We are entering our fourth week of quarantine here in Bahrain. I’ve calmed down a bit on the homeschooling. I did have a big meltdown the first night, but in truth it was because I didn’t read the instructions well and thought my first grader had to read a 40-page book — the teacher only assigned the first few pages. Lesson 1: Read ALL the instructions. But since then, I’ve tried to adopt the mindset of creating and finding some fun amidst all the chaos.

Yes, there are lot of negatives about this situation, but some positives are that we have beautiful weather here in Bahrain and we are still able to go outside. So, we take advantage of that as often as possible.

Yesterday, I pulled my first grader aside and asked if she wanted to create a game for the five-year-olds. She and I came up with a live-action Seek & Find game, or a “Spot This” game, or a run-around-eye-spy game, or a scavenger hunt of sorts. Pick a name, any name.

My first grader was delighted to take part in the secret and play teacher at the same time. I was delighted she got to practice her handwriting and spelling. We’re still working on spatial awareness.

We thought of 10 things they could find outside around our complex. Some were easy and some were a little more difficult. But we worked as teams and gave a few hints. And in my mind, we worked on colors and numbers, double win!

This is an easy game that can be done practically anywhere at any time: on summer vacation, for a little’s birthday party, on a weekend, even inside on a snow day. You can make it as hard or as easy as possible.

The bottom line is, make it fun (and easy)!