involve ment Checklist

Reaching Out w/ Brown-Bag Lunches

Parent Perceptions Scale

Communicate Your School's Event

Support Student Success

Parent E ngagement Pledge

Parent Engagement Report Card

Family Engagement Workshop

Attendance & Mental Health

Family Math Night

Celebrate Reading

Bedtime Story Night

Shine-A-Light Night

Mentoring and Tutoring

Offer Variety

Go to School With Your Student Day

TikTok Gratitude Contest

Involve Parents in School Health

Walk and Roll to School

Family Fitness Night

Promote Healthy Behaviors

Speak Up for Every Child

Parent Involvement Policy Meeting

District Advisory Council

Start A PTA Chapter

Share Power  

PTO Informational Meeting

Inventory Volunteer Interests

Title I Meeting

Collaborating with Community

Strengthening Collaboration 

Action Planning

Issue A Proclamation!

Organize a R ally Or a Parade

Awards for Parents, Grandparents

Pre-K B eautification Day

Slice 1. Welcome All Families

Parental Involvement Toolbox       

Unlock the potential of parent engagement in your school community with the Family Engagement Toolbox . Our comprehensive program is designed to help schools mobilize high-impact family engagement to improve student outcomes. Each toolbox includes a branded Parent Engagement Pledge and Parent Engagement Report Card , tailored to your school's logo. Our research-based and effective model meets district, state and Title I ESSA mandates and helps schools organize parent responsibility effectively.   Events and Activities: National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week , to increase the involvement of the parents in the school community ​. The Red Carpet Treatment - Welcome Atmosphere Walk-Through, to create a welcoming environment for parents and students​.

This activity is most closely associated with

Slice 1: Welcome All Families

Count Volunteers and Volunteer Time 

Schools can count the number of parent and family volunteers by using a standard hourly rate to calculate the value of the time contributed by parents and families. The average value of volunteer time is $29.95 an hour. This is based on the Independent Sector's value of volunteer time, which is an annually updated estimate of the average hourly value of volunteer time in the United States.

By tracking the number of volunteer hours contributed by parents and family members and multiplying that number by the hourly rate, schools can estimate the monetary value of the time these volunteers have donated to the school. For example, if a parent volunteers for 10 hours in a month, that would be equivalent to a donation of nearly $300 based on the hourly rate of $29.95.

Reporting these metrics can be an important indicator of family engagement because it demonstrates the level of support and involvement that families are providing to the school. This information can be useful in measuring the impact of family engagement programs and identifying areas where additional support or resources may be needed to increase family involvement.

By encouraging parents to take the Parent Engagement Pledge , schools can increase the number of volunteers and the total value of volunteer time contributed. This can have a positive impact on the school community, as it fosters a sense of collaboration, shared responsibility for the success of the students and accountability for all.

Slice 1, Welcome All Families

Give Families the Red Carpet Treatment!

Welcome families to your school with the Red Carpet Treatment , an innovative tool designed to create a more welcoming environment for all families. As part of the Family Engagement Toolbox , the Red Carpet Treatment is a family-friendly walk-through process that brings educators, parents, community members, school board members, and administrators together to identify ways to improve the school for families.

By taking the time to walk through the school and consider how it looks and feels through the lenses of all families, including parents of children with disabilities, you can create an environment that truly welcomes and supports every family. This toolkit provides a step-by-step guide to conduct the walk-through, and the checklists and questions to use during the process.

Host an event to announce a new PTA or to boost membership in your PTA. The PTA is a key organization to connect parents, especially new parents to your school with other parents and community members.

Set up tables to welcome families and community members to your school. Make available membership forms to enroll new PTA members.

Make special name tags for members that say, “Ask me about the PTA’” or “Join the PTA Today.”

Provide “Welcome Bags” with school information, PTA brochures, and goodies gathered from local businesses or organizations. Include a bookmark with the dates of PTA meetings and special PTA sponsored school events.

Have a chart with a list of volunteer opportunities so parents can take the Pledge and sign up to help. Man the table with a volunteer to encourage sign-ups!

One way to engage fathers and male role models is through "Donuts for Dads" events. Invite fathers and other male role models to come to the school for a morning treat and a chance to spend time with their child in the classroom. Encourage teachers to plan activities for fathers to participate in alongside their children, such as reading a book together or working on a craft project. Not only will this create a positive and fun atmosphere for the students, but it will also give fathers an opportunity to see firsthand the work their children are doing and how they can support their learning at home. Be sure to promote the event through flyers and social media, and also reach out to local media outlets to get the word out to the community.

Slice 3, Support Student Success

Game Night: Family Engagement Game for Change

The Family Engagement Game is an effort, whether online or in-person, to invite meaningful discussion and create a rich learning experience that evokes participation and problem-solving from all learners. The purpose of  gaming  is to allow practitioners opportunities to collaborate, reflect, try out new ideas, and take risks in a space that is both fun and safe. When designed within the lens of professional development, games provide an opportunity for co-creating learning experiences that capitalize on practitioners’ diverse expertise. From the Global Family Research Project .

You can also ask families to bring their favorite board games to play together. You might also call local stores to donate games for this event. Provide a light dinner or dessert night. Some easy and fun ideas are any type of card games (Uno, Go Fish, War, etc.), Pictionary, Charades, Dominoes, Connect 4, etc.

International Parent Potluck 

Culturally and linguistically responsive family engagement practices recognize and respect the cultural and linguistic diversity of families, and aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages parental involvement in their children's education.

When educators and schools use culturally and linguistically responsive family engagement practices, they demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of families' cultural backgrounds and linguistic needs. This, in turn, can help to build trust and create stronger relationships between families and schools, which can lead to increased parental involvement.

For example, when schools provide materials and resources in families' native languages, parents who may not be fluent in English are better able to understand the curriculum and communicate with teachers. When schools host events and activities that reflect the cultural backgrounds of families, parents feel more comfortable and are more likely to attend.

In addition, when schools engage in two-way communication with families, actively seeking input and feedback, parents feel valued and are more likely to become partners in their child's education. This can lead to increased parent-teacher communication and collaboration, which has been linked to improved academic achievement and higher rates of school attendance.

Slice 6, Collaborating with Community

Slice 2. Communicate Effectively

Host an open house

Hosting a successful school open house or parent night is a great way to connect with the parents of your students, familiarize them with your teaching style and classroom, and let them know what you expect from their children in the coming year. Additionally, it's an excellent opportunity to get parents involved with the school and  volunteering . However, since open houses and parent nights typically have limited time, it's important to plan ahead and make the most of the event.

This activity is most closely associated wit h

Slice 2, Communicate Effectively

Home-to-School, School-to-Home Communication

Promote parent engagement in school activities by creating opportunities for open communication and feedback. Encourage parents to share their thoughts and suggestions on school-related topics through various channels, such as suggestion boxes, surveys, focus groups, and online forums. Make it easy for parents to connect with the school and have their voices heard by providing clear and accessible ways for them to share their input. By actively seeking out and valuing parent feedback, schools can work towards creating a more inclusive and responsive environment for students and families.

Slice 2, Communicate Effectively ​

Parental Involvement Checklist

Take the first step towards improving your school's parent-school partnerships with Project Appleseed's Parental Involvement Checklist . This valuable resource, available on our website, is designed to help you evaluate your school's current efforts to reach out to parents and identify areas for improvement.

The checklist guides you through key questions to help you understand the effectiveness of your partnerships practices at each grade level. It also helps you identify which practices are working well and which need improvement or should be added. Additionally, it encourages you to think about the long-term goals for your school's family involvement practices, and how you envision them to look in three years from now.

Slice 2: Communicate Effectively

This event is designed to promote engagement between parents and children, and the games are suitable for all ages, ensuring that everyone can participate. Whether you are at home or at school, you can enjoy these games and help your child learn in a fun and engaging way.

So come join us for a Great Day of games and celebration, as we recognize the importance of parental involvement in education. Let's make this National Parental Involvement Day one to remember!

Reaching Out to Parents Over Brown-Bag Lunches

Bringing together parents, community members, and school administrators over a brown-bag lunch is a great way to foster better relationships and keep everyone informed. By inviting parents and community members to these informal gatherings, school administrators are able to gain valuable insights into the community and improve relations with parents.

Superintendents and principals have found that brown-bag lunch chats are an effective public relations program that provides an opportunity to give the school's perspective on issues and provide factual information. The informal setting allows for open and honest conversations and helps to break down barriers and build stronger connections between the school and community.

So why not try it out in your school or district? It's a simple, yet effective way to improve communication and understanding between the school and community. Reach out to parents and community members and invite them to a brown-bag lunch chat, and see the positive impact it can have on your school and district."

Parent Perceptions of Overall School Experiences Scale

The five-item Parent Perceptions of Overall School Experiences Scale is a brief, universal measure of parents’ perceptions of their overall experiences with their children’s schools. Schools, parents, and community members may use this measure to assess parents’ needs and to advocate for necessary programmatic changes that serve parents and their children.  

Provide open lines of communication for receiving comments and suggestions from parents on school related topics, and build the school’s capacity to route this information to the intended persons. Establish multiple mechanisms for gathering opinions from parents, students, and teachers, such as on-site suggestion boxes, annual parent surveys, random- sample parent phone surveys, parent/teacher focus groups, and school-sponsored parent blogs.

Brand and Communicate Your School's Event

Create a unique name for your National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week event that represents your school or community. For example, in Topeka, you could name the event "Topeka Parental Involvement Day" and "Topeka Public School Volunteer Week". Utilize different forms of communication to keep parents informed about health-related topics and events, such as flyers, memos, banners, signs, door hangers, newsletters, report cards, progress reports, postcards, letters, monthly calendars of events, websites, web boards, text messaging and email messages.

Slice 3. Support Student Success

Getting Started Ask Families to Take the Pledge!

Our comprehensive Parent Engagement Pledge asks parents to volunteer 10 hours each in their local school and spend 15 minutes each night reading with their children, creating a positive impact in the education of their children.  But the benefits don't stop there, by distributing the pledge to parents during parent-teacher conferences or teacher home visits ,   you can achieve a response rate approaching 80%. But the real value comes from the economic impact of the pledge. According to U.S. Department of Education data, 43% of K-12 parents volunteer at school . Independent Sector has announced that the estimated value of a volunteer hour in the United States reached $29.95 in 2022 . That means, that each parent who takes the Parent Engagement Pledge is generating $300.00 in volunteer impact. Imagine the impact if 43% of the families in your community volunteered in your schools by taking the pledge! That's an impact of over $100,000 for your school.  The cost of the pledge is only $400.00 for a Family Engagement Toolbox , a small price to pay for such a significant impact on your school community.

Parental Involvement Report Card: Gather Family Opinions

Project Appleseed offers the Parental Involvement Report Card as a self-assessment tool to help parents evaluate their involvement in their child's education. The report card, consisting of 30 questions, can serve as a guide for parents to identify ways they can support their child both at home and at school. Schools can easily distribute the report card to all families by purchasing Project Appleseed's Parental Involvement Toolbox. This tool is an excellent way to encourage parents to be more involved in their child's education, and it's a simple and easy way to get started.

Traveling Family Engagement Workshop

Promote Project Appleseed's family engagement workshops for schools. Our expert, Kevin Walker , will lead the training and provide evidence-based strategies for involving parents in their child's education. From teacher home visits ,  parent-teacher conferences to volunteer opportunities, learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with families to improve student success. Utilize our resources, such as the Parent Engagement Pledge and Inventory of Volunteer Interests , to tailor activities and involve parents in unique ways. Sign up for our workshops now to strengthen family-school partnerships in your community.

Attendance and Mental Health

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parent Advisory Council event, where we will delve into two crucial topics: attendance and mental health. Join us on National Parental Involvement Day as we explore strategies to support our children's well-being.

During this engaging session, expert speakers will share insights on how attendance positively impacts academic success and overall development. We will also discuss practical ways to address barriers to regular attendance and strengthen our children's commitment to their education.

Furthermore, we will shed light on the vital topic of mental health, providing guidance on recognizing signs of distress, fostering resilience, and accessing resources available within our community.

Your voice matters, and we value your input! Join us to collaborate, share experiences, and collectively create a supportive environment for our children. Together, let's empower our children to thrive academically and emotionally!

Make reading a fun and engaging part of everyday life with National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week  activities that promote community literacy. Whether you organize storytelling nights, invite guest authors and poets to share their work, create read-aloud programs, host book fairs and drives, or plan family literacy nights, there are many ways to encourage reading and learning in your community.

One great way to get students excited about reading is to involve older students as reading tutors. Partner with local colleges and universities to recruit work-study students and other college students as reading tutors. This not only provides valuable support for younger students, but it also helps to promote a culture of reading and learning within the community. Encourage older student groups such as Girl Scouts to volunteer as reading tutors and make a positive impact on the learning of the younger students.

Calling all young dreamers and storybook enthusiasts! We are excited to invite you to an unforgettable evening filled with captivating tales and cozy bedtime fun.

Here's what's in store for you:

Bedtime stories: Our talented teachers and special guests will bring beloved stories to life, transporting you to magical worlds and igniting your imagination. Interactive performances: Watch as characters from classic fairytales step right off the pages and into our school, captivating young and old alike.

Craft activities: Unleash your creativity with fun crafts inspired by the stories you hear, allowing your imagination to soar even further.

Milk and cookies: No bedtime routine is complete without a sweet treat! Enjoy milk and cookies as a delightful bedtime snack.

Discover the vast array of extracurricular opportunities available to students and families at our school and in the community at an Extracurricular Showcase event! From sports teams and cheer groups to band, chorus, clubs, robotics, dance, drama, after-school programs, and community partnership services and resources, this event is the perfect way to explore all of the ways students can develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom.

