As we enter the second month of social distancing due to COVID-19, many people will be getting cabin fever (if you haven’t already), especially kids. With schools closed and remote learning taking up only a fraction of the day, many parents are struggling to keep their kids occupied while they deal with new responsibilities of their own at work. We know it can be difficult with everyone under one roof 24/7, so we’ve rounded up some fun “news”-themed activities your kids — or you! — can do when things get dull.

Newspaper Activity Sheets from ThoughtCo. will help keep elementary- and middle-school-aged children busy learning about the news business. The website, created by veteran educators to share learning resources for teachers and homeschoolers, has a lot of content, but we’re particularly fond of their newspaper printables. From vocabulary worksheets and crossword puzzles to newsy coloring pages, there’s a little something for everyone, from tots to tweens. Access them here.

FeltMagnet.com has nearly five dozen Newspaper Crafts to keep people of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, from going stir-crazy during this pandemic. From super simple newsprint paper dolls to complex paper wigs and decoupage, you’ll make use of every page of your daily paper – after you finish reading it, of course! The 59 projects come from crafty bloggers around the world and will keep you crafting long after the pandemic ends. See the full list of crafts here.

Want something more educational? The Oklahoma Press Association has shared a Newspapers in Education Booklet that you can use to supplement your child’s at-home education. There are newspaper-based activities for elementary school, middle school and high school students, and they cover multiple areas of study. Whether you want your new homeschooler to learn about language arts, social studies or math, there’s a news-related activity here to help them learn an important lesson or skill. Download the activity book here.

If your child is studying English as a second language (ESL), Busy Teacher has rounded up 11 Newspaper Activities for ESL Students. The near-dozen activities offer ways to use the newspaper to help your child brush up on their English, from writing stories to understanding what headlines mean to playing word search games throughout your daily paper. Learn more here.

Looking for some creative ways to recycle your old newspapers? The Alliance previously rounded up Eco-Friendly Uses for Old Newspapers around the house that will help you as you tackle your spring cleaning and gardening.

Want more? We’ve got a free set of News-Themed Coloring Pages that will appeal to anyone in your household who just needs a break and wants to do something calming. Download them here.

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1. In the Garden

Are you preparing a summer garden? Get your seeds off to a great start with this DIY planter. Because the newspaper will break down as the plant grows, you don’t have to transplant the sprout, and the decomposed newspaper will give your plants an extra nutrient kick.

2. Spring Cleaning

Are streaky windows ruining your spring cleaning efforts? Use vinegar and newspapers for a fool-proof way to get clean, streak-free windows. It’s simple: mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper.

3. Crafting

Got allergies? Skip the fresh-cut flowers and freshen your house with some beautiful newsprint blooms. This is a great weekend craft for the family and a cute way to repurpose old copies of your work. You can stick them in a vase, attach them to gifts or make an entire wreath of them.

4. At-home manicure

When was the last time your manicure was headline news? This DIY manicure is an easy way to dabble in nail art. All you need is your base color, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, newspaper and a clear top coat!

5. Take it on the move

Forget the bubble wrap if you’re moving—newspaper is an easy substitute for wrapping valuables in and for padding boxes.

Happy Earth Day from the News Media Alliance!

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April 22 is Earth Day. This holiday was first celebrated in the 1970s, as a response to an oil spill. Now, it is celebrated by hundreds of countries across the globe. This Earth Day, find a new use for your newspaper (after you’re done reading it).

Newspapers were not designed as a permanent medium. In nature, the sheets break down in six weeks. Obviously, we advocate for the recycling of newspapers. But this weekend, try these other fun methods of reusing the paper.

1. In the Garden

When planting your spring garden, first put down a layer of newsprint before adding soil. This layer acts as organic material for your plants and prevents weeds from sprouting up. This chemical-free gardening method also helps save water.

2. On the windows

Instead of grabbing Windex and some paper towels, go a bit more natural for sparkling glass windows. Vinegar and newspapers are a fool-proof way to get streak free windows. It’s simple: mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.

3. Crafting

You might remember our Christmas craft using newspapers to make ornaments. That’s just one idea of thousands on Pinterest that upcycle the news. And if you’re not into papier-mâché, the paper also makes a great drop-cloth for painting with children.

4. Wrapping

Many foil wrapping papers can’t be recycled. Instead, wrap a gift with newspaper and tie a bow around the present for a pop of color. Additionally, the paper works great for shelf liners and school text book covers.

5. Shoe stuffers

Tired of your winter boots and purses losing form in your closet? Crumple up some newspapers and stuff them into the shoes or bags to help keep them looking good as new when you’re not using them.

Happy Earth Day from the News Media Alliance!

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