Arts and Crafts: Activities that typically produce some product either through following steps or using imagination.

• Painting, crafting, coloring, making collages, etc..

Musical: Activities that focus on making or listening to music/rhythm/sounds/etc. That can sharpen listening skills, creativity, and self-expression.

• Singing songs, playing instruments, creating rhythms, dance parties.

Imaginative:  Activities that lean into kids creativity both in a real and pretend way

• Costumes, storytelling, play scenarios (ice cream shop, etc.), puppets, etc.

Open-Ended:  Activities that highlight skills like problem solving, curiosity, critical thinking, etc. more than any standardized product.

• Junk designs, cardboard, loose parts play (stones, sticks, buttons), or building with magnetic tiles.

Discovery:  Activities that allow for an exploration and discovery of the properties in our natural world through observations, experiments, etc.

• Mixing colors, smashing chalk, observing bugs, 

Explore:  Activities that allow for exploration of a physical or imaginative space and focus on fun.

• Create a treasure map, go on a backyard expedition, build a fort, nature walks, scavenger hunts, gardening, playground adventures, water play.

Movement:  Activities that focus on gross motor movements and help develop body awareness, provide emotional regulation, and build coordination.

• Obstacle courses, hiking, or dance breaks, yoga, biking, sports, etc.

Sensory Play:  Activities that engage a child’s senses to help them explore the world through tactile interaction.

• Sensory table, scented play dough, gardening

Fine Motor: Activities that allow for fine motor movements and help practice precision, dexterity, and concentration.

• Beading, scissors, sensory play with small objects, gleuing cheerios, etc.

Social Emotional:  Activities that allow for collaboration and sharing, or generally practice interacting with and building empathy for others.

• Writing letters, card games, 

Life Skills: Activities that practice the practical tasks of daily living, independence, responsibility, and a sense of community.

• Washing dishes, making meals, baking, shopping, sorting laundry, watering plants, etc. 

Literacy & Numeracy:  Activities that reinforce reading skills and math concepts through play

• Measuring ingredients, writing letters to friends, scavenger hunt to find letters and match to name, toy sorting, etc.

Place Based: Activities that build sense of place, typically taking place outdoors or focusing on local happenings like changing seasons, local vendors, etc.

• Leaf art, snowman building, planting seeds, picking flowers, window birding.