Niall is our 6-year-old, who like most children of his age loves to keep himself busy with some activity of the other. Holidays are a challenge and we are always looking for ways to keep him engaged. With no access to summer camps in our locality and the lockdown in the country, we decided to make one ourselves. We called it 'The Mama and Dada Summer Camp' and created a lot of hype about it and how exciting it would be. We were lucky to sell the idea to him and live up to the hype created as well. We post daily updates on Facebook and the response has been truly encouraging. Through this blog, we want to reach out to other parents who could benefit from these ideas.
The camp has one exciting activity a day in addition to household chores that Niall has to do, some writing exercises and some prayer time. Since my husband, Vinod and I are working from home these days, it's only in the evenings that we are able to dedicate time for an activity. So my mother, Vinod and I are always thinking of what activities we can bring to the table each evening.
So here's a compilation of what we have been up to all these days.
Day 1: Introduction to cooking
Cooking is a life skill that everyone must know. And I believe it should be taught early in life. The lockdown has taught so many of us that you cannot survive on instant noodles alone. This activity involved learning to wash and cut vegetables and helping in the actual cooking.
The camp has one exciting activity a day in addition to household chores that Niall has to do, some writing exercises and some prayer time. Since my husband, Vinod and I are working from home these days, it's only in the evenings that we are able to dedicate time for an activity. So my mother, Vinod and I are always thinking of what activities we can bring to the table each evening.
So here's a compilation of what we have been up to all these days.
Day 1: Introduction to cooking
Cooking is a life skill that everyone must know. And I believe it should be taught early in life. The lockdown has taught so many of us that you cannot survive on instant noodles alone. This activity involved learning to wash and cut vegetables and helping in the actual cooking.
Day 2: Introduction to guitar
When you have three guitars at home, a guitar class is a must. An activity that will be a long term class to make complete use of the in-house instructor. We have guitars of three different sizes and I am thinking Niall can use them for the next 15 years or until he finishes college. If only dreams came true!
When you have three guitars at home, a guitar class is a must. An activity that will be a long term class to make complete use of the in-house instructor. We have guitars of three different sizes and I am thinking Niall can use them for the next 15 years or until he finishes college. If only dreams came true!
Day 3: Setting up a puppy shelter
Imagine having 8 little pups to keep you company. That's how lucky we are! A street dog near our house littered and Niall has gone all out to ensure they are well taken care of. Niall set up his 'Dog, puppy, cat, kitten pet house' and today feeds about 10 dogs and pups. He has his favorites among the litter and ensures they get privileged treatment. Here's an interview as well so you get a better idea.
Imagine having 8 little pups to keep you company. That's how lucky we are! A street dog near our house littered and Niall has gone all out to ensure they are well taken care of. Niall set up his 'Dog, puppy, cat, kitten pet house' and today feeds about 10 dogs and pups. He has his favorites among the litter and ensures they get privileged treatment. Here's an interview as well so you get a better idea.
Day 4: Sky gazing
The weather has been good and air clean. Almost every evening is ideal for sky gazing. Download any of the sky gazing apps and you're sorted. Niall and I had a great time identifying different stellar formations and we even spotted a planet. But activity meant more homework for mama as well. More for another day. Several sky-gazing apps are available to have a great experience. Try it!
The weather has been good and air clean. Almost every evening is ideal for sky gazing. Download any of the sky gazing apps and you're sorted. Niall and I had a great time identifying different stellar formations and we even spotted a planet. But activity meant more homework for mama as well. More for another day. Several sky-gazing apps are available to have a great experience. Try it!
Day 5: Drawing with numbers 1- 4.
This is an easy way to practice writing, get some hand exercises, and learn basic drawing skills. Perfect for a 5 to 6-year-old. There were several practice sheets before we got to this final copy.
This is an easy way to practice writing, get some hand exercises, and learn basic drawing skills. Perfect for a 5 to 6-year-old. There were several practice sheets before we got to this final copy.
That's not all. This camp just got a lot better. Catch up on the rest of the camp using the links below.
Activities of Day 26 - 30 (coming soon)
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