New Glarus School District

Small Schools, Big Opportunities

Fun activities for you and your elementary school child

• Make today "National Kids Day." Help your child plan an activity to celebrate it with the entire family.
• Make tonight a 'No TV' night with your family. Ask your child to help select games or stories, and spend some quality time with him/her.
• Help boost your child's self-esteem. Take pride in their achievements and accomplishments today and every day.
• Put on a history play with your child today. Help him/her learn about important events in world history or even their own family history.
• Make learning to write letters and numbers fun for your child. Roll playdough or clay into long thin worms and ask them to create letters and numbers.
• Ask your child to help make lunch today. They can pick a spot in the park so that you can share lunch together.
• Take the family out to a water park today. Help your child put on sunscreen and explain the importance of protecting their skin.
• Go to the park and take a nature hike with your child today. Ask them to point out different animals and what they need to survive (i.e. food, shelter etc.).
• School's on the way! Help your child make a 'countdown to school' calendar. Ask them to cross off each day at bedtime.
• Encourage your child to make a 'to do' list today. Help them make a list of things that they would like to accomplish tomorrow, then check off the items once completed.
• Visit a community pool with your child today. Go for a dip to cool off on a hot day.
• Take your child shopping for school supplies. Ask him/her to brainstorm a list of things that they will need for school.
• Help your child make a kite today. They can decorate it and fly it at the park.
• Teach your child about recycling. Show them how to recycle items such as paper, glass and aluminum.
• Take your child to a petting zoo today. Ask them to draw pictures of the animals that they saw today.
• Visit the library with your child today. Encourage them to borrow books about a different country, and learn about the people, cultures, and customs of the that country.
• On a rainy day, set up a tent with your child in the living room.  They can pretend to be a forest ranger.
• Help your child practice their math skills. Ask them to add up all the change in your pocket or purse today.
• Teach your child about the importance of preserving nature. Help them plant a tree in the yard and explain how littering harms the environment.
• On a large piece of construction paper, help your child write their name vertically. Using each letter, help them write words that describe them personality.
• Make car trips fun for your child. Play a game and ask them to point out license plates billboards and interesting road signs.
• Tell your child that you love them today and every day.
• Help your child create and design their own phone book.  Make a list of friends names and phone numbers.
• How much does your child know about their family history?  On a map trace where your family is from and help them create a family tree.
• Help your child write a letter to a grandparent or friend today. Explain the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones.
• Get your child back in 'school mode'.  Ask them to research a famous painter on the Internet. Get out the paint and let them express themselves through art.
• Teach your child about textures today. Ask them to find objects outdoors that are smooth, shiny, slimy or round.
• Suggest that your child write a poem for a friend today. They can mail it to them for a back to school present.
• Encourage your child to make journal entries and keep track of their experiences in a new grade this coming school season.
• Have a back to school party for your child and friends.
• Help your child prepare for school. Talk to them about setting personal goals this year.