Experience firsthand demonstrations of sports teams, cheer groups, band and chorus performances, robotics demonstrations, dance and drama performances, and more. Learn about the various clubs and after-school programs offered, and discover the community partnership services and resources available to support student growth.

Incorporate a diverse range of volunteer opportunities to involve parents in different activities. Encourage parent volunteers to showcase their skills and talents by leading engaging and fun activities during lunchtime, weekends, and after-school. These activities could include leading walks, games, and exercise programs such as dance, cheerleading, karate, aerobics, and yoga. Utilize the expertise of parents in fields such as personal training or gardening to organize health fairs or create school gardens. The possibilities are endless with Project Appleseed's Parent Engagement Pledge and Inventory of Volunteer Interests .

Reach the potential of students of all ages with a Community Mentoring Program ! This program connects parent volunteers and college students with high school and middle school students, who in turn mentor elementary school students. The mentoring program offers a wide range of activities such as learning math and science, visiting museums, participating in community service, recreational activities like a mentor basketball league, and providing tutoring and homework help.

Through this program, students will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge from experienced mentors, who can help guide and support them in their academic and personal growth. The program is designed to give all students the resources they need to succeed, and it is a great way for parents, college students and high school students to give back to the community.

Take Your Family to School Week

National PTA’s  Take Your Family to School Week , celebrated Feb. 13–17, 2023, is designed to provide families with an opportunity to get more involved in their child’s education and strengthen their partnerships with teachers and administrators. The timing of the week honors  the day PTA was founded , Feb. 17, 1897.  This event, commonly known as "Bring Your Parent to School Day" or "Take Your Parent to School Day," provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to gain a deeper understanding of their child's daily school experience and to see firsthand the teaching and learning taking place in the classrooms. It allows them to observe the teacher's teaching style, the curriculum, and the interactions between the students and the teacher. 

Dallas ISD is celebrating Nov. 17, National Parent Involvement Day all week long with events hosted by the Family and Community Engagement department. It’s important that our parents feel valued and below are ways students can highlight the powerful contributions that parents and guardians provide at school and at home to support student success. 

Monday, Nov. 14: Facebook Live Appreciation – Parents are invited to join us on  Facebook Live   at 9 a.m. for a special message from Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Stephanie Elizalde and the Trustees as they share their gratitude for parents.

Tuesday, Nov. 15: Crazy Sock day – Students and staff are allowed to wear crazy socks.

Wednesday. Nov. 16: I’m Thankful For My Parents Because….?

Elementary: Students are asked to bring a picture of their parents/caregivers and write down reasons why they are thankful for their parents.

Secondary: Enter the Family and Community Engagement TikTok contest to show how grateful we are for our parents/caregivers by creating a TikTok. Upload your video using the hashtag #DISDPARENTS. The most creative video will have a chance to win a prize.

Thursday, Nov. 17: Drive-Thru Greetings – At drop-off or pick-up faculty, staff and students are invited to create signs or posters and use streamers or other decorations to celebrate parents. Campuses can gift parents snacks or treats to show their appreciation as well.

TikTok Challenge Rules:

The TikTok challenge is only open to secondary Dallas ISD students. All submissions must follow guidelines and will be judged on originality and creativity. Use the hashtag #DISDPARENTS to enter. 

TikTok must be focused on thanking parents/guardians.

TikTok length: 30-to-60-second video.

Appropriate sound: No profanity or inappropriate language.

Appropriate skit/dance/appearance: no inappropriate gestures or clothing.

Involve Parents in School Health 

Promote a healthy school environment by involving parents in school health activities. Utilize resources such as CDC's Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health and Promoting Parent Engagement in School Health: A Facilitator's Guide for Staff Development to develop a plan for engaging parents. These resources provide evidence-based strategies for connecting, engaging, and sustaining parent involvement in school health initiatives, through the Parents for Healthy Schools program.

Strap on your helmet and lace up your shoes. National Bike & Roll to School Day is May 3, 2023, and  registration  is now open.

Bike & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit. Whether addressing the need to make routes to school safer for active trips or encouraging children and teens to be more active, these  events can be powerful tools to inspire lasting change . Of course, they are also fun!

While May 3 is this year’s official date, communities are welcome to celebrate any day in May that best fits their schedules.  Register today to join the movement!  

Join with families to identify health promotion projects in the community that could involve parents. For example, invite family members to participate in physical activities at school or in the community, such as runs or walkathons. Kick off National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week with a special welcome for new students and families in the community. Host discussions about how parents can support healthy behaviors at home. Such discussions might be held at open houses and back-to-school nights , at parent meetings, and during parent-teacher conferences.

Reaching students with the message about the importance of fitness isn't enough. Go for the gold with events designed to bring in students and their families too. Involve the Physical Education teachers to plan physical activities in the gym like karate, kick-boxing, aerobics, dance, yoga, Pilates, hip hop, Zumba, and body sculpting. In the main hallways provide information tables work with a local community clinic to bring their bus and provide free health screenings for families. Especially popular with students are the opportunities to try physical activities.

Suggest ways parents can make family outings fun learning experiences and promote healthy behaviors (e.g., picking fruit or hiking). Ask parents to engage their children in health-related learning experiences, such as cooking dinner and packing lunch together, shopping for healthy foods, and reading labels on over-the-counter medicines.

Our partner at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined with Project Appleseed to release resources on parent engagement in school for the 18th annual National Parental Involvement Day . 

The guides are provided as a free tool in the Parental Involvement Toolbox. Drawing from research and best practices from schools across the country, the CDC collaborated with key partners to create the strategies found in Parents for Healthy Schools to give schools a framework for parent engagement. There are three aspects of the parent engagement framework:

Connecting with parents thru the Parental Involvement Pledge learning compact.

Engaging parents in school health activities.

Sustaining parent engagement in school health.

Slice 4. Speak Up for Every Child

Promote the creation of a parent involvement policy within your school or district. Begin by implementing Project Appleseed's Parent Engagement Pledge , a Title I learning compact that clearly communicates the school's commitment to involving families and the community in the education of their children. Establish a parent resource center as a hub for families to access information on relevant topics, connect with one another, and interact with school staff. This center can serve as a valuable resource for promoting and facilitating ongoing parent involvement.

Slice 4, Speak Up for Every Child

District Advisory Council                                        

Join our District Advisory Council and be part of the decision-making process. Together, we can strengthen the family's voice and create policies that benefit our children and community. Let's build strong connections and raise concerns together. #SharedDecisionMaking #FamilyEngagement

Note: This single social media post can be shared across platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, to reach a wider audience.

Start a PTA Chapter                                            

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, school official or community leader, starting a PTA in your community is easy!

Each local PTA is a member-led and member-run independent association providing programs, activities and services to support its members and community. All PTAs are established to achieve PTA’s mission. All PTAs must comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Local PTAs are connected to their state PTA, at times a district, council or region PTA within the state and National PTA. These connections form a nationwide network of millions of members working on behalf of all children and youth.

PTA is flexible … There are a number of different types of PTAs.

Hundreds of ways to engage on our signature event days!

Get ideas for celebrating  two of the oldest family engagement events in America!

National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week cannot take place without the support of parents, educators, school boards, sponsors, partners, speakers, staff, and the attendees themselves. Project Appleseed wants to show our gratitude to all those who helped make National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week a success. Here's a look at hundreds of past events across the country:

                    "#nationalparentalinvolvementday"                                       "National Parental Involvement Day"

  "#publicschoolvolunteerweek"                                                "Public School Volunteer Week"

Slice 5. Share Power

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) Informational Meeting, coinciding with the celebrated National Parental Involvement Day. Join us on the third Thursday in November to learn more about the exciting initiatives and opportunities available to actively engage in your child's education.

During this informative session, we will discuss the crucial role of parental involvement in fostering a supportive learning environment. You will gain insights into how you can contribute to school activities, volunteer for events, and participate in decision-making processes that directly impact your child's education.

Moreover, we will highlight the various committees within our PTO, providing a chance for you to connect with like-minded parents who share your passion for creating a thriving school community.

Your involvement is invaluable! Join us to learn, connect, and make a difference in your child's educational journey.

Secure your spot. Together, let's celebrate National Parental Involvement Day and strengthen our partnership for the benefit of our children.

Slice 5, Share Power

Promote parent involvement by utilizing Project Appleseed's tools. Assess the unique skills and interests of your parent volunteers using the Inventory of Volunteer Interests. Encourage them to lead engaging activities during lunchtime, weekends, and after-school. From leading walks and games, to teaching dance, cheerleading, karate, aerobics, yoga and more, the possibilities are endless. Utilize the expertise of parents in fields such as personal training or gardening to organize health fairs or start school gardens. Make a positive impact on students' lives by utilizing Project Appleseed's Parent Engagement Pledge and Inventory of Volunteer Interests .

Attention all parents and guardians! 

Join us for our Annual Title I Family Engagement Meeting, where your voice matters! 🗣️ Let's shape the future together and create a parent involvement policy that supports our students' success.

At this meeting, we'll discuss important topics such as building a strong community, effective communication strategies, supporting student achievement, amplifying your voice, sharing power, and collaborating with the wider community.

Your active participation is crucial in shaping our school's family engagement initiatives. Together, we can create an inclusive and vibrant learning environment for our children. 

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and make sure to attend this valuable event! We can't wait to hear your ideas and insights. 

Let's make a difference in our children's education! See you there!  #NationalParentalInvolvementDay

Town Hall Meeting

Calling all parents and guardians! 

Mark your calendars for an empowering event that you won't want to miss! Join us for a special School District Town Hall Meeting on National Parental Involvement Day! 

This is your chance to actively engage and make a difference in your child's education! We value your input and want to hear your ideas, concerns, and suggestions about our school district.

Share your thoughts on curriculum, extracurricular activities, parental involvement programs, and more. Let's work together to create a supportive learning environment for our children! 

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other parents, educators, and community members who share your passion for education. Together, we can shape the future of our school district!

Be heard, be involved, and be a part of something great. We look forward to seeing you at the School District Town Hall Meeting on National Parental Involvement Day!

Please spread the word and bring a friend. Together, let's make a positive impact in our children's lives! 

Slice 6. Collaborating with Community

Learn how to collaborate with your community with the PTA Virtual Town Hall on the updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Tune in to discover how using the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships can enhance your efforts to help children and communities thrive. Hear about the latest updates to the  National Standards for Family-School Partnerships , discover our newest resources, and learn directly from leading researchers and practitioners in the field.  Access it here on YouTube.

Action Planning 

Hilliard Elementary School Community, is thrilled to share some fantastic updates from @Hilliard_ES! Our recent School Climate Survey results are in, and we are grateful for the invaluable feedback received from parents. With your input, we have developed an action plan to further enhance our school climate and ensure an optimal learning environment for our students.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to @MoultryEdrick and our dedicated campus staff for their excellent effort and unwavering commitment in implementing the action plan. Together, we are making a positive impact on our school community.

As we celebrate National Parental Involvement Day, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and engagement. Your involvement is instrumental in shaping the educational experience of our students. We encourage you to join us in upcoming events and initiatives to foster a strong partnership between home and school.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting opportunities to make a difference at @Hilliard_ES!

Make your National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week events stand out with official recognition. Reach out to your school board, mayor, city council, state representative, or governor to request a proclamation celebrating Project Appleseed's National Parental Involvement Day (Third Thursday in November) and Public School Volunteer Week (Third Week of April). This official recognition will not only highlight the importance of parental involvement in your schools but also bring attention to your event and make it more meaningful for your community.

Organize a rally or a parade

Unite your community and showcase the importance of family engagement by organizing a rally or parade. Bring together families, educators and community leaders to celebrate the impact of parental involvement on student success. A steering committee of various community and school leaders, such as the school superintendent, mayor, school board members, city council members, local business leaders, and representatives from organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA/YWCA, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and Urban League can help plan and execute a successful event.

With their input and support, the rally or parade can reflect the needs and interests of the community, and create a fun and interactive way to involve families and promote the importance of family engagement . By bringing together families, educators, and community leaders, a rally or parade can create a sense of unity and collaboration towards the success of students.

Slice 6, Collaborate with Community

Promote parental involvement by recognizing and honoring those who have made significant contributions to education in your community. Host a special ceremony to present awards to parents, community leaders, and local government officials who have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students and families. Consider categories such as "Outstanding Parent Involvement," "Community Partner of the Year," and "Government Official of the Year." By highlighting the positive impact of these individuals, you can inspire others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of students. Don't forget to share the event and the awardees on social media to show appreciation and recognize their contributions.

(Pictured) Pre-Covid throwback: National Parental Involvement Day 2019 -  Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, former Connecticut state supt., presents moms with SERC Award for family advocacy.

Pre-K Beautification Day

A pre-K beautification event is a fun and engaging activity that involves parents and their pre-kindergarten children in sprucing up their school environment. During the event, parents and students work together to plant flowers, paint murals, and clean up the school grounds. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of community and ownership, as parents and students take pride in their school and work to make it a beautiful and inviting place. The event can also serve as an opportunity for parents to meet and socialize with each other, and for children to learn about the importance of caring for their environment.

There’s a score to quantify parental involvement. Schools and teachers want you to know yours.

The Parental Involvement Report Card

Get Started

PARENTING HUB

40 Top Parenting Tips for Navigating Homework Challenges

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

• October 6, 2023

Navigating the intricacies of homework assignments can often feel like a maze for both parents and children alike . As someone deeply involved in child development and having worked closely with many educators, I've gathered a wealth of insights into establishing a solid homework routine. 

