Keeping Children Happy Traveling

Everyday Objects - Great Discussions

Grandparents often need to transport children around town for shopping, to activities, the library, and home from school. These car seat times can be frustrating for both children and driver unless there is a plan for the trip. Of course, you can take along snacks, drinks, favorite blanket, toys, and books to help pass the time.  With the addition of verbal games children stay interested, take turns, and learn while the driver does not need to take eyes off the road no matter how long the trip.
 Discussion Games
   One game is called “What Do You Know?”  The adult makes up simple questions and children take turns giving their answers.  Questions are based on the age/interest/vocabulary and experience level of each player.  For example: Driver (for the younger child): “How many colors do you know?” or “What are the names of the people in our family?” or

What Do You Know?

“What are the names of the seasons?” or “What foods are orange?” or “What do we call a person who takes care of us when we get sick?” or “Who grows food for our grocery stores?”
  For the older child, the questions could be related to geography, history, etc.  Example: “How many states can you name that begin with the word New?” or “How many bird names can you remember?” or “Name a holiday for each season”, or “What is 9 X9?”  Once you get started, you will think of many, many possible questions.
  Another car game is called, “I’m Thinking of

Something” (pick a color). Children watch out the window to find something this color.

  Reading signs is a great way to encourage signal and word awareness.  “Can you find a sign with a number or an arrow or the name of a store?” “Can you find a sign that starts with the letter “S”,  etc.?”

Find a Sign That Starts With...

Learning Games
  Car games can help develop curiosity and improve thinking and speaking abilities, in addition to making the ride more fun and enjoyable for everyone.  Recalling facts, comparing, putting things in categories, reading signs, counting items, listening and taking turns, are important skills that will help prepare children for school
  Sing favorite songs, and make up your own words. Sing along with favorite children’s cd’s.  Look for cows, horses, and trucks of a certain color.  Retell a favorite storybook or movie.  Discuss favorite foods or places to visit. Think about how two things are the same or different. Example “How are a bird and an airplane the same or different?” Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos
More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest