The school year is winding down, strange as the year has been.

Students are wondering aloud with me how to occupy their time as school assignments end.

Here’s an idea for parents.

Create a Free Time List!

And … create it WITH your child.

This list is best prepared when all folks are relaxed and cheerful.  Thinking of things the younger one ENJOYS doing.  Things he would LIKE to learn.  And, maybe, things he NEEDS to learn….like how to cook his favorite foods!

I started lists with several of my friends this week.

We tried to list 20 things, alternating as we named things.

I tried to uncover their interests with my questions:

• Do you like to build?  What do you use to build?  Do you build with legos?  Have you tried wood and nails?
• Do you like art?  Do you like to draw?  Do you like to paint?  Do you like to work with clay?  Do you like to craft?
• Do have a favorite sport?  Do you have skills to practice for your sport?
• Do you like to grow things?  Would you like to grow food?  Do you know about hydroponics?  Do you know about container gardens?
• Do you like puzzles?  Have you tried 3-D puzzles?  Do you like crossword puzzles?
• Do you like performing?  Could you develop a show for us?  Could you practice your musical instrument?  Your dancing?
• Do you like to write?  Do you have family who would enjoy getting letters from you?
• Do you like to help?  Do you have neighbors you could help?
• Do you like to read?  Could you read to a younger sibling?
• Do you like food?  Do you like to eat?  Do you like to bake?  Favorite breakfast?  Lunch?  Favorite dinner?  Would you like to cook ethnic foods?   Have you watched any of the cooking shows?

One of my friends likes to eat!  Eating resonated with him.   He plans to ask his dad to teach him how to grill steak!  Hope he invites me over!

Great to have a free time list!