12 Fun Videos to Make with Kids
At the time of writing this post, we are in the midst of a pandemic from the Covid-19 virus. It’s a scary time for all of us. The unknown. The scrambling chaos. The constant search for reliable information. 2020 will go down in the history books, for sure.
We are doing our part to stay at home and reduce the risk of exposure and spreading. At post date, this is only “Day 2” of the kids being home from school. I say this now…I feel like it is a bit of a blessing to have this time to slow down and spend quality time with family. This perspective will most likely change in another week!! But we will have cleaner houses, the laundry will be conquered, we will have enjoyed homecooked meals - together and save on our gas and dry cleaning. If all goes best, we will learn a bit more about each other. (Yes, even the people we share a house with every ‘normal’ day.) Maybe we’ll learn a new skill. Have a bit more patience with each other. And actually plant our gardens on time this spring!
In the meantime, we need to keep our children entertained. And sometimes their entertainment can be complete boredom for us adults (if we’re all being honest here). There are very interesting (free) resources being offered out of generosity of Scholastic, Khan, zoo & aquariums and many more. Kids today are fortunate to have On-Demand TV and wireless internet (anybody grow up in the 70’s and 80’s??). One resource that is playing a HUGE role in helping with the educational, business and health sectors is video! Where would we be right now?
Below are some creative, fun video projects to do with kids. While they are most for entertainment, they can also be educational. And best of all, you can have fun with these too! All you need is a smartphone or Ipad.
Kids interview adults. Kids can choose who they would like to interview. The person doesn’t have to be in the household - anybody that can be reached by phone or Facetime would work as well. Kids can develop their own list off questions for the interviewee. They may learn a few interesting history or family facts from grandparents or the elderly (who should be at home!)
Parents interview kids. Here is a chance to get some valuable insight into your kids’ life - their likes, dislikes, fears, what they are passionate about. And they will love watching themselves back on video. (Here is a sample interview video: https://vimeo.com/286947591 )
Not-so-secret Life of Pets. Attach an action camera (like a Go Pro) to a pet collar and watch their day back - from their perspective!
Daily Journal. Throughout these days of semi-quarantine, record a daily journal of things you are doing to keep busy (and sane). Let kids talk about their feelings each day. Again, this period of time will be in history books. Won’t it be fun to watch this back in a few years?
Count Your Blessings. This can be a short clip each day where each family member records what they are thankful for each day. At the end of this period, you can put all the clips together into one video. It will be fun to watch back and see how your perspective changes over time.
Musical or play. School plays and musicals are being cancelled across the country. It is disappointing for the cast and their families. Families can create a short play with different characters and scripts. And if you’re feeling extra creative - make some props to support the scenes. Or you can watch a musical together and recreate the scenes.
Make an exercise video. This one makes for great entertainment AND exercise! Have the kids come up with their own exercises and then have them instruct ‘viewers’ how to perform the exercises. You can play music in the background.
Dance or singing competition. Have kids perform their favorite talent in front the camera. Adults can ‘judge’ as they watch back together. Or cast ‘secret’ votes.
Family newscast. Designate a ‘‘reporter for the day” and have them report on ‘breaking news’ and things happening around the household.
Create video ‘cards’. Create a short message that you can email to grandparents or loved ones that could use a little pick-me-up.
These next two are more for printed photos, rather than videos. But still very important and entertaining!Go through old photos together. Kids will LOVE to look at old photos of themselves - no matter what age they are! This is a good time for you to organize them as well. If they are digital, you can make them into a slideshow so everyone can simply sit back and watch together. And if they aren’t digital:
Digitize your printed photos. This is a great use of time for protecting your photos. The prints are sitting in a box or album and losing quality each year. Scan them onto your computer or an external hard drive.
Videos are such an important keepsake. They are the closest things we have to a memory.Memories fade. Vidoes don’t. So capture these moments in time. For whatever reason - entertainment, time capsule keepsakes, or education. Because this time is one for the books (or video :) )