There is little worse for a child than being stuck inside thanks to rainy weather. A storm can make us feel sluggish and bored, but with a little help from the Internet, you and your child can have a blast while learning something new. Here are a few ideas to help you and your little one forget the foul weather outside.

Do Some Science

It may not seem like fun at first, but little actually compares in excitement and entertainment as doing an experiment together. If your little one is feeling down because they are stuck inside, gather them into the kitchen and let the fun begin. Thanks to the Internet, there are so many different recipes and instructions you can find such as learning how to make your own glass of lava. All it takes is a little food coloring, oil, water and salt, and you’re on your way to giving your child something they can play with, and safely make on their own.

If that is not enough to fill the afternoon, try a number of other experiments available online such as creating an eye-popping rainbow magic milk experiment. Make sure you teach them the science behind the demonstration. This can help to show them how fun learning can be.

Storytime

Kids are familiar with storytime, usually around bed. However, sitting together during a rainy afternoon and taking turns telling stories can be a great way to pass time and help your kids learn. Studies suggest that children who learn to tell stories better develop nonverbal communication skills and public speaking abilities. If you’re having a hard time coming up with a plot, base the story you and your child tell each other on a favorite fairytale or child-friendly movie. Don’t just use your words to describe your tale. Get silly! Act things out, and use big arm motions and facial expressions to really bring energy and fun to your adventure. The beauty of sharing a story like this together, rather than simply reading one, means that you can customize your tale to your child's interests. If your child feels engaged in the act of storytelling, you may even be able to encourage them to read to learn more stories and tales.

Exercise Indoors

While it might be fun for your little one to play video games and watch movies all day, it’s important to keep your child active and healthy. One thing you can do is put on YouTube Kids and find a good exercise video to do together. There are so many to choose from, but make sure you watch it first. You could practice a silly dance routine, try out some yoga together, or any number of other fun, upbeat activities. Your little one may resist at first, but if you join in, too, it may make things a bit easier and even more entertaining.

Make Art Together

Not only is art fun, it can be a great way to get your child practicing their creativity. One of the best things about art is that it can be expressed in many ways from music to drawing to crafting. If you want to get your little one doing more than filling in a coloring book, you can find a free online drawing tutorial to inspire them without worrying about not being a great artist yourself. If your child would rather practice some music, don’t worry about that either. There are plenty of online music lessons you can turn to, even if you don’t play yourself. They can learn about music notes, and if you don’t have an instrument, don’t worry. You can both try singing together. If nothing else, grab some glitter, markers, glue and popsicle sticks and sit down for some crafting and see who can make the scariest monster, or the funniest clown.

Just because it is raining outside does not mean your afternoon or weekend is spoiled. You and your child can find plenty to do indoors to stay active and have a blast, too. With a bit of experimentation and maybe even some dancing, you and your little one will be having too much fun to notice the thunder.

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To learn more about Jenny Wise and to follow her online visit http://specialhomeeducator.com/