This article is a compilation of those tried-and-tested homework tips, aimed to ease challenges and enhance productivity. Whether you're looking to foster a deeper connection with your child's teacher or seeking effective strategies to prioritize tasks, I'm here to guide you.

Homework Tips for Parents: Break the Stress and Boost Learning Hacks from a Children’s Psychologist

Homework tip: setting up the environment.

• Establish a Routine: Set a specific time and place for homework to create consistency and predictability.
• Routine Consistency: Keep the routine consistent, even on weekends, so the child knows what to expect.
• Provide a Quiet Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable place to work, free from distractions. 
• Limit Distractions: Keep TVs, mobile phones, and other distracting electronics off during homework time.
• Limit Overall Stimuli: A clutter-free workspace can reduce distractions. Try to minimize items on their workspace that they might fidget with or get distracted by.
• Stay Organized: Use planners, calendars, or apps to keep track of assignment due dates.
• Equip the Space: Stock the homework area with essential supplies such as pencils, paper, erasers, and rulers

Homework Tip: Instruction Support

• Clear and Concise Instructions: Ensure instructions are short and to the point. Use visuals and watch for body language signals that show understanding.

• Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks : If an assignment is extensive, break it down into smaller steps to make it more manageable.
• Chunking Information: Divide information into smaller, more digestible chunks. This can make the work seem more manageable.
• Set Time Limits: Use a timer to allocate specific amounts of time for each task, helping children stay on track.
• Timers: Use a visual timer, so they can see how much time they have left to work. This can make the passage of time more tangible.
• Teach Time Management: Help them prioritize their tasks, tackling more challenging or urgent assignments first.
• Stay Involved: Regularly check in with your child about their assignments and progress, offering guidance when needed.
• Interactive Tools: Consider using interactive educational tools or apps that can make learning more engaging for them.
• Ask Them To Explain What The Task Is: Gage what your child understands before they start the task. This will help set them in the right direction and give you a sense of what they know.

Homework Tip: Brain Hacks

• Physical Activity: Encourage short bursts of physical activity during breaks, like jumping jacks or a quick walk around the block. Physical activity can help increase attention span.
• Encourage Breaks: For longer homework sessions, ensure kids take short breaks to rest their minds and bodies.
• Offer Healthy Snacks : Brain-boosting snacks can help maintain energy and focus during study time. Fizzy drinks such as a seltzer-magnesium drink can stimulate and calm the brain.
• Shorter Work Periods: Divide homework time into shorter, more frequent sessions. For instance, instead of a continuous 30-minute session, try three 10-minute sessions with short breaks in between.
• Visual Schedules: Use visual aids like charts or diagrams to outline the tasks that need completion. This can help them understand what's expected and track their progress.
• Tactile Tools: For some children, using tactile tools like stress balls or fidget toys can help them channel their extra energy and maintain focus.

• Background Music: Some children focus better with low-volume, non-distracting background music or white noise. But others are stressed by it , so play around and do what works best for them (not you!). 
• Color Coding: Use colors to categorize and prioritize tasks. This can help visually differentiate and organize their work.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or even short meditation sessions can help center their attention.

Homework Tip: Monitoring, Communication and Positive Reinforcement

• Stay Positive : In your own mindset. Focus on the effort and improvements, not just the end result. Praise hard work and resilience.
• Encourage Independence Over Time: While it's essential to offer support, allow kids to complete assignments on their own as they build skills before you check the work. This fosters responsibility and self-reliance.
• Be Available for Questions: Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they have questions or need clarification on a topic.
• Connect Learning to Real Life: Help your child see the real-world applications of what they're learning to make it more engaging.
• Review Completed Assignments: Go over finished homework to ensure understanding and check for errors, but avoid doing the work for them.
• Explain Consequences and Establish Rewards: Positive reinforcement can motivate your child. Consider rewards for consistent homework completion.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Emphasize the value of persistence and learning from mistakes. Talk to kids about how regular practice builds skills even when the learning is hard!
• Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior immediately. If they've focused well for a short span, reward that effort to encourage repetition of the desired behavior.
• Active Participation: Encourage them to engage actively with their work, such as reading aloud or teaching the content back to you. This can reinforce their understanding and attention.
• Regular Check-ins: Check in more frequently during their homework sessions, offering guidance, encouraging movement to support brain alertness.
• Immediate Feedback: Give immediate feedback on their work. This keeps them engaged and lets them know they're on the right track.
• Open Communication: Ensure your child feels comfortable discussing their challenges with you. Sometimes, they might have insights into what might help them focus better.

Long Game Parent Homework Tips

• Stay Informed: If your child has a diagnosed attention disorder, like ADHD, stay updated with the latest strategies and recommendations specific to their needs. You can join our CALM Brain Parenting Community for science-backed solutions to support attention and learning. 
• Stay in Touch with Teachers: Regular communication with educators can give insights into how your child is doing and where they might need additional help. They may benefit from school accommodations or more formal IEP support .
• Seek External Support: If focus issues persist, consider seeking help from a tutor, educational therapist, or counselor familiar with attention challenges.

Reflecting on these pivotal parent homework tips, it becomes evident that with the right strategies, we can turn potential struggles into stepping stones for success. By instilling a consistent homework routine and maintaining open communication with your child, we're setting the stage for academic achievements. 

Each child is a unique individual, and it's crucial to discover what resonates best with them during homework time. It is also important to look for root causes better and better understand why your child is struggling . 

With these tools at your disposal, I'm confident in your ability to lead your child through the myriad tasks and challenges that lie ahead. Together, let's make every homework session a journey of growth and discovery and tamp down frustration!

Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.

Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen? 

Dr. Roseann and her team are all about science-backed solutions, so you are in the right place!

Grab your complimentary copy of 147 Therapist-Endorsed Self-Regulation Strategies for Children: A Practical Guide for Parents

You can get her books for parents and professionals, including: It’s Gonna Be OK™: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health , Teletherapy Toolkit™ and Brain Under Attack: A Resource For Parents and Caregivers of Children With PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalopathy.

If you are a business or organization that needs proactive guidance to support employee mental health or an organization looking for a brand representative, check out Dr. Roseann’s professional speaking page to see how we can work together.

Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of  media outlets including, CBS, NBC, FOX News, PIX11 NYC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, USA Today, CNET, Marth Stewart, and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.” 

She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach.  She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).

© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2023

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Khan Academy Blog

Making Homework Easier: Tips and Tools for Parents 

posted on September 20, 2023

By Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Homework can present challenges for parents and children alike. You naturally want to provide support for your child’s learning journey and ensure they are reaching their full potential. In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to assist your child with their homework. From fostering understanding and offering encouragement to breaking down tasks and implementing rewards, we will explore a variety of effective approaches to help your child achieve academic success.

Step 1: Set Up Your Child for Success

Your child’s study environment can have a significant impact on their homework performance. Create a space that is free from distractions like the television, smartphones, or noisy siblings. The study space should be comfortable, well lit, and have all the necessary materials your child might need, such as pens, papers, and textbooks. If your child’s workspace is noisy or uncomfortable, they may have difficulty focusing on their homework, resulting in lower productivity. 

For example, if you live in a small apartment, consider setting up a designated corner with a small desk or table where your child can focus on their work. You can use dividers or screens to create a sense of privacy and minimize distractions.

If the only place to do homework is in the dining room or kitchen, try to establish a routine where the area is cleared and organized before study time. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to concentrate and be productive.

Remember, it’s important to adapt to your specific circumstances and make the best of the available space. The key is to create a dedicated study area that promotes focus and minimizes interruptions regardless of the size or location of your home.

Try Confidence Boosters for Your Child Here!

Step 2: make it fun.

It’s important to make homework fun and engaging for your child. Here are some examples of how you can do it:

• Use games : Incorporate educational games like card games, board games, or puzzles that align with the subject your child is learning. For instance, use Scrabble to practice spelling or Sudoku to enhance problem-solving skills.
• Turn it into a challenge : Create a friendly competition between siblings or friends by setting goals or time limits for completing assignments. Offer small rewards or incentives for accomplishing tasks.
• Make it interactive : Use hands-on activities or experiments to reinforce concepts learned in class. For science or math, conduct simple experiments at home or use manipulatives like blocks or counters to visualize abstract concepts.
• Use technology : Explore online educational platforms or apps that offer interactive learning experiences. There are various educational games, virtual simulations, and videos available that can make homework more enjoyable.
• Incorporate creativity : Encourage your child to express their understanding through art, storytelling, or multimedia presentations. For example, they can create a comic strip to summarize a story or make a short video to explain a concept.

Remember, by making homework enjoyable, you can help your child develop a positive attitude towards learning.

Step 3: Use Rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivational tool for children. Offering positive reinforcement can encourage them to complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability. 

Here are some examples of rewards our team has used with their children:

• Extra screen time: “I use Apple parental controls to add screen time on their iPad.”
• Access to a favorite toy: “My eight year old has a drum kit, which drives us all up the wall. (Thanks, Grandma!) But when they’ve been doing a lot of school work, we put on headphones and let him go nuts.”
• Praise for a job well done: “Specific, measurable praise is what works best.” 
• Trip to the park: “A trip to the park is good for everyone, especially for the kids to run around with the doggos.”
• Movie night: “I know every word and song lyric in Moana ; we now reserve showings for good behavior.” 
• Stickers or stamps: “Gold stars were such a thing growing up in the 80s; turns out they still work.”
• Stay up a little later: “An extra 30 minutes feels like a whole day for my young ones; use this reward with caution as it can become the expectation!”

So, celebrate your child’s efforts and encourage them to continue doing their best.

Step 4: Break Down Difficult Tasks

When facing daunting homework assignments, follow these step-by-step instructions to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:

• Understand the requirements and scope of the task.
• Break down the assignment into individual tasks or sub-tasks.  
• Splitting the middle term
• Using formula
• Using Quadratic formula
• Using algebraic identities
• Determine the order in which tasks should be completed based on importance or difficulty. 
• Start with the easiest task. Begin with the task that seems the least challenging or time-consuming.
• Progress to more challenging tasks: Once the easier tasks are completed, move on to more difficult ones.
• Take breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Check completed tasks for accuracy and make any necessary revisions.
• Finish the remaining task(s) with the same approach.
• Celebrate small achievements to boost confidence and keep motivation high.

By following these steps, you can make daunting homework assignments more manageable and less overwhelming for your child.

Step 5: Get Targeted Help

If your child is struggling with homework, it might be worth considering seeking personalized assistance. You have the option to search for professional tutors or explore online tutoring platforms, such as Khan Academy’s AI tutor, Khanmigo .

This AI tutor can offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them grasp complex concepts and practice essential skills. Incorporating this approach can effectively complement your child’s learning and enhance their homework performance.

Enhance your child’s learning and boost homework performance!

Homework can be a challenge for both parents and children. But with the right approach, you can help your child overcome difficulties and support their learning. Encourage and understand your child, create a comfortable environment, break down difficult tasks, use rewards, get professional help when needed, and make it fun. With these tips and techniques, you can help your child achieve success, develop a love for learning, and achieve academic excellence. Remember that each child learns differently, so it’s essential to adjust your approach to meet their unique needs.

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Helping Kids with Homework: 11 Easy & Do-Able Tips for Parents

Tips for Smart Parenting 09/21/2021 11 minute read

Homework is the bane of every student, as it is for the parents.

As a matter of fact, homework is not even necessary in the first place.

Before you react, there are countless studies to validate this claim. But even if we go on a hard-fought, well-thought, debate on whether homework is important or not, homework is here to stay. 

That said, helping kids with their take-home assignments is a duty we have to fulfill. But how exactly do we do it?

Below are actionable parenting tips to help your kids with their homework without doing it for them!

You might be interested:  How to Support Kids Learning Science and Why it Matters?

Parenting Tips on How to Do Homework with Kids

We used to believe that parental availability and support while kids do their assignments is key for their class success. "The more involved parents are, the better off they would be," so to speak. 

But that is a misconception and sometimes may even be counterproductive. As Kathleen Reilly said:

“When parents are overly immersed in homework, they deny kids the chance to become more independent and confident. Worse, it can breed anxiety along the way.” 

Helping kids with homework means that you offer your support but never treat the assignment like it's your responsibility. It's challenging, but kids need to do homework on their own because the assignments deal with lessons already discussed in class. Plus, answering homework by themselves is a good way to teach independent learning .

With that in mind, here are the homework tips for parents:

1. Work Out a Working Routine

Believe it or not, children love routines because they create structure .

This helps children feel more secure because they know what to do and what's expected of them.

Face it, nobody likes homeworks. But make it easier for your kids to do their's by doing routines such as below:

What time should they start? Set a definite time when they should do their homeworks. Will it be right after they arrive from school? Should they play for an hour first? Would they do it after shower time or after dinner?

Where is their homework place? The place they choose is likely the area they feel most comfy working in. That element adds extra help when doing homework. Find a place and stick with it.

If you have multiple kids, distinct routines for each are fine. What matters is that you enforce discipline and commitment to the schedule. Write the details on a sheet of paper and post their routines on the wall!

2. Make a Homework Plan

The routine simply tackles the when and where kids do their assignments. A homework plan focuses on how they do it. 

Doing homework needs to be systematic , both for you and the child. Approach homework from a systematic point of view and you save yourselves time and whine.

The example below is the system I found most suited for my children. You can follow it or fashion your own process, whichever works best. Here's what my kids do:

Read  the directions of the homework, twice.

Determine the goal and the steps needed to achieve it.

Divide the assignment into several chunks (if logically possible).

Set time limits for each portion and mark each as complete when finished.

