I successfully completed the Blogging from A-Z Challenge once again. It was my 8th time taking part and I really enjoyed it. Being off work this year meant I had more time to get my posts written, so I didn’t feel under quite so much pressure. Below are my thoughts on what went well and what I could improve on next year.
For the 2020 Blogging from A-Z Challenge, my theme was “Family Fun at Home”. I posted 26 pages of ideas and tips for keeping your family entertained at home, which included arts and crafts, games, learning ideas and imaginative activities for all ages. I thought it would be particularly useful while we’re all self-isolating or socially distancing, though it can be used for any time of year. You can find the entire list of posts below. I hope you enjoy them!
Letter “Z” is for Zoos. Many zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums are now offering live cams of their animals and special online events. These are a wonderful way for children to learn more about different types of animals, habitats and conservation issues.
Letter “Y” is for Yoga and Your Well-being. During these stressful times, it’s important to practise self-care and to take time to relax and unwind. Holding onto stress can be bad for both our mind and body, but luckily there are many things that can help, such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation.
Letter “X” is for Xenodochy, which means the act of extending kindness or hospitality towards strangers (from “xeno”-foreign and “dochy”-kindness.)
Now more than ever, it’s important to look out for the vulnerable members of our community and offer our support to those who need it most. Below are some ideas for ways in which we can help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter “W” is for Writing. One positive thing about the lockdown is that I now have more time to play with pen and paper and let my imagination run wild.
Whether you are an experienced writer or fancy taking up a new hobby, expressing your thoughts on paper can be very therapeutic. There are many different types of writing to try, including flash fiction, poetry and journaling, to name a few. Below are some ideas to get you started.
Letter “V” is for Virtual Visits. Although tourist attractions are currently closed to the public, many museums and galleries are offering free online experiences so that you can visit them virtually from the comfort of your sofa! These events are a fantastic way for all the family to learn new things and stave off lockdown boredom. Below is a list of all the virtual tourist attractions I’ve come across online so far.
Letter “U” is for Unusual Activities. “U” is always quite a tricky letter, and it took me a while to settle on a topic. I finally decided to compile a list of any unusual family activities I could think of that I haven’t already covered in previous posts. So if you’re bored and looking for something a little different to do with your spare time, try one of these fun activities.