Wander World: Fun Activity Ideas

Transform your living room floor into a global map using pillows and imagination.

Instructions:

1. Write the names of the seven continents on paper plates.

2. Scatter cushions/pillows around the living room floor.

3. Place one paper plate on each cushion.

4. Tell your child the floor is 'lava' or 'ocean'.

5. Call out a continent name; your child must jump safely to that cushion.

6. Once they land, have them act like an animal from that continent.

You will need:

• Throw Pillows

• Paper Plates

• Markers

Create beautiful watercolor postcards to send to family members from imaginary places.

Instructions:

1. Read 'Wander World' together for inspiration on the art style.

2. Set up a painting station with watercolors and blank postcards.

3. Ask your child to paint a place they visited in their imagination (e.g., The Candy Forest, The Cloud Castle).

4. Once dry, help them write a short message on the back.

5. Address it to a grandparent or friend and mail it.

You will need:

• Watercolor Paint Set

• Blank Postcards or Cardstock

• Stamps

Create a go-to jar filled with activity ideas for when boredom strikes.

Instructions:

1. Decorate the Mason jar with glitter glue or stickers.

2. Sit down with your child and brainstorm fun things to do (e.g., build a fort, draw a map, read a book).

3. Write one activity on each popsicle stick.

4. Place the sticks in the jar.

5. The next time your child says 'I'm bored', have them pull a stick for an instant adventure.

You will need:

• Mason Jar

• Popsicle Sticks

• Glitter Glue

Use light and shadow to recreate the animals seen in the book on the living room wall.

Instructions:

1. Cut simple animal shapes out of black cardstock (or use hands).

2. Tape the shapes to skewers or straws.

3. Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight against a blank wall.

4. Have your child move the puppets between the light and the wall.

5. Create a story about the animals traveling around the world.

You will need:

• Flashlight

• Black Cardstock

• Skewers or Straws

Encourage connection by interviewing a grandparent (or elder) about their travels.

Instructions:

1. Set up a video call or visit a grandparent.

2. Have your child act as a reporter using the toy microphone.

3. Ask questions like: 'What is the furthest place you have traveled?' or 'What do you do when you are bored?'

4. While listening, have your child draw a portrait of the grandparent or the place they are describing.

5. Save the drawing as a keepsake.

You will need:

• Toy Microphone

• Drawing Pad

• Crayons