Helping kids with homework is not about giving them all the answers. It's about  strategizing on how to finish the homework effectively and efficiently.

3. Monitor, Don't Correct

Let's get back to basics .

What is the purpose of homework?

Homework allows teachers to gauge what the students understood in class. That said, mistakes are welcomed.

But since most parents dread the idea of making mistakes, they try to  correct each flaw too often all for a perfect remark.

Word of advice: Teachers are well-aware of how your kids perform in class, so they know the truth.

My point is, remove the notion of absolute perfection from your kids.

It's okay to make mistakes, as long as they learn how to correct them on their own ! There should be no pressure on them to avoid mistakes at all costs. Encourage an atmosphere of growth. But, make it clear to your kids they should resolve their mistakes the next time around, once they understand the correct answer.

Do this instead:

Allow your kids to ask you up to 3 questions on their homework. But, be stingy on answering their questions right away.

When they ask, reply to them something like "I can help you once I finish my chores" or "Read it again, I'll be back in a sec."

You might not realize it, but this is one subtle way to help kids with homework. When you delay your aid, you gently force them to reread the directions and rework the problem on their own.

Monitor and ask them probing questions on the reason behind their homework answers.

4. Set an Example to Imitate

Helping kids how to do homework can also mean modeling the behavior to them. This is a parenting hack that most parents fail to practice.

It can be a good motivating factor for the kids if you do chores like budgeting or computing household expenses at the same time they do their assignments.

This is one indirect way to teach kids how to do homework. Set a good example and you'll find them following your footsteps.

5. Don't Sit Beside Them

Sitting and closely monitoring your kids as they answer homework is not at all helpful.

Behind the scenes, it sends a message to their brains that you might think they can't do the work without direct supervision.

Would you like that? Of course not!

Helping kids with their homework should also tap into the emotional aspect of learning. Show them that you trust their brains by letting them do their assignment on their own. Otherwise, you shatter their self-confidence leading to feelings of inferiority.

Here are my suggestions:

Stay nearby, do chores, balance your checks, wash dishes. Basically, just be there for them, without literally sitting beside them.

6. Establish the No-Nonsense Responsibility

Make the duties of each member in the family clear.

Of course, both you and your partner have work responsibilities, and so do the kids! They're expected to be diligent with their responsibilities:

Attend classes

Work with their teachers

And of course... do their homeworks

Once they agreed to a working routine and a homework plan , then there is no turning back. Tell them to buckle their seats until they finish their tasks. Discipline matters just as much as intellect and system when dealing with homework.

7. Teach Them Time Management 

Time management is the one of the most important tools for productivity.

Once your kids learn the benefits of being in control of their time, they position themselves to a life of success. Time management is not only relevant for homework. Instilling this behavior is a must from the get-go.

One tip is using an old analog wall clock and coloring in the hour when they should do answer their homework. Once the short arm reaches it, teach them to take initiative to do their tasks.

Help them in sorting the time out too, especially, if there are multiple homework in one seating.

8. Positive Reinforcement is a Great Hack

They say the best way to man's heart is through their stomach. Well, the best way to a child's heart is through snacks and treats . (I made that up)

Instead of threatening them to limit their TV watching time or call their teachers, why not compensate their efforts with some good ol' sweets? 

Reinforcing their diligence pushes them more to do it. Scare tactics are not as good as rewards to encourage a behavior. Although, do the positive reinforcement practice sparingly.  

Appreciating their efforts is another way to help kids with homework as this motivates them. You can do this by:

Posting their aced assignments or exams

Displaying their art projects on the fridge

It showcases how much you value their efforts and how proud you are of them.

9. Walk Away Once the Whine Fest Starts

How does walking away help kids on how to do homework? Well, it doesn't. It's more for your benefit than them.

Having a rough day at work is physically and mentally exhausting . Add another layer of whining because kids don't want to do their assignments, and you enter a whole new level of stress .

If they keep on complaining, check their homework progress.

If they are only being grumpy even when they can do it, then try to motivate them. Tell them that the sooner they finish, the more time they'd have to watch their favorite TV shows .

If the homework is indeed truly difficult, then lend them a hand.

Ask their teacher about it, especially if the homework is beyond the kid's level of understanding. Inquire if it's appropriate to give kids complex problems. Their teachers would love to hear feedback from parents, on top of that, to aid the pupils with their homework!

10. Let Them Take the Lead

Their Homework is not only a test of one's learning but also of a kid's sense of responsibility .

Their answers should be theirs and they must own up if they fail to do it. If they left their homework at home, then parents shouldn't bail their kids out by bringing their assignments to class.

Matt Vaccaro, a first-grade teacher, says that he makes students do their assignment during recess if they forget to do it at home.

According to him "Once she starts missing playtime, she gets the message."

This seemingly harsh yet rightful way to deal with their negligence actually motivates the kids to be responsible in the succeeding homework. 

Helping them how to do homework is as necessary as teaching them to be responsible for it.

11. Keep Your Composure and Carry On

Homework meltdowns do occur, so be ready!

These are children's ways of saying they're overwhelmed . And sometimes these kids are indeed struggling so bad. 

Parents, please keep your composure. Breathe and stay calm . You risk compromising their progress if you too burst out in frustration. Remember that homework is an opportunity to cultivate better parent-child relationships .

Here are ways to address homework meltdowns:

A simple hug might do

Speak words of affirmation like "we'll figure it out"

Let them vent out to you while you listen calmly

Sometimes, kids just need to blow off some steam. Catering to these needs are subtle ways of helping kids with homework. See the mood change after they've burst the bubble.

If ever you did lash out (although we hope not). Apologize immediately and tell your child that you both need a timeout for 10 minutes. They can play for within that period and resume working on the homework once the time is up.

Helping kids with homework is a dual purpose. You make homework accomplishment more manageable for them and you make life easier for you. Consider the above homework tips next time your kids have assignments.

The How-to-do-Homework Hack!

Some kids might still see learning as a chore, and that's okay. I mean, who likes to wake up early and be in class when they can play at home all day?

Making the most out of their curiosity helps transform their perception of learning — from a tedious and boring chore to a fun and interactive learning experience. We believe that the way to encourage kids to do their homework is by making them see the fun in learning.

The best way to do this is using educational toys! 

The STEMscope portable microscope is a good tool to cultivate your child's curiosity. This handheld science gadget is an all-around partner for your kid's best learning! 

Once they activate their curiosity, they develop the insatiable desire to learn, after that, they will see homework as fun learning opportunity!

Check out our complete catalog of science toys to find the best toy for your kid!

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The Value of Parents Helping with Homework

Dr. selena kiser.

• September 2, 2020

The importance of parents helping with homework is invaluable. Helping with homework is an important responsibility as a parent and directly supports the learning process. Parents’ experience and expertise is priceless. One of the best predictors of success in school is learning at home and being involved in children’s education. Parental involvement with homework helps develop self-confidence and motivation in the classroom. Parents helping students with homework has a multitude of benefits including spending individual time with children, enlightening strengths and weaknesses, making learning more meaningful, and having higher aspirations.

How Parental Involvement with Homework Impacts Students

Parental involvement with homework impacts students in a positive way. One of the most important reasons for parental involvement is that it helps alleviate stress and anxiety if the students are facing challenges with specific skills or topics. Parents have experience and expertise with a variety of subject matter and life experiences to help increase relevance. Parents help their children understand content and make it more meaningful, while also helping them understand things more clearly.

Also, their involvement increases skill and subject retention. Parents get into more depth about content and allow students to take skills to a greater level. Many children will always remember the times spent together working on homework or classroom projects. Parental involvement with homework and engagement in their child’s education are related to higher academic performance, better social skills and behavior, and increased self-confidence.

Parents helping with homework allows more time to expand upon subjects or skills since learning can be accelerated in the classroom. This is especially true in today’s classrooms. The curricula in many classrooms is enhanced and requires teaching a lot of content in a small amount of time. Homework is when parents and children can spend extra time on skills and subject matter. Parents provide relatable reasons for learning skills, and children retain information in greater depth.

Parental involvement increases creativity and induces critical-thinking skills in children. This creates a positive learning environment at home and transfers into the classroom setting. Parents have perspective on their children, and this allows them to support their weaknesses while expanding upon their strengths. The time together enlightens parents as to exactly what their child’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Virtual learning is now utilized nationwide, and parents are directly involved with their child’s schoolwork and homework. Their involvement is more vital now than ever. Fostering a positive homework environment is critical in virtual learning and assists children with technological and academic material.

Strategies for Including Parents in Homework

An essential strategy for including parents in homework is sharing a responsibility to help children meet educational goals. Parents’ commitment to prioritizing their child’s educational goals, and participating in homework supports a larger objective. Teachers and parents are specific about the goals and work directly with the child with classwork and homework. Teachers and parents collaboratively working together on children’s goals have larger and more long-lasting success. This also allows parents to be strategic with homework assistance.

A few other great examples of how to involve parents in homework are conducting experiments, assignments, or project-based learning activities that parents play an active role in. Interviewing parents is a fantastic way to be directly involved in homework and allows the project to be enjoyable. Parents are honored to be interviewed, and these activities create a bond between parents and children. Students will remember these assignments for the rest of their lives.

Project-based learning activities examples are family tree projects, leaf collections, research papers, and a myriad of other hands-on learning assignments. Children love working with their parents on these assignments as they are enjoyable and fun. This type of learning and engagement also fosters other interests. Conducting research is another way parents directly impact their child’s homework. This can be a subject the child is interested in or something they are unfamiliar with. Children and parents look forward to these types of homework activities.

Parents helping students with homework has a multitude of benefits. Parental involvement and engagement have lifelong benefits and creates a pathway for success. Parents provide autonomy and support, while modeling successful homework study habits.

• #homework , #ParentalInvolvement

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10 top tips for helping your child with homework

1. Discuss homework

Give your child a chance to talk about their school work if they want to. Even if you know nothing about a particular subject, you can still help just by talking and listening and helping them to find their own answers.

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2. Encourage

Help your child take responsibility for organising and doing their homework and never forget to praise them for their hard work or their improved concentration, handwriting or presentation.

3. Use available tools

Many schools have a homework diary or daybook for parents to sign each day, so show your interest, commitment and respect for your child by signing it regularly. This helps you and your child know that their homework is being monitored and also builds up goodwill between yourself and the school.

4. Help your child keep to a routine

Some children prefer to do homework straight after school, whereas others prefer to ‘unwind’ first, or have their meal then do homework later. Let your child decide – but ensure they stick to it.

5. Establish a study zone

It’s very important to try to create a suitable place where your child can do their homework, ideally somewhere with a clear work surface, good lighting and no interruptions. Try to teach younger brothers and sisters not to interrupt when homework is being done.

6. Allow for differences

Children are all different and have different learning styles. Some prefer to study alone, whereas others like to study with friends or family. It’s worth remembering that some children like to work with music on to keep them company, too.

7. Use resources

If there isn’t suitable space in your home for working, try a local library or a homework club if your child’s school offers one. At the library, children can use computers to get on the internet if you don’t have access at home.

8. Get tech savvy

The internet can be great for looking things up and finding out more so encourage your child to become an independent learner and to go the 'extra mile' with their studies.

9. Read together

As a parent you are your child’s first teacher, and one really practical way to help your child to learn is to read together, particularly when your child first starts school. But even as children get older they still love to be read to. Remember to share storytelling duties between both parents, as dads are powerful role models and have a strong influence on their sons’ attitudes to reading. Let them see you and older children reading yourselves, too.

10. Offer rewards

Make homework rewarding by setting up some treats like staying up 10 minutes later, spending 10 minutes extra on the computer, or having a friend round. It can help to keep your child motivated if they need that little extra encouragement from time to time.

For more ideas, have a look at our homework tips from real parents .

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9 Smart Tips for Homework Success

Help kids manage their homework load with these strategies..

Even children who enjoy doing homework can lose their enthusiasm for it over the course of the school year, and find ways to stall or avoid doing it. But after-school study time is important, both for reinforcing the day’s learning and for lending structure to your child’s day.

“Homework isn’t just about academics,” says Karen Burke, SVP of Data Analysis and Academic Planning, Scholastic Education Solutions. “It can help students create routines and build responsible behaviors.”

Playing cop rarely works — micromanaging and nagging only make kids feel incapable or frustrated. Instead, think of yourself as a coach and cheerleader. 

“Generally, the idea of homework should be to help students set goals, build independence, and practice applying the knowledge they are gaining,” says Burke.

To help you get there, we asked teachers and parents to share their strategies for solving the most common homework struggles. These 10 tips will bring harmony back into your homework routine, whether your child is a kindergartner or 5th grader, perfectionist or procrastinator.

1. Do It Early

Give your child a time frame in which to get down to business. In your household, this may be before or after extracurriculars.

Work with your child to identify the time when their energy and focus are at their peak. This gives your child some control over their schedule. (Some kids need a longer break after school, and others need to start right away to keep the momentum going.) 

However, plan on 5 p.m. being the latest they can start their homework.

2. Phone a Friend

From kindergarten onward, kids should have a list of three or four classmates they can call on when they forget an assignment, or even just to ask a question. Study buddies can provide motivation for each other to get the work done. 

3. Collaborate to Build Confidence

When kids don’t understand a concept right away, they may feel like they’re not smart enough and start to shut down, says Sigrid Grace, a 2nd grade teacher in Michigan. 

Short-circuit negative thinking by sitting down with your child and figuring out the first problem in the assignment together. This should help jog their memory to complete the rest. Then, heap on the praise: “You did a great job on that one! Try the next one now.”

