Activities for my siblings?

Question

3 younger siblings; girls 10 and 6; boy 8.
My siblings play too much on the computer, playstation, gameboy, watch too much tv, that sort of stuff.
I want them to do more productive and educational activities, like reading or puzzles.
What sort of books are good, according to their ages?
What sort of puzzles should they do?
Plus, is watching educational shows like "The Magic School Bus" good?

Are easy Sudokus recommended?

Yeah, playing outside is totally cool, but kinda hard to do when its winter in Chicago.
I'm looking more for indoor activities.

Answer 1

after having 8 children and many of their Friends over I can tell you a game that was their most favourite and it is never the same twice
Bored with Board Games
you take a pack of 3"X5" card of about 50 is more than enough
you give each child a stack of the cards and you make up things (legible for it helps with spelling and hand writing) of things like you see on board games. one of the favourite ones was "oops you forgot your lunch go back to start" Of course you have the start card and the end card. So after you have each card written on including those like you fell into a hole lose one turn or way to go! roll again to go ahead. Fun things
then you lay out all of the cards however you wish and the kids are their own playing piece. The head person will either have a die or a spinner- you made.
Rules-
fair playing and that sort of thing just like any other board game--oh and try not to stand right on the cards they last longer that way unless you want to laminate them.

Answer 2

In moderation, I don't see why Magic School Bus or any of those public tv shows aren't worthy, but the amount of sitting at the computer or tv is your issue, so here's your answer.
They have to want to do puzzles or other activities otherwise it's a waste of your time if they are going to be uncooperative. If you go into Scholastic.com which is a book publisher for young people you probably will be able to get a big list of titles at age appropriate levels for your sibs.
Or you could try teacher websites for reading books or easy make-and -do crafts to add a special project to the fridge or wall of their room. There's always packaged kits of make-and-do stuff at stores, but once you know how it's easy. Try googling bead pals and make bead keychain dragonflies or geckos for Springtime. If they don't already know how, they might enjoy being able to make a cool keychain buddy on their own which they can attach to their backpacks. Wal-Mart, pack of keyrings/ or key clips approx$3, 1 bag of assorted color beads $2-4 depending upon amount in bag and whether they are pearlized or regular. One spool of 1/8 inch width ribbon, approx .70 cents or less. Go into a crafty webpage and make your own playdough. You can also possibly get their help in baking cookies?? Everyone enjoys fresh baked products and the mixing can be a group effort taking at least 20 minutes if not more depending upon the difficulty of the recipe.
If they aren't the crafty type, maybe you should purchase or find if you own already foam "nerf" balls and play a game of "Attack" outdoors?? Get a contest going with One or 2 good jump ropes and you keep score who can jump longest. Spring's coming, get everyone a cheap water gun or water balloons. It isn't difficult to find things to do, it's just a matter of do they want to do anything else? Get some neighbors together and start a game of softball or dodge ball or even the classic hide and seek is good for at least a few minutes. Are your sisters singers, or natural performers? Have them make up a dance to their favorite song and perform for you and anyone else in the house. Ask permission to use the adults clothing or let them wear your clothes and have a kid fashion show, "what I would wear to work if I was mommy", "the outfit i like best for grocery shopping", etcetera. Maybe brother would like to show off karate moves, or sing a song too. Know anyone with a metal detector (??) . You could always go for a walk with a garbage bag and pick up cans and bottles for recycling. The cash you get back could be your reward for cleaning up the neighborhood. Just bring garden or dishpan gloves with you if you are worried about germs. or Winter mittens are good if you don't have the other kinds. You never know whatever else can be found depending upon where you live you could find money.. pennies and nickels just laying on the sidewalk. Can you easily walk to the nearest drugstore for ice cream? Maybe take a walk with them and point out all the different types of flowers that are starting to bloom? Get a tomato garden going or any other thing you like. Grow flowers yourselves! Then you can surprise someone later in the year when they bloom and you pick them for decorating the dinner table. Make up a scavenger hunt. Give them all sorts of suggestions: Ask them what they would like to do then and help them. And if they say, "I don't want to do anything except sit here", you can probably get a parent to back you up and insist they go outside with you for at least 20 minutes or a half-hour. Have fun and good luck!

Answer 3

why don't they become more active and play tag or something outside? and as for educational have them play school with actual activities that you can get from the Internet.
as i child i always liked to play school. they can each take a turn being the teacher. and the magic school bus i good. and very entertaining,

Answer 4

inside hide and go seek?
play cards?
concentration

Answer 5

beaded jewelry