How to Work with Activities for All Ages

If you have children that are not very close in age, or run a daycare with a wide range of  ages it can be tricky to plan activities that will engage everyone.  But it is not impossible.

Image via WikipediaThere are activities that can be planned so that everyone can participate in at their own level, or ones where the older children can help the younger.  Don’t despair about the age gap  or feel that you need to plan something different for everyone.  Follow the tips below as a  guide or starting point to including everyone in your summertime activities.

Indoor or outdoor crafts are perfect for kids of all ages.  Provide the materials and general  instructions and see the different masterpieces that will be created.  When making crafts keep in mind that the instructions are more of a starting point.  Let kids use their  imagination to make it all their own.  You will be pleased with the results when fewer restrictions are put on a child’s imagination when creating artwork or other hands-on  crafts.

Old-fashioned games of hide-and-seek or tag are games that children of all ages will enjoy.  The added benefit of the physical activity will run of some of the abundant energy children possess.  By participating yourself you can fit in your own exercise for the day
too!

Let older children help facilitate the summer activities that you plan.  By engaging the older children to help the younger they will feel a sense of responsibility and importance.  This is a summer activity in itself — teaching leadership to children will help in many aspects of their lives.

When the situation warrants it, let the older and younger children do their own things.  But don’t feel that you can’t combine the activities too; it is easier for you and great for the kids.