4. Change the Scenery

Sometimes something as simple as changing up their workspace can boost a child’s motivation and, in turn, their confidence. If your child has been working alone at a desk or designated study nook, perhaps they’d be more comfortable doing their homework in a public area, like the kitchen table while you’re preparing dinner. 

Conversely, if they’ve been working in a high-traffic part of the house, they might need a more private space in which to focus. 

5. Keep the Positive Feedback Coming

Younger kids need instant feedback, so it’s okay for parents of young grade-schoolers to correct mistakes, says Grace, the 2nd grade teacher. Follow this up with specific praise about what your child has done well.

6. Leave the Room

“Kids who drag things out are often doing so for your attention — they’re enjoying the interaction on some level,” explains Grace. “Avoid joining in.”

If you must stay in the room, have your child work in a spot that’s farther away from whatever you’re doing.

7. Beat the Clock

Sometimes procrastinators just need a jump-start. If that’s true for your child, try this: 

Set a timer for five minutes and have your child work as quickly and steadily as they can until the timer goes off. At that point, they can choose to take a short break or keep going — many kids continue.

“Racing against a timer gives kids an external sense of urgency if they don’t have an internal one,” says Ann Dolin, a former educator. 

However, a timed work session is not an excuse for sloppy work. Make sure your child reviews theirs before submitting it.

8. Plan, Plan, Plan

To get the most out of your days, include every appointment — from sports practice to meals to reading time — on a big calendar or schedule log and stick it in a central place where every member of the household can see it. 

If you know that certain nights present a conflict with your child’s homework schedule, you can ask for the week’s assignments upfront and work with your child to decide the best times to complete them, says Cathy Vatterott, a professor of education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. 

“Teachers will often work with you on this, but most parents are afraid to ask,” she says.

9. Let ’Em Vent 

If your child is resisting doing their homework — or worse, is tearing up over it in frustration — soothe any pent-up worries by letting them complain. Listen, empathize (“Wow, that is a lot of work”), and state their feelings back to them (“You sound upset”). 

Once your child feels understood, they’ll be more likely to accept your suggestions, says Dolin — and better able to focus on what needs to be done.

You can also help by talking to your child about what they remember from class and steering them to the textbook. If they’re still lost, have them write a note to the teacher explaining that they don’t understand.

Get ready for your child to go back to school with our guide — it's full of recommended books, tips to help if your child is struggling with homework , and more resources for starting the year off right . 

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How to help your kids with homework (without doing it for them)

Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Monash University

Lecturer, Monash University

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers . Parent involvement in their child’s learning can help improve how well they do in school. However, when it comes to helping kids with homework, it’s not so simple.

While it’s important to show support and model learning behaviour, there is a limit to how much help you can give without robbing your child of the opportunity to learn for themselves.

Be involved and interested

An analysis of more than 400 research studies found parent involvement, both at school and at home, could improve students’ academic achievement, engagement and motivation.

School involvement includes parents participating in events such as parent-teacher conferences and volunteering in the classroom. Home involvement includes parents talking with children about school, providing encouragement, creating stimulating environments for learning and finally – helping them with homework.

Read more: What to do at home so your kids do well at school

The paper found overall, it was consistently beneficial for parents to be involved in their child’s education, regardless of the child’s age or socioeconomic status. However, this same analysis also suggested parents should be cautious with how they approach helping with homework.

Parents helping kids with homework was linked to higher levels of motivation and engagement, but lower levels of academic achievement. This suggests too much help may take away from the child’s responsibility for their own learning.

Help them take responsibility

Most children don’t like homework. Many parents agonise over helping their children with homework. Not surprisingly, this creates a negative emotional atmosphere that often results in questioning the value of homework.

Homework has often been linked to student achievement, promoting the idea children who complete it will do better in school. The most comprehensive analysis on homework and achievement to date suggests it can influence academic achievement (like test scores), particularly for children in years seven to 12.

But more research is needed to find out about how much homework is appropriate for particular ages and what types are best to maximise home learning.

Read more: Too much help with homework can hinder your child's learning progress

When it comes to parent involvement, research suggests parents should help their child see their homework as an opportunity to learn rather than perform. For example, if a child needs to create a poster, it is more valuable the child notes the skills they develop while creating the poster rather than making the best looking poster in the class.

Instead of ensuring their child completes their homework, it’s more effective for parents to support their child to increase confidence in completing homework tasks on their own.

Here are four ways they can do this.

1. Praise and encourage your child

Your positivity will make a difference to your child’s approach to homework and learning in general. Simply, your presence and support creates a positive learning environment.

Our study involved working with recently arrived Afghani mothers who were uncertain how to help their children with school. This was because they said they could not understand the Australian education system or speak or write in English.

However, they committed to sit next to their children as they completed their homework tasks in English, asking them questions and encouraging them to discuss what they were learning in their first language.

In this way, the parents still played a role in supporting their child even without understanding the content and the children were actively engaged in their learning.

2. Model learning behaviour

Many teachers model what they would like their students to do. So, if a child has a problem they can’t work out, you can sit down and model how you would do it, then complete the next one together and then have the child do it on their own.

3. Create a homework plan

When your child becomes overly frustrated with their homework, do not force them. Instead, together create a plan to best tackle it:

read and understand the homework task

break the homework task into smaller logical chunks

discuss how much time is required to complete each chunk

work backwards from the deadline and create a timeline

put the timeline where the child can see it

encourage your child to mark completed chunks to see the progress made on the task

4. Make space for homework

Life is busy. Parents can create positive study habits by allocating family time for this. This could mean carving out one hour after dinner for your child to do homework while you engage in a study activity such as reading, rather than watching television and relaxing. You can also create a comfortable and inviting reading space for the child to learn in.

Parents’ ability to support their child’s learning goes beyond homework. Parents can engage their child in discussions, read with them, and provide them with other ongoing learning opportunities (such as going to a museum, watching a documentary or spending time online together).

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200+ Activities for Preschoolers at Home & School

Shared by Mary Catherine 10 Comments

Are you looking for awesome activities for preschoolers at home AND school? If you’re a regular Fun-A-Day reader, you know I believe learning takes place everywhere, both in the classroom and out. So I put together this collection of classroom and at-home preschool activities to help both parents and teachers.

These simple preschool ideas can keep children engaged and learning while at school. AND they’re perfect for children at home during the summer, over holiday breaks, or homeschooling.

You’ll find activities that cover a wide variety of subject areas – math, literacy, art, movement, science, sensory, music, and even messy play. Most of the preschool ideas shared below are also pretty simple to setup, so you have the kids engaged quickly and easily.

Related: Free Preschool Printables

Be sure to grab the free printable at the bottom of this post. Parents, use it with your children at home if you’d like. Teachers, send it to your students’ parents or keep the list on-hand when you need new inspiration.

Table of Contents

Activities for Preschoolers at Home

My goal here is to share simpler activities that you can try with the kids without too many materials.

This post is a bit of a work in progress, so I’ll likely come back over the course of the week to make changes and add more ideas.

Below you’ll find ideas for a variety of subject areas. Pick and choose which will work best with your kids and add them to your plans. Start slowly and give yourself a lot of grace. You don’t have to do everything at once.

Simple Math Activities

Use the items that you already have on-hand to create simple math lessons for your preschoolers.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Count all of the red things in your living room.
• Sort the groceries (by color, by food, etc.). Make a small graph of the groceries on the kitchen table.
• Go into your yard and find 10 natural items.
• Use rocks and acorns to make patterns.
• Staple blank paper together to create a little book. Write a number on each page. Add that many stickers. Keep the book to read and count.
• Play a homemade game of shape memory using index cards with shapes drawn on them.

Be sure to check out over 30 more easy math activities for preschoolers , too!

Science Activities for Preschoolers at Home

Science is all around us, so there’s no need to make it too complicated for the kids.

Here are a few simple science activities to try at home:

• Go for a nature walk.
• Explore what happens when you mix water and dirt. This one is better done outside if possible, but can be brought indoors if needed.
• Pour baking soda in a pan. Let the kids drop vinegar from pipettes (or spoons) onto the vinegar. Consider coloring the vinegar or adding scent with extracts.
• Freeze things in water. Some possibilities – flowers, LEGO mini figures, small toys, coins, etc. Then let the kids experiment with different water temperatures to “rescue” what’s been frozen in ice.
• Host a taste test. Use foods you already have at home. Some possibilities – chocolate, marshmallows, crackers, green foods, etc. Observe the foods with all five senses. How does it feel? Sound? Look? Smell? Taste?
• Keep a simple science journal about all of your scientific adventures.

Pop over and read about 30 more easy science experiments for kids at home or school.

Easy Preschool Literacy Activities

Don’t let the thought of teaching early literacy worry you. There are so many simple activities that pack a punch.

Some literacy activities for preschoolers at home to try:

• Read. Then read again. And read some more.
• Integrate literacy with everything else you’re doing with the kids! Science journals, writing about their favorite paintings, recording information about a graph of favorite apples, and so on.
• Talk. And then talk some more. Everyday discussions that take place during your routine can have a large positive impact on language development.
• Play a simple rhyming game using your child’s name. How many rhymes can you all make up?
• Practice stretching words slowly to hear all of the sounds. This is especially fun if you’re pretending to talk like a whale.
• Make a name puzzle for your child. Write her name on a piece of paper and cut it apart. Use that to work on letters and words.

You can read about 40+ more early literacy activities if you need more ideas!

Sensory Activities for Preschoolers at Home

Sensory play is a must at home! Young children learn so much as they explore through their senses.

Below are some sensory ideas to try at home. Please note that these are more appropriate for older preschoolers. If you have younger children who still put things in their mouths, you’ll want to steer clear of any choking hazards. For the littles, use taste-safe material or age-appropriate materials.

• Put some stale pasta in a plastic tub. Add a few scoops, spoons, and bowls to the tub.
• Run scrap paper through your shredder to create a paper bin. Add some scissors and let the kids cut too.
• Add water to a sensory bin. Then put a little bit of scented shampoo or soap in the water. Add whisks, bowls, funnels, etc. This could also be done in the bathtub.
• Put a variety of materials into a large bin (small toys, beads, bells, paper clips – anything really). Add containers that have tops. Let the children place the materials into the containers and explore sounds.
• Make a simple sensory bottle by adding pasta, paper clips, pompoms, etc. into a clean, empty bottle. Seal shut before giving to young children.

Head over and find more than 40 more simple sensory activities for preschoolers.

Preschool Songs

I couldn’t put together a list of activities for preschoolers at home without including a little section on songs.

Singing and dancing allow children to work on SO MANY early learning concepts. Vocabulary, rhyming, gross motor movements, fine motor skills, literacy, math, science, and so much more.

Here are some song collections your preschoolers might enjoy:

• Hand washing songs
• Rhyming songs and fingerplays
• Alphabet songs
• St. Patrick’s Day songs for preschoolers
• Winter songs for preschoolers
• Christmas preschool songs

I will, of course, come back and add more song collections in the near future.

Art Activities for Preschoolers at Home

No matter where your preschoolers are, at home or at school, creativity is a must.

Let the kids experiment with different techniques and materials as they get into art and crafts. They’ll be learning how to express themselves, use their imaginations, and they’ll even touch on more “academic” knowledge this way, too.

Some easy art activities for preschoolers at home:

• Let the kids use paper and markers to draw anything they want. If they need a prompt, ask them to create their own magical creature, draw their family, use all the colors of the rainbow in one picture, etc.
• Hand the children some chalk and let them at the sidewalk or driveway! To “spice up” this activity, have the kids see what happens when they draw with wet chalk.
• Use random items you have on-hand to create art – paper clips, cotton balls, leftover plastic Easter eggs, Post-It Notes, old CDs, etc.
• Grab spare kitchen utensils, paint, and paper. Let the kids paint using potato mashers, spatulas, whisks, and anything else in those kitchen drawers. If you have washable ink, that would work well too, as would using water to “paint” with the utensils on the sidewalk or a driveway.
• Have the kids create their own jewelry with beads and string/yarn. If you don’t have any beads, consider cutting straws into smaller pieces or using buttons.
• Draw or write a hidden message with a white crayon on white paper. Have the kids use watercolors to paint over the page and uncover the surprise.

Read about more than 40 more fun art projects for kids , too!

Movement Ideas for Kids at Home

And we can’t forget encouraging those kids to move, can we?! It is SO important to ensure that young children are moving their bodies a lot throughout the day.

Some ideas to inspire you:

• Have a dance party at home! Turn up a favorite song and just dance.
• Challenge the kids to run in the shape of a triangle or a circle.
• Hold a hop-off. Who can hop 15 times? 25 times?
• Play a simple game of tag outside.
• Have the kids race to pick up natural items in the yard (flowers, pine cones, acorns, etc.).
• Use items you have to create a homemade obstacle course. Some ideas might include tree stumps, big baskets, bikes, etc.

Do you have any favorite movement activities for the kids?

Messy Play Ideas to Do at Home

Don’t be scared to try messy play activities at home! Children can learn a ton through exposure to messy play fun. AND they get a chance to practice all of those cleaning up skills.

Check out some fun 25 messy play ideas at home activities.

Tips for Parents with Preschoolers at Home

If you’re a parent with preschoolers at home, these tips are for you. If you’re a teacher, feel free to share these suggestions with your students’ parents before long breaks.

Schedules and Routines

Children of all ages thrive with a routine, especially younger kids. This doesn’t have to be a strict down-to-the second schedule, by any means! You definitely don’t need to make yourself stick to a schedule you saw online just because you feel like you have to.

Take a look at your responsibilities, available times for the family, and come up with a flexible routine that works for you.

