Activity for engaging two or more children with widely varying ages
Five years may not seem a "wide variation," but one grandchild starts kindergarten next year and the other is in fourth grade. When we're babysitting, I'd like to do something with them that both will enjoy, instead of just leaving them on opposite ends of a couch with their faces hidden by iPads.
Bonus if it is somewhat educational. “Go fish” seems like it might work, but the younger might find it difficult to know what to ask for.
UPDATE: “Go Fish” was kind of fun, but he's still too young to hide his cards from me or make good choices on what to ask for. “Concentration” he also enjoyed, but again, no concept of strategy yet. His older sister wasn’t here this time.
I was a teacher for a while, so I have some ability to evaluate things, but not so good at finding games/activities to evaluate.
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What about cooking?
There are many things from cornflake cakes to victoria spnge that can get kids attention - eating something they helped or mostly cooked can be a real motivator.
Board games are a pretty safe entertainment piece for varying age ranges. There are cooperative games or competitive games that would be suitable and entertaining for both. Some examples:
Cooperative
Dragon Dash
Happy Bunny
Competitive
Cheeky Monkeys
War
Crafts and creative projects are a way to engage kids of all ages. They can both make creations to their own level of ability and interest. Here are some options that are open ended enough for varied skill levels:
Clay or play-doh
Watercolor paints
Jewelry or keychain making
(provide plastic lacing and big chunky beads for the little one)
Cookie or cupcake decorating
Sidewalk chalk if the weather allows
Sculpting in sand or snow
Twisting little animals and figures out of pipecleaners
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