Wilkins Learning Center

Fun Activities

♥  Here's a good quote for your family members to discuss perhaps during a family dinner
     "It takes everyone to make it a nice place."  Anonymous

What does that mean?  Discuss what you appreciate about each other.  Then brainstorm ways everyone could make it a better place.  For example:
     *Take my dirty dishes over to the sink to help mom
     *Do my homework without being asked
     *Make sure I have everything I need before I get in the car
     *Help with dinner
     *Use a polite voice and respect others

♥  Here's another quote to discuss
     "Anger is one letter away from Danger"  Anonymous

Agree or Disagree?  Why? Is anger a choice?  Brainstorm ways to handle anger respectfully.

♥  Hugs are important 
Greet each family member with a hug in the morning, never say goodbye without a hug, and hugs and kisses before bed are a must!

♥  Have a family talent show 
Save this memory with pictures!

Change It Up!
Evening meals can become routine.  Change it up and have a family pajama party!

• Make pancakes (Dribble batter to make the capital letter of each family member.)
• Purchase whipped cream and strawberries for a festive flair.
• Draw family names.  During the meal, have everyone compliment the family member that was drawn.
• Teach kindness and responsibility.  Play an upbeat selection of music while everyone helps clean-up the kitchen. 
• Celebrate family and have a pillow fight in the family room.  Be sure to clear valuables!  Enjoy the laughter.
• Now, cuddle and read a book.  End with hugs and kisses.

Surprise!
Play “hooky”
Everyone gets to take the day off from work/school.  Make the day enjoyable by going on a hike, visiting a local museum/library, bake cookies, play games, or brainstorm possibilities on how to make the day exquisite.


First Sunday of the Month
Every family member takes a turn and thinks of something they want to do as a family.  Doing this on the first Sunday is an easy way to remember.


Picnic in the Family Room
Find a tablecloth and spread it out on the floor. A plastic liner, such as a shower liner underneath the tablecloth would protect your carpet.

Make the meal simple: hotdogs, chips, baked beans, and Jell-O for dessert.  If you have a fireplace, try making s’mores.

Then, turn on the flashlights and tell stories of when you were a kid.


Together We Are Greater!  We’re Authors
During a meal or while driving in the car, have a family member start a story.
For-instance: While I was walking down the street I heard a strange sound.

• Everyone then adds a sentence to the story.
• It would be great if someone could write the story down.
• Type it on the computer and enjoy reading it to your child at bedtime.

Atlas Fun – Tour the World
Have one of your children close their eyes.  Then, your child places their finger on the map.  Look up information on the internet or visit the library to find interesting facts.

Get out scrap material (recyclable materials, markers, crayons, colored scraps of paper, yarn, glue, etc.) and try to make something that represents that country.  Keep the compliments flowing as everyone lets creative juices flow.


Quote to “Chew On”
Write the following quote on paper. Ask your family to think about it. The word anger is just one letter away from danger.

Encourage their thoughts: “That’s interesting.  Has there ever been a time when anger scared you?  What happens when people get angry?  What are some ways to handle anger? (Count to 10 – calm down, wait a few minutes to gain my self-control, choose thoughts like: I can handle this respectfully, I’ll listen to the other person’s feelings, too, I’ll share my feelings respectfully, compromising might be necessary, etc.)

Be sure and list other ideas of what to do instead of choosing anger.
Have everyone sign their name to the following statement: 
I will try to not get angry.  I circled what I will do when I feel angry. 


License Mania
While you’re tooling around town with the kids in the car, start a game of counting.

Scope out license plates until you find the number one.
Shout out, “One!” to get the game going.
Next, license mania continues throughout the rest of your journey with, “Two, three, four!” etc.

Each child could keep a tally of what numbers they find.  (Four vertical marks and the fifth one is made diagonally so it’s easier to count by five’s.)

This game could also be played with alphabet letters.