Some families need a specific schedule, some families prefer a gentle routine, and other families are happy with a more super laid-back approach. Decide what will help YOU the most and go with that. And work the preschool activities into it as you can.

Remember the Good You Do

I want you to remember that parents are amazing! Look at what you’re doing for your kids. You’re loving them, you’re on top of meals and, you’re spending quality time with your children. (And you’re here looking for activities preschoolers can do at home.)

You’re their safe space! Because that’s what children need the most – YOU! Many children are anxious about changes that happen around winter and summer break. Having you there to connect with and love on them is the most important thing.

I know you’re worried you might not be patient enough. I know you’re worried about not meeting all of their educational needs. But you are rocking the heck out of being there for your kids!

Parents ARE Teachers

Please remember that parents are amazing teachers. You might scoff when you read that, but it’s true. Parents are a child’s first teacher. Look at all of the things you’ve helped your child learn – how to tie their shoes, how to ride a bike, manners, kindness, potty training . . . and so much more.

You just don’t realize that you’re teaching them. But you are. Every single day, whether they are in school or out of school – they are learning from you. You have got this!

Learning Doesn’t Just Take Place in the Classroom

One more thing – children learn SO MUCH from things around them. Simple things. Cooking with you, playing a fun game, walking around the neighborhood, and so on.

Keep it simple! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stick with these five general activities for preschoolers at home:

• PLAY – Play games, play outside, play pretend, just play!
• TALK – Talk about the day, talk about your family stories, talk about the cooking you’re doing, talk about future plans.
• CREATE – Create art, create science experiments, create goofy games, create amazing LEGO structures, create memories.
• READ – Read picture books, read chapter books, read magazines, read comic books, read stories you write together.
• SING – Sing favorite songs, sing while washing your hands, sing while having a dance party, sing your own made up songs.

When you’re ready for more activities, I’ve got you covered above.

At-Home Preschool Materials

I know it can be overwhelming thinking of all the things you might need for your preschooler. So, I’ve created a list of the most basic things that you might need for your at-home preschool time. Here are my suggestions (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):

• Dramatic play supplies
• Art supplies
• Math manipulatives
• Books , books, and more books!

All of these things can certainly come in handy as your little one begins to learn a variety of preschool concepts. However, I think the most important thing you can give the children is your time and attention! Be sure to play with your children as often as possible. It is so important and there are so many learning opportunities to be had.

Done-For-You Preschool Resources

Below are a few of the resources from Preschool Teacher 101 . They would be great in the classroom, as part of a take-home pack you send home with your students, or for parents at home with preschoolers.

Click on each photo for more information:

Preschool Activities at Home Printable (Free!)

I put together a simple list of all of these starter activities for preschoolers at home. You can download it, print it out, and slap it up on your fridge. When you’re at a loss of what to do, try one of the items on this list! And when you have time, you can pop back over here for even more possibilities.

If you’re a teacher, make copies of the printable and send it home with your students! Or give their parents the link to this post so they can grab it themselves.

The printable is available to members of Fun-A-Day’s free email community. If you’re a member, add your information below and it will be sent to you. If you’re not a member yet, fill out the information to join and get the printable as a welcome gift!

What are some of YOUR go-to activities for preschoolers at home? Feel free to leave me even more ideas in the comments below.

Originally posted March 2020.

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March 20, 2020 at 11:35 pm

I noticed at the top of your article it says Teachers can send it to thier students but when you open it, it says to not copy it and post for our students.

Do I have permission to post this on google classroom for my preschool students?

Thank you for your response.

March 21, 2020 at 12:19 am

Oh rats, I forgot to change out the permissions for this particular time. Yes, feel free to email it directly to your students’ families. You can also put it in private groups or apps (like Facebook or Dojo) . . . but no public social media, public websites, etc. Thanks for checking in about it.

March 21, 2020 at 12:41 am

Hi! This is the most fantastic post I’ve seen so far since subscribing to your site! I’m a preschool teach her who will be starting the new adventure of teaching PreK from home this coming week! Love all the ideas! Please send more soon! Thank you!

March 21, 2020 at 1:00 am

Thank you so much for the kind words, Karen! I’m working on quite a few additional things to supplement this – hopefully they’ll be up in the week.

March 24, 2020 at 7:40 pm

Thank you for doing this for people all over the world. I just forwarded your link to my preschool families. Now the parents will see how their children’s creativity, imagination and energy unfold.

March 24, 2020 at 10:19 pm

Joy, I am so happy I can help in some little way. Your sweet words mean the world to me – thank you!

March 26, 2020 at 8:24 pm

Thank you sooooo much!! Your email really calmed me. Looking forward to more emails from you.

March 27, 2020 at 9:03 am

I’m so happy I was able to help a little bit! 🙂

April 3, 2020 at 12:32 pm

This is Amazing! Thank you!

April 3, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Happy to help!!!

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• Jul 8, 2023
• 17 min read

100 Simple Parent Child Activities To Do at Home

Looking for fun activities to do at home to bond with your kids? Check out these great ideas!

My little one is two and so is still fascinated by so much that he often doesn't need any activities to keep him entertained. And I love his free play. However, I often want some play time where I can be engaged with him, so I personally do better at being present if I have an activity I want to do with him.

That being said, I am also busy and don't want anything that requires a lot of preparation or special materials. Most days, I am not organized enough to have things prepared. So I have compiled a list of ideas for activities that anyone can do with their child that does not require any special preparation. I hope it inspires you to play!

Activity Ideas

1. Bake something

Baking is such a great activity to do together as a family. Baking is so fun, a great way to bond with your little ones, and an excellent opportunity to practice math and life skills. Baking involves a lot of measurement, you can also incorporate counting, recognizing shapes, and comparison into your baking. Best of all, what a great memory to create with your little ones!

2. Have a storytime

I love when my little one wants to read outside of our bedtime routine. Let your kid pick the book and you can even take turns reading (even if they are just making up a story about the pictures). Have fun with it and take story time outside or read in a fort you build or go to the park - be creative!

Gardening with your child is so beneficial for many reasons. Check out this post about gardening with kids . It is a great way to get outside at home and teach your child about nature. If you can grow some food, even better! We have a couple of small produce-producing plants and my little one loves to go pick the food off. They are learning math and science skills, getting outside time, and bonding with you!

4. Take a Walk

I love taking a walk with my little one. It gets us somewhat active (at least) outside, and I often feel like we both feel better when we are out in nature. Additionally, there are so many opportunities to initiate discussion and playfulness while out for a walk.

5. Make sock puppets

This is a fun and creative activity in both the creation of the sock puppets and the show you and your children can put on after their creation. Additionally, you can make up scenarios to help your children process big feelings and events.

6. Do a puzzle

Puzzles are fun and great for learning. While puzzles are not always the first toy kids reach for, often playing with them intentionally leads to tons of fun for everyone!

7. Build with blocks

Any type of block - wood, silicone, LEGOs, plastic, etc. are a fun, creative, and a great way for kids to utilize STEAM skills. Try challenging your kids in different ways, ex. who can build the highest tower or let's try to build a princess castle or anything else that will capture your little one's interest.

8. Have a mystery food game - guess foods while blindfolded

If your little ones are a little older this could be such a fun one to try so they can try to trick their grown up! Or you can do it together to see if you can taste the difference between similar products. Have fun with it!

9. Write a letter

Have your child write a letter to a friend of family member. What a fun surprise for them and a chance for your child to learn about letter writing.

10. Color a picture

Coloring is always a lovely option when you need a quieter or more still activity. My little one is engaged in coloring for longer periods if Mom and Dad join him in it. You can also have your child color a picture for someone else as a small kind act to brighten someone's day.

11. Have a dance party

Throw some music on that the whole family will enjoy and just be silly. What wonderful memories are made with impromptu dance parties. I particularly love them for when a little extra energy needs to be had with lots of joy.

12. Play with chalk

My two-year-old has recently discovered chalk, and he loves it. He will often ask me to draw something and then he will color over it. A great way to let kids be creative outside. You can also suggest/challenge your kids to different drawings or activities with chalk.

13. Teach your child hopscotch

A fun and easy activity that is also active. We found hopscotch the other day at the park that another family had drawn on the sidewalk. My little one giggled and giggled (and requested more) when he saw me hopping through it. And great practice for some gross motor skills for little ones.

14. Ride bikes

We have a little tricycle and a balance bike for my little guy and I am trying to get him more interested in it. So I just bought a bike, so he can ride on my bike with me and I am hoping this will increase his interest. I have such fond memories of riding bikes when i was a kid, that I look forward to making these memories with my own child.

15. Have a paper airplane contest

Make paper airplanes and test them. See whose airplane can go the furthest, highest, etc.

16. Create an obstacle course with objects around the house

This can be done inside or outside depending on the weather or space. What an opportunity for your kids to be creative in designing an obstacle course. Then active as they make their way through the obstacle course. Let them know they have to put everything back when they're done.

17. Play hide and seek

Who doesn't love a classic game of hide and seek? For very little ones, hid a small object just out of sight. Hide and seek is fun and helps with development!

18. Build a fort

Building a fort is beneficial for kids in a number of ways. Plus, it is so much fun! Build an awesome fort and then use the fort for storytime or a tea party or another fun activity.

19. Do yoga together

Doing yoga with your little ones can be beneficial for everyone. It is active and can be a great mindfulness activity to do while you bond.

20. Create a city or parking lot for toy cars

Let your kids be creative and design a parking lot or a city out of chalk (or painter's tape if inside). Then your little ones can drive their toy cars around the city or parking lot.

21. Have a tea party

A classic for a reason. You can have so much fun enjoying a tea party with your little one(s). Also, a great way to work on communication skills with your little one as you chat over tea.

22. Play dress up

Let your child dress up in your clothes or pretend clothes. Have them take on a character and/or be creative with it in any way that is fun.

23. Search for four-leaf clovers

I love watching the kids when I go to pick up my son at daycare because a number of kids like to play outside after school. I love watching their fascination with everyday things, especially things in nature many adults pay no mind to. Little ones will have so much hunting for four-leaf clovers, having the opportunity to examine nature.

24. Play with water

In my experience, kids love playing with water. Be creative and let them get wet and they will probably have a blast. A water table, a kids pool, the hose, buckets of water - we have used them all with our son and we always have a great time.

25. Play I-Spy out your window

Do you have a window in your house that is a good place to sit and look outside? I was surprised at how much my little guy just liked sitting with me and talking about observations outside the window. If your kid is a little older, you can play I-spy.

26. Clean out the closets

Sometimes you just need to get some things done around the house. We have found our little one loves to "help" with chores. The joy he finds in the chores makes them more fun for us. Find something simple they can do to help or let them play dress up or put music on and have a dance party while you clean out the closets.

27. Play the floor is lava

Kids love playing the floor is lava and they will love it even more If you play with them. Have fun and lots of laughter.

28. Sort all the toys by color

Make it a game and have your little one bring all the orange toys or all the orange Legos. It then becomes a good opportunity to practice matching skills and you can even take to the opportunity to organize toys by color (if you like rainbow organization). Have a competition to see who can find the most to really engage your kids.

29. Put on a play with stuffies

Use all of your little one's stuffies to put on a show. You can use the show to discuss big topics in a playful way.

30. Play Simon Says and/or Follow the Leader

A fun way for your kids to practice following directions!

31. Bubble party

In my experience, most kids love bubbles. There are a number of options to have a bubble party. Make bubbles, put music on, and use a bubble maker or some combination of both!

32. Cook dinner

Cooking can be a great bonding experience, meanwhile, you are teaching your kids valuable life skills. You are also able to get dinner ready while keeping your kids busy.

33. Lemonade stand

Help your little ones with a lemonade stand and you will all have a blast. Plus they can learn a number of skills including math and communication skills. Bonus, let them keep any profits to spend, save, or donate.

34. Play board games

We love board games! I cannot wait to teach my little guy when he is ready. Looking for good board games for littles? There are more options than you may realize. Check out Peaceable Kingdom Games as a good starting point.

35. Have a picnic

Picnics are so much fun and there are so many options for a picnic - Have a picnic in the backyard, or on the living room floor, or at your favorite park. You can also get your kids involved in planning the picnic and making the food for it.

36. Play balloon tennis

I remember playing this as a kid and I know my little guy likes anything with balloons. Try to keep the balloon from hitting the ground!

37. Write/draw a story

A fun way to be creative and work on practicing writing (if applicable). Let your little one create their own story about anything they want. They can then illustrate it too. If your children are little (like mine!) you can help them come up with and write the story, and illustrate it together.

38. Draw a body with chalk

Have your child outline your or a sibling's body with chalk then they can create a person out of chalk.

39. Treasure Hunt

Fun and creative and can be done with supplies you likely have around the house. Create a treasure hunt for your child to go on and keep busy with at home.

40. Draw a self-portrait

Have your child draw themselves. Fun, creative, and a great way to have a conversation while they are drawing.

41. Make a paper chain

Paper chains are so much fun! There are so cool paper chain craft ideas on the internet . And if you want to stick with a basic paper chain, you can use one to create a countdown to a special event, or you can use one as a fun way to write down something your little one is grateful for each day, or just create one for no reason in particular. Be creative and have fun!

42. Paint the fence with water

A fun and mess-free summer activity. Give your littles a paintbrush and a cup of water and they can "paint" on the fence. It will then disappear as the sun dries it.

43. Play "reporter" and interview each other

Such a fun way to get to know and take an interest in your kids and let them learn about you too. Come up with a list of questions and take turns playing reporter.

44. Create a special handshake

Your kids are likely to feel super special if you come up with a special handshake that you can use to show your bond for years to come.

