Resources/activities for older mindees

[mogs0]

I have about a billion toys for under 5's but not so many for older mindees.

Does anyone have any recommendations for toys for older children?

The mindee I'm trying to keep occupied is 10yrs and when I asked her today what she'd like she said she didn't know. She did tell me she likes clothes so maybe I could get her to try and make something out of some material I have here. I could possibly get younger mindees involved too.

Any tips/recommendations welcome!

I have a mixture of ages in my setting.

Building bricks work quite well, play dough for all ages. Have you got any girly activity books?

Arts and craft stuff (glitter, foam stickers etc)

Have a selecton of books for her to read. Childminders can take out about 26 books. When I go to the library I try to think of the children who I look after and what they enjoy.

She may want to dress up etc.

I've been looking after her for quite a long time (school holidays mainly) and the things she likes to do most are watch tv and play on her DS with my ds!!

I try to be out of the house for part of the day but the 2 days out we've had this week haven't been hugely successful so I'm thinking about having things at home to entertain her. We usually do some kind of cooking which she really enjoys but I can't bake cakes every day!!

I'll have a look through my craft box - there's bound to be something suitable in there.

I don't get any special allowances at the library but I do take books out on ds' card (no fines when they are late back on a child's card! so I'll have a look for books for her next time I'm there.

she could make some bunting?

she could cut triangles of fabric, simple running stitch over the folded top for the string to go through (or use strong glue) then use the old safety pin/string trick for threading; this could be an ongoing project

the others could get involved perhaps by doing some cutting?

oh poo bums, tis I, BALDy, forgot to namechange back

Bunting's a good idea. I'll suggest it to her next time she comes.

Baker Ross have some good craft ideas for older ones. You can buy some of their packs if you don't mind laying out a bit of money or, even better, you can just use their website for inspiration and use your own resources.