The weekend is here! While it’s tempting to rely on screens to keep the kids entertained, we know that true, imaginative play is where the real magic happens. Childhood is powered by curiosity and hands-on discovery.

The best part? You don’t need expensive toys or complicated plans. Often, the simplest things are the most powerful. At Sekani, our curriculum is built on fostering creativity and independence through play.

Here are three simple, screen-free activities you can try this weekend to spark your child's imagination and create wonderful memories.

1. The Magical Sensory Bin

This is a classic Montessori-inspired activity that provides hours of engaged, independent play. It’s a contained, mess-friendly way for children to explore their world through touch.

• How to Do It:
  1. Find a shallow plastic tub or a large baking dish.
  2. Choose a simple, dry base: uncooked rice, dried pasta, lentils, or oats are perfect.
  3. Add "tools": Add scoops, funnels, small cups, and spoons. You can also hide small plastic animals or blocks inside for them to find.
• Why It Works: This activity is a powerhouse for development. As your child scoops and pours, they are building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s also a deeply calming, sensorial activity that allows them to explore concepts like volume and texture at their own pace. Their imagination takes over as the bin becomes a construction site, a kitchen, or a treasure hunt.

2. The Gardener's Treasure Hunt

This activity encourages children to get outside and become little scientists, directly connecting with our "Understanding the World" and "Zoology" principles.

• How to Do It:
  1. Give your child a small bag or bucket.
  2. Go into your garden or a local park and give them a simple list of "treasures" to find.
  3. Make the list about qualities, not just items. For example: "Find...
     • Something bumpy
     • Something smooth
     • Two different kinds of leaves
     • A "Y"-shaped stick"
• Why It Works: This hunt transforms a simple walk into an adventure. It sharpens their observation skills, builds their vocabulary ("bumpy," "smooth," "rough"), and nurtures a deep sense of curiosity about the natural world. It’s a wonderful, active way to make learning a tangible, hands-on experience, just like in our own school garden.

3. The Storytelling Surprise Box

This is a fantastic way to boost your child’s communication, language, and literacy skills and is very similar to the "story time" and "creative expression" activities we love.

• How to Do It:
  1. Find an old shoebox or a pillowcase.
  2. Fill it with 5-6 random, safe household objects. For example: a wooden spoon, a colourful sock, a set of keys, a plastic cup, and a soft toy.
  3. Sit with your child and have them pull out one item at a time.
  4. You start the story: "Once upon a time, there was a..." (whatever they pulled out first). Then, have them pull out the next item and add it to the story.
• Why It Works: There is no "wrong" way to do this, which makes it perfect for building confidence. It teaches children about story structure (beginning, middle, end) in a hilarious and playful way. It sparks imagination, encourages creative thinking, and helps you and your child connect through laughter and shared creation.

The Joy of Simple Play

Engaging your child's imagination doesn't have to be complicated. These simple, screen-free activities are all you need to foster curiosity, build new skills, and create a joyful atmosphere for learning—this weekend and every day.

To learn more about our play-based Cambridge and Montessori curriculum, we invite you to explore our programmes.