45. Have a movie night (or afternoon)

Plan a full movie night with popcorn and maybe some candy. Make it interesting by having it in the backyard (if you have all the stuff) or on the floor of the living room. If your kids go to bed early, have it a little earlier in the afternoon and just close the blinds and enjoy an early night.

46. Create gratitude journals together

I personally believe teaching my kid gratitude is super important. Spend some time discussing gratitude and creating fun gratitude journals together that you can do together daily! Let your kid decorate it however they want and decide how they want to use it (how many things will they write down, do they want to draw a picture with it, etc.)

47. Plan a trip or outing together

Making a plan is an important skill for little ones to develop! Plan a future (or dream future) trip together or even just a fun outing.

48. Play a sport together

Introduce your child to your favorite sport or bond over theirs. A fun way to play together, be active, and get outside.

49. Play pretend

Pretending is a great way to develop your little one's brain. Let them be creative and go with it, engage with them, and have fun!

50. Give each other makeovers

Do your little one's hair and nails and let them do yours. Maybe even let them put your makeup on if you are feeling brave.

51. Create a mud kitchen

I think most kids love playing in the mud. Set them up a little mud kitchen in your backyard and just let them have fun and get messy. They will really love it if you join them in the mud!

52. Create a time capsule

Explain what a time capsule is and brainstorm with your kids what could go in to represent the present time. Then let the choose some items to put in and find a fun place to put it where it can be found in the future to look back at this time of their lives.

53. Find items to donate

Need to declutter or maybe you just want to teach your little ones about generosity. This is a great opportunity to discuss ways to help people in need. You can clean out some of your things and invite your little one to choose a toy(s) that they are no longer using to donate to other kids.

54. Plan a yard sale together

Another good option if you are wanting to declutter your home. If your kid is a little bit older, it is a great way to help them practice money skills.

55. Go on a rock hunt

My little guy loves to pick up rocks. We have a pile of rocks inside our house, in our garage, and on our front porch from the rocks he has picked up along the way. So I know he would love to go on a rock hunt and depending on your child's age and the area you live, you can challenge them to find specific rocks or rocks that are a certain shape or color.

56. Give them a bath with extra play time

Often times the regularly scheduled bath time has to be pretty quick as we try to complete our daily routines. So giving your kids a bath where they are allowed (or even encouraged) to play will be a fun activity for them.

57. Create a mini-bowling alley

You can use empty water balls and any ball you have around the house. Let your little ones bowl and you can even keep score if they are a bit older and enjoy a friendly competition.

58. Video call a friend or family member

I know our friends and family love getting a call from our sweet boy. Take some time to catch up with friends and family and maybe someone you haven't spoken with in a while.

59. Organize your pantry (help your child sort foods)

My pantry almost always needs to be organized (since it only seems to last about a week at my house). So you can take foods out and let your child help you sort foods. You can also have them sort play food if you have it.

60. Clean the house together

Since my little one loves to help we have a number of toy cleaning supplies/tools. I also highly recommend taking a Swiffer and taking out a part of the middle section to shorten the handle. Then they can actually clean while you clean. My little one loves to "help" us clean and we all have more fun with it.

61. Have a "karaoke" party

You don't have to have a karaoke machine for this version. Just put on some music and take turns singing and putting on a show.

62. Wash the car

Another fun but still productive activity. Let your kid get their swimsuit on and help wash the car. Playing with water and soap in the driveway will be a blast and you will have a clean car. You can also let them create a car wash for their toy cars or other toys.

63. Play tag

Get outside and get moving with a fun game of tag. Your kid(s) will love it if you are playing too!

64. Have a campfire

There is something magical about sitting by a fire under the stars. Have a campfire in the backyard, make s'mores, tell stories, sing songs, and just relax together. We have a Solo Stove for backyard fires (one of those smokeless fire pits) and I LOVE it. I highly recommend it if you like having fires. It is super light, so we can store it in our garage when we are not using it.

65. Stargaze

Maybe while you are out having a backyard campfire or are just wanting to relax outside one clear evening, take some time to appreciate the stars with your little ones.

66. Play rock, paper, scissors

Teach your kids rock, paper, scissors, and have a competition. Older kids may even want to get creative and invent their own version.

67. Take silly selfies

My two-year-old loves selfies. Take fun selfies and use silly filters to get lots of giggles.

68. Measure different parts of your body

Practice measurement skills by using a tape measure to measure different parts of the body. Have them measure height, arm length, leg length, wingspan, hands, feet, etc. and record their measurements.

69. Practice shoe tying

Shoe tying is such an important life skill! And while it is a tough one to learn, your child will feel so proud of themselves once they get it. Use real shoes or make one out of cardboard and a shoelace. Check out some great tips from We Are Teachers .

70. Create your own secret code or language

Another great way to make your child feel special. Create your own secret code or language that you can use while together. Bonus: you can then use your code/language to send fun messages in their lunch or to leave in their backpack to find at school.

71. Play catch

A classic for a reason. Tossing a ball together is enjoyable for many years.

72. Pick flowers

Outside my child's daycare facility, there is a field that often has "weeds" growing in it. Many of the kids love to play in it after school and during the spring they love to pick the dandelions and other flowers to give to their parents. It is adorable and so fun!

73. Play in the sprinklers

When it is hot outside, there isn't much better than running through the sprinklers. Join in on the fun with your little one.

74. Teach your dog a new trick

If you have a dog, work together to teach it a new trick! A great way to teach patience and persistence since teaching a new trick will likely take some time and effort.

75. Build a farm out of playdoh

Give your child a prompt for guided playdoh play of a farm or anything they might be interested in. If you build a farm, it could start a great discussion on animals and how farms run.

76. Have an at-home spa day

Need to relax? Enjoy face masks, mani/pedis, and even give each other massages at home. Enjoy and make memories!

77. Cook/bake for your neighbor

Cooking and baking are great activities because they teach some different skills including (but not limited to) math skills, life skills, and communication skills. If you bring your cooking or baking over to a neighbor, it also doubles as a fun random act of kindness!

78. Make necklaces using pasta

With just a few supplies that you may already have in your house, you can make macaroni necklaces . Fun, creative, and great fine motor practice.

79. Race play cars

If your little one loves playing with toy cars. Have a race with their toy cars. You can even create a race track using painter's tape.

80. Go puddle splashing

A few weeks ago my little guy got to play in his first puddle. The joy he had splashing in the puddle was amazing. I loved watching him as he experienced this pure joy from something so simple. Next time you have a rain storm, put on your rain boots and just let go and have fun.

81. Give massages

Take turns giving each other shoulder/back/foot massages.

82. Make a vision board

Use old magazines or let your child draw their own pictures to create a vision board . This is a fun and creative way to discuss setting goals and making your dreams happen.

83. Play musical chairs (or cushions)

If your little one loves music, this is a great way to incorporate music, music, and games. Cushions are s safer option for our littlest kids to avoid any accidents.

84. Have a toy car wash

Using a container or bucket with soap and water to set up a car wash for toy cars or a washing station for other kids. This is fun water play for your kids and a great opportunity to sanitize their toys.

85. Play a low-effort game

Feeling tired? Find something simple to make a game. For example, challenge your kid(s) to find all of the orange toys. This is great matching practice! Bonus: if you are interested in organizing their toys, by color is a great organization system for kids.

89. Have a calisthenics challenge

Having a calisthenics challenge can be a great option if you need a healthy outlet for your kids' excess energy and/or if you need to get some exercise in too. Challenge your kid(s) to see who can do 10 push-ups, 50 jumping jacks, run in place the longest, etc.

90. Play red light, green light, and other classic games

Classic games like red light/green light are so fun for kids and a great chance to practice following directions.

91. Play with shadows

Shadows are so much fun and a great way to teach a scientific concept. There are so many fun ways to play with shadows with your little ones .

92. Play with stickers

Stickers and sticker books are a new favorite at my house. If you are needing a quite more low-key activity, try stickers.

93. Play with magnets

Personally. I am a big fan of magnets. Since my little guy discovered them, it is much easier to keep him in busy in the kitchen while I make dinner. But you can also play with them and show them all of the awesome attributes of magnets. If you are looking for more structured magnet play , there are a ton of great ideas on the internet.

94. Make a card for someone

Another fun and creative activity that can double as a random act of kindness.

95. Have a photoshoot

You can pair this activity with playing dress up or it can stand alone. Have your kid pose and be silly well you take pictures and let them take pictures of you doing the same.

96. Collect leaves

I love kids' natural interest and joy in exploring nature. Go on a hunt to collect different types of leaves. You can have fun discussing the differences of the leaves, drawing different types of leaves, identifying them, etc.

97. Write a family song

Be creative together as a family and come up with a family song.

98. Have your child teach you something

Your kid(s) will be so proud to teach you something. Let them come up with something they feel they are really good at and let them teach it to you. A great way to develop communication skills too.

99. Walk the dog or a neighbor's dog

If your family is anything like mine, your dog does not go on enough walks. Get your kids and your dog active by taking the dog for a walk. If you have a neighbor, friend, or family member who has a dog, you can also offer to walk their dog (another fun random act of kindness!).

100. Create a family bucket list

Brainstorm with your kids things you would like to do as a family. This could be in general or over the summer or in the next year.

Note: This list contains Amazon Affiliate links. I only link things I have used and genuinely recommend.

More Information/ Sources:

Brookes Blog - Activities

Parents - Activities

Indy's Child - Activities

The Spruce - Activities

Mum's Little Explorers - Activities

Simply Well Balanced - Activities

North Shore Mums - Activities

This Simple Balance - Activities

The Star - Activities

Raising Children - Activities

Happy Toddler Playtime - Activities

VeryWell Family - Activities

Action for Children - Activities

Mommy Poppins - Activities

All Pro Dad - Activities

Mom Life Made Easy - Paper Chain Ideas

We Are Teachers - shoe tying

The Spruce - Macaroni Necklaces

Scary Mommy - Creating a Vision Board

Play to Learn Preschool - Playing with Shadows

Pre-K Pages - Magnet Play

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250+ Fun Activities For Kids To Do Instead of Homework

By Tim on Jan 25, 2019

Read Time: 7 minutes

I’m an elementary school teacher in Southern California. For 25 years, I have to admit that I was staunchly pro-homework, until one day I had a revelation. Here’s why I stopped giving my students homework, and my list of 250+ fun activities for kids to try instead.

A Teacher Who Doesn’t Believe in Homework

For 25 years I was pro-homework. I gave it to teach my students responsibility and good study habits. And it worked! At least it helped my students to reach higher levels of academic achievement…or so it seemed.

Meanwhile, my brother (also a teacher) had made homework optional. Students and parents alike both loved the concept. This got me thinking about homework, and whether it was even necessary all for elementary kids. I thought…if I gave no homework, I’d be giving them something even more beneficial. Here’s what I came to discover.

What Kids Get When You Take Away Homework

• More Free Time. When kids don’t have to spend hours on homework, they’re free to play and interact with their families and friends. For some kids, this means they got their life back.
• A Positive Attitude Toward School. I remember hating school because of all the homework. When kids first start school, they’re excited to learn. By the end of elementary school, they’re sick of school… and of learning. When I removed homework from my classroom, my students suddenly started liking school a lot more. And when we like something, they put more energy into it.
• Less Stress. We know kids are feeling more stressed than ever these days, and homework is one cause. Over my 30-year career I have had many parent conferences. Two topics have dominated these: behavior and homework. By eliminating homework, I eliminated much of the problem for kids and thereby eliminated much of their stress.

Generally, kids and parents both cheer when I announce my no-homework policy. But occasionally, parents will ask what their kids should do with all that free time. In response, I came up with this list of fun activities for kids.

