Fun Indoor Activities During PM 2.5 School Closures

More than 350 schools in Bangkok closed on Friday January 24th due to high levels of PM 2.5 in the air, resulting in children staying home instead. When this happens, you may notice that your child's need for movement sky-rockets. They will likely also seem more fidgety and irritable than usual.  Before you panic, it is important to remember that your child is likely trying to communicate that they need more movement, more interaction, or that they are craving a change in their surroundings. 

Below are some fun activities to try with your child at home, which will address some of their current needs, as well as stimulate their development. 

1. Sensory Circuits 
A sensory circuit involves as series of physical activities. These activities aim to alert (e.g. bouncing on a ball), organize (e.g. categorize objects) and then calm (e.g. bubbles) your child. You can do this with your furniture, cushions and additional toys such as hoops, balls, etc. If your child seems to have low energy, try to focus on altering activities, and if your child has high energy, try to focus on calming activities. Aim for a sensory circuit which will take around 10-20 minutes. In this activity, your child will practice following instructions, planning, coordinated movement, as well as release some of the need for movement, organize their mind and achieve a calm state. 

2. Role-plays
Role plays can be based on scenes from your child's favourite movies, shows, or passages in their favourite books. Encourage siblings, cousins or friends to join in the fun. During role-plays, your child will get the chance to step into a character's world and take on their perspective. Through this, your child will be working on their communication skills, planning and organizing skills, perspective-taking, listening, waiting, collaborating and improvising.

3. Board games 
Board games are a great way to increase interactions with others. Playing board games also helps your child work on many skills, such as, turn-taking, self-regulation, tolerance to losing, communication skills, focus and planning.

4. Sensory Buckets 
Prepare 3 tubs, each with different sensory items, such as, rice, beans, sand, etc. Then hide some small toys inside each tub. Ask your child to close their eyes and find the toys in each tub. As they touch a toy, ask them to describe what they feel (e.g. soft, fluffy, round, etc.). This will stimulate their tactile sensory system, as well as, encourage them to work on their language skills through using a range of descriptive words.

5. Treasure Hunt
You can do this by hiding a bunch of toys or items around the house and asking your child to find them. Be sure to let them know what items they are looking for. Each time they find an item, have them bring it back to a bucket or tub. Treasure hunting will address your child's movement needs, while also keeping them occupied for a while!

Speak soon,
The Expat Speechie