‘Tis the season…to wait in lines. These waiting time minutes can be used as learning time. We can exercise thinking, even if bodies have to be still. For wee little ones, sing some quiet songs or have a stuffie sing the songs. For older kids, here are some thinking games:
How many things can you think of that are red? (Santa’s suit, Rudolph’s nose, cherries, raspberries, hearts, cold cheeks, toes, noses and cut fingers, etc.)
How many things can you think of that are green? (Grass, asparagus, trees, mints, broccoli, etc. ) You get the idea.
An activity like this is quick and simple and helps children make and sort things into groups using the attribute of color. It also helps with a form of ‘mental editing’. Children have to check something to see if it fits in the group or not. These are kindergarten readiness skills and help to pass the time. Hope all your traffic lights are green for go. What other things can you suggest that help having to wait?