How To Make Learning Fun: Mystery Stations For Kids
Stations for kids provide an element of fun that is not found in traditional learning. Adding a bit of mystery to the stations only increases the fun. In our family, we call this activity “Mystery Stations”.
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Mystery Stations For Kids
Mystery Stations require minimal preparation and can be done with family and friends. Is recommended for ages one through teen:
How to Set Up Mystery Stations
- Step One: With children out of the room, place a simple activity on the kitchen table in front of each chair. See activity suggestions below.
- Step Two: Cover each activity with a dish towel to hide it.
- Step Three: Allow children to be seated at the table in front of a covered activity. Instruct them to not touch the dishtowel.
- Step Four: Have one child select a mystery activity “station”. Everyone at the table works together on that activity before allowing someone else to select a different activity “station”.
- Step Five: If desired, set a timer for a certain length of time for each activity.
Find more imaginative and creative play ideas for your children in this post: 20 Ways To Encourage Imaginative and Creative Play in Kids
My children love it when I surprise them with the Mystery Stations activity because there is an element of suspense (What lies beneath each dishtowel?). They also appreciate knowing that the activities will only take 10-15 minutes, which increases their willingness to engage.
What To Use For The Activity Stations
There is no right or wrong way to do Mystery Stations. Below are suggested activities, but use your imagination to come up with other fun and educational idea:
Suggested Activity Items
- See and Spell (toss in a quick spelling activity)
- Simple science projects
- Puzzles (simple puzzles are best for Mystery Stations)
- In Grandma’s Attic Book Series (Read a chapter for a station activity)
- Coloring Book (pull out the crayons and spend a few minutes coloring)
- Blank Flashcards (create story cards, math fact cards, vocabulary cards, etc.)
- Picture Study (take a few minutes to observe the details of a fine art picture)
- A Simple Snack (a simple fruit board, cheese and crackers, or small cookies will do)
- Playdoh (select a theme for your children’s creations or simply let them use their imagination)
- Make a Seasonal Craft (paper chains, Valentine’s Cards, Thank You notes, paint Easter eggs)
Answers to your questions about Mystery Stations
Can children do Mystery Stations on their own?
Older children and teens may be able to do Mystery Stations on their own. It is recommended, however, that mom or dad or another adult, such as a teacher, do Mystery Stations alongside younger children. In addition to making sure the stations run smoothing, this activity provides an opportunity for parents to create positive memories with their child.
Should the activities be fun or learning-based?
I’ve found it is best to balance fun and learning-based activities. It is a clever way to sneak in a few extra minutes of learning while you have the child’s full attention. Learning-based activities done during Mystery Stations feel a little less like learning and a little more like fun. Consider incorporating Unit Study activities, as they are both fun and educational.
Can I read to my child for one of the station activities?
Absolutely! Picture books and short, simple storybooks are ideal for toddlers and young children. Older children and teens enjoy hearing short chapters from longer books.
Do I have to spend a lot of money on activities for the Mystery Stations?
Absolutely not! Simply use the items you have on hand. Pull activities out of your game closet, off your book shelves, and from your arts and craft supplies. You can even pull a box of crackers or cookies from the pantry to serve for a surprise snack during the story time station. The activity options are endless!
Hands-On History Projects
- timelines
- maps
- games
- lap books
- history studies
- holidays
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mystery Stations are a simple and creative way to engage with your child in a fun and creative way. Periodically surprise your child with a tableful of dishcloth-covered mystery activities and watch their eyes light up with excitement.
As your child gets older, allow them to select mystery activities for their younger siblings or friends. Mystery Stations also makes a wonderful activity for grandchildren.
The next time you are in need of an engaging activity for your child, consider surprising them with Mystery Stations.
More Activity Inspiration
Quotes
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Socrates
“Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace that is right for each individual child. Earlier is not better.”
Magda Gerber
“As land is improved by sowing it with various seeds, so is the mind by exercising it with different studies.”
William Melmoth
“The mind feeds on ideas and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.”
Charlotte Mason, A Philosophy of Education, p. 27
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”
Plato
“By far the most valuable part of education is carried on in the family.”
Charlotte Mason, School Education, p. 94
“…education commences with the mother, and the child in connection…The duty of the mother is to watch over her children, and give them their early education, for impressions received in infancy are lasting…Children have all confidence in their mothers; and if mother would take proper pains, they can instill into the hearts of their children what they please.”
Brigham Young, 6 April 1832, General Conference
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