Bored Jar

School is almost out. I don't know how it is at your house, but about

a week after school is let out for the summer, I catch my kids saying

the dreaded phrase: “I’m bored.”  After months and months in school

and hoping and waiting and wishing for summer vacation, you would

think they’d have lists of things they planned on doing once they were

free!  The Bored Jar will help them remember all of the fun things

they wanted to do during the school year.  It can also stimulate new

play ideas.

In order to record your kid’s ideas and favorite activities for your

bored jar, you will need the following materials:

1.  A large jar

2.  Popsicle sticks

3.  Fine point marker or pen

Sit down with your kids and brainstorm 50-100 things they enjoy doing,

and write each idea on a separate Popsicle stick. Some examples from

our jar are:

* Put together a puzzle

* Draw a picture for Grandma and Grandpa and put it in the mail for them

* Finger Paint

* Lemonade Stand

* Blow Bubbles

* Go swimming

* Go on a Bike Ride

* Rent a movie or catch a matinee

* Play with Play dough

* Play a board game

After all of your fun ideas are written down on the sticks, place them

in the jar. Label the jar the "Bored Jar."  Each time your child comes

to you saying “I’m Bored,” direct them to the jar to draw a stick for

something to do. You can add an additional rule that they must do what

is written on the stick.  We like to add more sticks to our jar as we

come up with new ideas.  That way, the fun never ends!