More Things To Do Instead Of Turning On The TV (and it’s Printable!)

April 10, 2012

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It is school holidays here in Australia and I thought that it might be the perfect time to revisit a range of easy, playful alternatives for those moments when you feel the TV has been on more than you intended, which I am sure happens to most of us at times. Incorporating the ideas from both Kate and Tricia‘s popular posts from last year, this list of 45 playful ideas primarily utilises bits and bobs from around your home or free places to visit within your local community.  The list is printable, useful for hanging on the fridge or in the playroom as a prompt for both you and your children, especially when the “I’m bored”s come to visit.  I know I find it handy to have a ready list of ideas for those exact moments.

You can download a colour version here or black and white here.

To print: Created at A4 page size you might need to select “Fit to printable area” (or similar) depending upon your printer type and paper size.

spacer Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family. Read more of Christie's adventures at childhood101.com.

Tagged as: play ideas

{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

spacer Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky April 10, 2012 at 11:35 am

Love it, what a clever idea, thanks.

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spacer Tat April 10, 2012 at 12:00 pm

I haven’t been feeling very well, plus I’ve had a lot of work to do lately and I’ve been meaning to turn on the TV to get myself some time… but I haven’t needed to. My kids have been amazing constantly making up new games and entertaining themselves wherever they are. I might have to use your ideas soon though spacer

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spacer Malia @ Playdough To Plato April 10, 2012 at 12:03 pm

I love this list!! It’s a perfect reminder that simple activities can be the most entertaining. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for making it a printable. spacer

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spacer Jodie Van Der Zwan April 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm

What a wonderful list!! Thanks

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spacer Ash April 10, 2012 at 1:20 pm

That’s beautiful! So many things to do instead of spacing out in front of the box!

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spacer Kristy @ One Funky Cow April 10, 2012 at 1:42 pm

Earlier this morning i was googling activities to do with my kids.
Little did I know I just needed to check my blog feed, as there you were “More Things To Do Instead Of Turning On The TV” click, click & print.
Thanks Chrisite my boys and I will be busy with this list of 45.

See you around,
Kristy
onefunkycow.blogspot.com.au/

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spacer Amanda Eastment April 10, 2012 at 1:46 pm

A great list Christie. You must have known I had the tv on ; ) Time to go outside!

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spacer Amanda April 10, 2012 at 1:52 pm

What a fantastic list!! Thank you for sharing this, am printing it straight off now to give me some reminders of fun activities x

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spacer mumspk April 10, 2012 at 1:54 pm

This is fabulous! I’ve been trying to include a free holiday hint on our FB page for the last week or so. But this is just perfect. I’m posting it up now!!

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spacer May April 10, 2012 at 4:31 pm

Thanks Christie, it’s a great list. But please don’t beat yourself up too much if you find yourself resorting to TV/videos more than you’d like once bub arrives. Sometimes your sanity is more important than doing it all just right. She won’t get “dumbed down”; you’ve obviously already done such a great job of exposing her to so many things and teaching her to be resourceful. That said, I do need to look at this list! x

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spacer SquiggleMum April 10, 2012 at 4:59 pm

Loveliness.
xx

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spacer Jackie April 10, 2012 at 5:48 pm

Just wonderful.

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spacer Kat April 10, 2012 at 6:50 pm

Love it! Great ideas Christie

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spacer Jussara April 10, 2012 at 8:06 pm

Great list!!! And I think I’ll write each idea in a small piece of paper, put them all in a jar so that my daughter will pick one each time. spacer

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spacer Rachel N April 10, 2012 at 8:24 pm

I love your list (and your blog). I’m so happy I’ve found you. I’ll be a regular visitor from now on. I’ve just started blogging myself. Drop by if you get a chance. Rx

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spacer Shantalle April 10, 2012 at 10:05 pm

Great list! I love playing drawing on your back. This is a great “i’m bored” list.

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spacer Sarah H April 11, 2012 at 5:46 am

Thankyou so much for these ideas. I have shared them as the parent post on my class blog… I hope it keeps my little learners engaged over the holidays!

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/blog/490542-orangeallstars/entry/parent_post_holiday_ideas

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spacer Edd Turner April 13, 2012 at 1:49 pm

I’d like to get this translated for you – I can do German and my sister can do French.

Is that OK with you? I’d send you the finished PDFs.

Which font did you use?

Kind regards,

Edd Turner (British Trainee Kindergartener living in Germany)

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spacer Christie Burnett April 13, 2012 at 2:18 pm

That is very kind of you to offer, Edd. The font is FFF Tusj.

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spacer irene April 18, 2012 at 11:26 pm

Wonderfull idea! I tranlate it in Greek! Take a look! irmoments.blogspot.com/2012/04/blog-post_972.html

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spacer Andie April 20, 2012 at 2:54 pm

Love it. Thank you. Since we don’t even have a t.v this is a great reminder of all our options!

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spacer MJ May 3, 2012 at 1:13 pm

This is great.
I am stuck indoors this winter with a prem baby & a 2 yr old. Dr’s orders, keeping her safe from flu season which means toddler has to stay away from other kids also. There are some great ideas on here, thank you!

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spacer Kaz May 3, 2012 at 6:33 pm

Thank you for the great ideas spacer

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spacer Beverley June 6, 2012 at 11:54 pm

Love it! Pinned it spacer

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