250+ Fun Activities For Kids To Do Instead Of Homework

• Build a robot out of cardboard.
• Ride your bike.
• Plant a garden.
• Maintain your garden.
• Make a compost pile/bin.
• Make a water catch basin.
• Harvest your garden.
• Share your harvest with those in need.
• Make a fruit stand and sell your harvest.
• Organize a backyard carnival for the neighborhood kids.
• Play football.
• Play with action figures or dolls.
• Make a cardboard fort.
• Make a fort out of sofa cushions and blankets.
• Go for a hike.
• Read just for fun.
• Paint a picture.
• Paint something a new color.
• Organize your room.
• Organize your drawers.
• Pull weeds.
• Play baseball.
• Play video games.
• Watch a movie that was made before there were ratings.
• Make a movie.
• Write a song.
• Dance to music.
• Write a letter and mail it.
• Talk on the phone.
• Bury a treasure.
• Make a map to a buried treasure.
• Write a story.
• Write in a journal.
• Build something out of PVC pipes.
• Roll down a hill.
• Build a bike jump.
• Build a go-cart.
• Play a board game.
• Create a board game.
• Do your laundry.
• Clean the bathroom.
• Jump on the bed.
• Fly a kite.
• Make a kite.
• Build a model.
• Do a friend’s hair or nails.
• Plant a tree or bush.
• Trim a bush.
• Dig a hole.
• Water the plants.
• Pick fruit.
• Throw rocks.
• Climb a tree.
• Build a treehouse.
• Build an outdoor fort.
• Play with a pet.
• Teach your dog to do tricks.
• Pick up dog poop.
• Walk the dog.
• Help an elderly neighbor.
• Walk to the store.
• Take photos.
• Build with Legos, blocks, or Kinects.
• Make an electrical circuit.
• Make your bed.
• Make a list (favorite movies, friends names, bucket list, etc.).
• Play bowling with household items.
• Play bounce back with a tennis ball and brick wall.
• Shoot baskets.
• Throw a ball up and try to hit it.
• Mow the lawn.
• Wash the car.
• Vacuum the car.
• Vacuum the house.
• Learn a foreign language.
• See how many objects you can stack.
• Play darts.
• Play with pill bugs.
• Eat something healthy.
• Play jacks.
• Play marbles.
• Learn to juggle.
• Play ping-pong.
• Go on a swing.
• Build a swing.
• Play tennis.
• Play hula hoop.
• Play with a Kendama.
• Tell jokes.
• Oil something that squeaks.
• Take out the trash.
• Learn to throw a lasso.
• Play handball.
• Play kick the can.
• Race a friend.
• Go to church/temple etc.
• Play school.
• Play catch.
• Chase butterflies.
• Imagine what the clouds resemble.
• Play a musical instrument.
• Create a musical instrument.
• Create a play or musical.
• Create something using an App.
• Count your money.
• Play miniature golf.
• Learn to ride a bike without holding on.
• Play a computer game.
• Watch YouTube videos.
• Talk in strange voices.
• Play with water balloons.
• Throw a frisbee.
• Make funny faces.
• Run in the sprinklers.
• Go swimming.
• Go for a jog.
• Play with toy cars.
• Build a marble track.
• Make a waterfall.
• Play hide n seek.
• Play with an RC car.
• Make an RC car track.
• Build an obstacle course.
• Time yourself doing the obstacle course.
• Take something old apart (clock, radio, etc.).
• Sew something (pillow, clothes, etc.).
• Play with stuffed animals.
• Rearrange your room.
• Plan a trip.
• Play cards.
• Learn a card trick.
• Build a house of cards.
• Learn a magic trick.
• Create your own card game.
• Play dodgeball.
• Watch a documentary.
• Watch a sporting event on TV.
• Watch cars drive by.
• Play invisible ball catch.
• Play dress up.
• Do a puzzle.
• Decorate your mirror with dry erase markers.
• Paint a design on a rock.
• Fix something that’s broken.
• Skateboard.
• Rollerblade.
• Ride a scooter.
• Play hockey.
• Pull something with your bike.
• Ride a plastic toy vehicle.
• Ride an electric toy vehicle.
• Create a tournament.
• Take a nap.
• Have a pillow fight.
• Do exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc.).
• Organize trading cards.
• Trade trading cards.
• Play trading card games.
• Make up your own trading card game.
• Play soccer.
• Play kickball.
• Play with makeup.
• Play house.
• Wash the windows.
• Change a lightbulb.
• Play a game in the pool (Marco Polo).
• Play with pool noodles.
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Play tic-tac-toe, five in a row, or dots.
• Play on a play set.
• Go to the park.
• Play swords.
• Climb a pole/rope.
• Read a book to a younger person.
• Crochet or knit.
• Do a needlepoint.
• Carve something out of wood/soap/potato.
• Build with clay/play dough.
• Play cops and robbers.
• Draw funny things on top of photos (mustaches, missing teeth, etc.).
• Make your face look funny with objects (spoon on nose, tape face, chopstick teeth, etc.) Take pictures.
• Learn strange human tricks (catch coins off elbow, etc.).
• Write secret messages.
• Start a charity.
• Go to the library.
• Listen to a podcast.
• Make recycle art.
• Paper wad trash basket toss.
• Research a topic that interests you.
• Drive nails.
• Decorate the ground with sidewalk chalk.
• Catch and release insects.
• Walk on something narrow and keep your balance.
• Make a cardboard arcade game.
• Play 20 questions.
• Lie on your bed.
• Play Pickle with two others.
• Make and fly paper airplanes.
• Make a pile of leaves and jump in it.
• Make a lemonade stand.
• Sweep the gutter.
• Blow bubbles.
• Lick donuts (Ariana Grande fans only.)
• Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
• Help serve food in a homeless shelter.
• Do a scavenger hunt (maybe even in the house!).
• Decorate a can or jar.
• Make a gift for someone. Wrap it.
• Create something with paper mache.
• Play with cornstarch & water.
• Go camping/picnicking in the backyard.
• Have a tea party.
• Make a flower arrangement from wild flowers or yard flowers.
• Visit an elderly relative.
• Start a collection.
• Organize a collection.
• Draw a picture of something around the house.
• Make a leaf pressing.
• Have an upside down or inside out party.
• Make up a chant or a cheer.
• Cut out paper dolls, snowflakes, etc.
• Do origami.
• Put snow in a sensory table and change the color with food coloring.
• Offer to help snow shovel your neighbor’s yard…especially if they are elderly.
• Melt ice with salt.
• Go sledding.
• Build an igloo.
• Go fishing.
• Float on a raft, inner tube, etc.
• Have a snowball fight.
• Play tug of war (even in the snow).
• Pin the nose on the snowman.
• Make mud pies and other mud fun.
• Start a business (pulling weeds, washing cars, babysitting, etc.).
• Learn to balance objects.
• Do cartwheels or other gymnastic moves.
• Fly a toy/RC plane.
• Frame some artwork.
• Bat around a balloon.
• Make a balloon powered car.
• Hold an egg drop contest (protective egg container).
• Play table football (with a paper triangle).
• Play table soccer (with 3 coins).

Other Ways To Replace Homework

Teachers, looking for other ways to replace homework with something more meaningful? Try the Let Grow Project ! Kids are sent home with one homework assignment: Do something on your own you’ve never done before. For example, they could cook dinner for the family, ride their bike to school. or take a walk in the woods. There are all sorts of fun activities for kids to try on their own for the first time. Kids, parents, and teachers all love how this program empowers kids with responsibility and independence!

At Let Grow, we believe in the power of unstructured free play, and that sometimes it’s okay to let kids be bored. But if you need a little help finding fun activities for kids to do, snag our free “I’m Bored” Kit . It offers over one hundred fun things to do, along with a Bingo game and colorful poster.

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• February 12, 2020

52 Out-of-the-Box Family Bonding Activities

It’s easy to forget to have fun with your kids. Rules, responsibilities, schoolwork… and the day-to-day grind can prevent us from enjoying life as a family. That’s where intentionality comes in. You can stop and choose to take a moment to laugh and enjoy your family, but it may require planning. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 52 family bonding activities, all to inject a little joy and connection into your day.

Parents often want to know how to prevent problem behaviors, or make sure their kids don’t make poor choices. As we’ve interacted with countless families over the decades, we’ve noticed some patterns. One of the best, proactive, ways parents can protect their kids’ hearts is to build an identity of, “Our family knows how to have fun together!”  

No matter what, all kids will experience some struggles. However, families that laugh and have fun together seem to work through difficulties more easily. They come back to solid, caring relationships over time. It is our observation that joyful connection is the super glue of families.

Some of these family bonding activities will take you a few minutes. Others are all day outings. But all of them share a single goal: laugh, have fun, and empower your kids to act like children who know they are loved and secure .

So pick the bonding activities that fit with your family, and enjoy! If there are activities that your family enjoys, we’d love to hear from you. Share them in the comments below.

Note: A big thanks to the Connected Families Insider’s Team for helping us come up with this list of family bonding activities!

Jim and Lynne’s top 10 family bonding activities:

• Mud sliding!
• Pranking : Do an affectionate prank together. 
• After dinner, scrub the table clean or cover with a plastic sheet. Then pile with scoops of ice cream and toppings.
• No plates or bowls allowed. Just spoons! 
• You will need a ball of string or yarn.
• Hold the starting end of the string, toss it to another family member and then say something encouraging about that person. Repeat until the yarn is gone or kids are losing interest. 
• Hide-and-Seek (or Sardines if running is out of the question)
• Plan a special dinner with fancy dishes and sparkling juice for the kids.
• Use instrumental music, flowers, and candles to create ambiance.
• If your kids are game, consider making it a black-and-white affair.
• Make the focus on what you are thankful for.
• Put on a 50’s playlist and start dancing.
• Or t each your kids the polka or Macarena. (Why do we have to wait for a wedding dance to have that kind of inter-generational fun?!)
• Designate one plate as the special “affirmation” plate at dinner.
• Have it rotate around the family and come out at random, unexpected times.
• This helps kids learn that it’s okay, and even fun, when someone else is on the receiving end of encouragement. 
• N ewspaper ball fights
• S nowball forts and fight
• Whatever you do, include plenty of whooping, hollering and dramatic “injuries” when your kids score a hit.
• Make silly t-shirts and wear them someplace really fun! 

More family bondng activities from our community

• From Chris in Colorado: “With the rest of the family as an audience (there are 6 kids in the family) we use the fact that getting attention is something everyone likes. So we set up fun improv games (can easily find lists for these online). Or instead of just reading Bible stories we give the kids roles while Mom or Dad narrates. The kids get to act things out or say their lines, sometimes using simple props. Sometimes we’ll add in sound effects (YouTube has some great ones!) or lighting to show day and night, storms, etc. These require VERY little prep and are free!”
• From Caroline in Indiana: Playing the National Park board game called “Trekking” together. 
• From Katie in Tennessee: “My husband started a monthly dinner at a “sit-down” restaurant with our boys as they approached adolescence. They would learn and utilize the appropriate social manners and the agenda would include a discussion of each person’s highs and lows and a prepared joke. They named it M.E.D. Club (Maniacs Eating Dinner) and my husband takes minutes in a special notebook to remember each meeting. It is a planned intentional time to build relationships while modeling that male relationships can include both nurturing and fun.”
• Each person creates their own house.
• Together you create s tores and places to go.
• Go “off-the-grid” with all electronics put away, including TV.
• Plan fun activities (use any on this page or think of some others—we’d love to hear about them!)
• Get in the car and at each corner let kids take turns telling the driver which way to turn.
• See if you can be a blessing to someone along the way. 
• Look through pictures and photo albums.
• Go to the public library together: reading areas, free activities, etc.
• Have a tea party
• Let the kids plan and execute a meal as they are able.
• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter .
• Go bowling as a family.
• Have a family movie night —at home or at the theaters.
• Go to a water park and participate WITH your kids.
• Explore a museum together.
• Try fun taste tests or eating/cooking challenges.
• Engage your kids on how to surprise them best.
• You could make signs to plaster all over their yard that say things like, “You’re the best!”, “We like you!”, or “We’re thinking of how cool you are!”
• You could wake them up to a concert and dance performed by your family.
• You could anonymously buy groceries, ring the doorbell, and disappear.
• Help your kids experience that it feels good to love others.
• Have breakfast for dinner!
• This could be with furniture and blankets, or with sticks and wood.
• Go camping together—even if just in your living room!
• Turn off the lights and tell stories to each other. Whoever is holding the flashlight tells the next story!
• Wear crazy, mismatching clothes
• Take pictures wherever you go. If you’re feeling shy, just go out into nature.
• This could mean having a video game day, or something else related to screens. Let them relish this unusual twist.
• Make a list of things in your neighborhood or community for your kids to find.
• If you need to drive, try letting them decide where to go next in the search for the items on the list. Have them practice deciding where to turn left or right.
• Get wet and dance in the middle of a downpour (assuming no lightning).
• Enjoy the things that they come up with.
• Would not be safe
• Are not within the budget you gave them
• Might unfairly disadvantage one sibling

Tips to maximize the impact of your family bonding experience:

• Look for opportunities to affirm any kindness or honoring attitudes you see.  
• Take, print, and display pictures of your fun to refresh kids’ memories. Invite them to tell a relative or friend all about it. 
• Bring the presence and love of God into your time together. “How do you think Jesus feels when we have fun together?” or even, “Jesus is here with us now. What do you think He might be thinking?” The Bible tells us that God loves to bless those who love Him by filling their mouths laughter and their lips with shouts of joy (Job 8:21).

Related Posts

One-on-one parent-child bonding ideas:

• From Heather in Minnesota: “ My 4-year-old and I made homemade playdough together (easy!) and then opened a pretend restaurant.”
• From Jennifer in Illinois: “Having carpet picnics with my child by putting down a towel on the carpet and having a meal while watching a movie.”
• From Chris in Colorado: “I took my 8-year-old son to my grandparents’ former house in town; we knocked on the door and met the people who lived there now, and got to talk with them about the house and neighborhood, and my memories spending time there as a kid. Before we started my son thought it was going to be boring and wanted to do something “entertaining” instead, but in the end he really enjoyed it and it has become a special memory for him.”
• Read books together (even as they get older!)
• Outdoor fun (skating, sledding, surfing, hiking, exploring, etc.)
• One-on-one dinner date s
• Bird watching and nature photography
• Knitting or sewing classes together
• Board games and card games (Stratego, Dutch Blitz)
• Painting or coloring together
• Craft projects
• Keep a collection together (coins, stamps, feathers, rocks, etc.)
• Making and sending cards to others, such as children in the hospital or elderly in nursing homes
• Planning a menu and cooking together
• Taking walks or going for runs together

Will the effort even make a difference in your parenting?

To answer this question, here’s a video about a doctor who prescribed more connection time to a child. Take a look at how it went.

When you’re struggling with family bonding

Super glue for families can come in many forms. Don’t underestimate the value of quick “fly-by” connections .

However, it’s also important to intermittently do those more in-depth family bonding activities. Here’s a little rule to keep in mind: The more out-of-the-box and engaging a connection activity is, the more kids will remember it.

These out-of-the-box activities also send the message: “I love you and delight in you, and that’s FUN for me.”

Don’t let the “taskmaster” rob your family of the laughter and joy that Jesus wants for you! Ask God to guide you in strengthening your relationships with playful affection and joy as you seek to lead your family with grace.

What are your parenting strengths?

You’ve got them. Knowing your strengths will help you become the best parent you can be. Knowing your parenting challenges is useful information too. Take our FREE ASSESSMENT .

Jim and Lynne Jackson