What would you expect from one of the first (and oldest) play-based preschools in Singapore? A whole heap of fun games for kids, of course! Shaws Preschool incorporates all kinds of play-based activities into each school day, stretching across Life Skills, Art, Science, Languages and Sports. We’ve picked five of our favourite activities for kids that you can play at home, guaranteeing plenty of fun on a weekend or holiday.
#1 Blow-a-Ping-Pong Race
Here’s a smart game for kids to test the dexterity and accuracy of your family members while having loads of laughs at the same time.
- First, you’ll need some straws and some ping pong balls.
- Using the straws, create some ‘tracks’ with your little ones, including lots of twists and turns
- Use boxes at the end of each track to act as ‘goals’.
- Form teams, if you can, and then take turns to blow through the straws and lead your ping pong ball into the goal.
- You can even use a timer to increase the pressure – and the fun!
#2 Supermarket Sweep Game for Kids
This exciting activity for kids gets little ones move involved in the process of making meals, by having them help with the shopping. Consider it a nice treat for your junior Master Chef!
- Plan a meal that you’d like to make together, and list out the recipe ingredients on paper.
- Visit your local market or supermarket and let your child locate all the ingredients.
- Let them practice paying for the products at the checkout.
- Have them bag up your items (bonus points for taking reusable shopping bags along!)
#3 Juicy Fruity Ice Popsicles
Here’s a fab home activity for kids to learn (and enjoy) a healthy treat made with love.
- Help to chop up their favourite kinds of fruit – watermelon, strawberries, bananas and oranges all work well.
- Add a dash of lemon juice, if you want a bit of zest!
- Add some honey for sweetness (optional).
- Ask your child to place the chunks in the blender, then blend it for them so they can watch it all whizz together.
- Pour into popsicle moulds and freeze for a cold treat on a hot afternoon!
#4 Finger or Handprint Home Activities
Ditch the paintbrushes, it’s time to get messy and mucky using fingers and hands. This is a great way of creating some truly personalised art (which the grandparents will no doubt love!).
- Grab some paper or drawing blocks.
- Dip, paint and splash using fingers, hands, feet and toes to paint and make imprints.
- You can go ‘freestyle’ or choose a theme such as animals or trees (little fingers are ideal for making leaves).
#5 Indoor Snow Fight Game for Kids
Here’s a game for kids where you can substitute snow for socks and enjoy a snowy sock fight in sunny Singapore.
- Grab some socks and create ‘sock balls’ with your kids.
- Grab some paper cups and ask them to stack them like a pyramid.
- Then take turns throwing the ‘snowballs’ to topple the structure.
- Keep a score card!
- Celebrate with rewards at the end.
Shaws Preschool has no shortage of games for kids and playful learning activities, as it has literally built its 30-year history on a play-based methodology. As massive advocates of outdoor play and sports, the friendly team adds that their focus has always been on helping kids develop at their own pace – and, most importantly, having fun!
Download the school’s booklet (“The Essential Play-Full Activity Guide for Preschools at Home”) with 20 great ideas for play-based activities for kids right here.
Don’t you wish you were a child once more?!
If you’re keen for your little ones to learn through a play-based approach, reach out to Dana, Enrolments Manager at Shaws Preschool:
9789 2255 | dana@shaws.com.sg
Or, book a tour at the school’s website!
