Turn off the Tube

It's time to turn off the tube and get some fresh air. Try TV Turn off week! I know it's hard to peel the kiddos away from the TV, and it's even harder to get a few things done when there is no school break and it's so nice to have 90 minutes of quiet every day, but here are some great ideas to help you on this challenge:

* Replace a 20-30 minute TV program with your own musical play. Make up some simple songs, throw together some costumes with stuff around the house. Encourage your kids to use their imagination and you do the same. Fully commit to the activity cause your kids will know when you're faking it.
* How about family karaoke night? Mom and Dad sing a song, then the kids take a turn. You don't need a real machine, just put your favorite song on and make your own mic from a wooden spoon and some tin foil.
* Go on a colorful treasure hunt outside. Pick a color and have your kids try to find it in the yard. Once they find the color, see if you can make up a little song about the color or the object. You can also try this with 'I hear' things in the yard.
* Have a dance party! Inside, outside, it doesn't matter. Anytime is a good time to dance. To add some motor skills and listening skills development, you can 'freeze dance' by starting and stopping the music randomly to make everyone freeze.