All screened out? Here are Ms Moni’s hands-on play ideas

We’ve all had that moment of panic when we track our child’s screen time. While tech can be a lifesaver when needed, it can also mean we miss much-needed moments of connection and play with our little one.

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I’m Ms. Moni—a teacher and a mum who knows just how vital it is to keep our little ones active, curious, and learning.

Below, you’ll find a handful of easy, low-prep activities that let children play (and learn) when you hit those afternoon lulls but don’t want to turn on the telly.

Modelling clay “bakery”

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What you need:

• Homemade or store-bought modelling clay 
• Muffin tray, cookie cutters, or small bowls 
• Child-safe utensils (rolling pin, plastic knife, etc.) 

How to set it up: 

1. Lay out the modelling clay and tools on a low table or tray. 
2. You can add paper cupcake liners for a more “authentic” bakery vibe. 
3. Encourage your child to shape cookies, cupcakes, or pretend pizzas. 

The open-ended play is great for letting your little one explore textures and shapes at their own pace. Plus, their hand strength and fine motor control improve as they roll, cut, and mould dough. 

It’s so cute seeing the different “treats” they create!

Learn the alphabet (in a fun way!)

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Once you place a LEGO® DUPLO® set in front of a toddler, their attention becomes utterly fixated. There are so many ways to play, whether you follow the instructions, let your toddler go wild with their creativity, or put together a fun little activity with the set. 

For example, I’ve been using the LEGO® DUPLO® Alphabet Truck to create this game for educational, independent play.

What you need:

• LEGO® DUPLO® Alphabet Truck
• A low table or play mat
• A small basket or container for letter bricks
• Sticky notes or index cards with simple letters or colours (optional)

How to set it up:

1. Set up the truck and trailer on a low table or play mat, placing the letter bricks in a nearby container for easy access.
2. Scatter sticky notes or index cards with matching letters or colours around the play area as “delivery spots” (optional)
3. Encourage your child to load the truck with letter bricks, either randomly or by picking out specific letters.
4. Let them drive the truck around and “deliver” the letters to different spots – this could be furniture, toy boxes, or even different corners of the room.
5. If your child is ready, they can also try to spell simple words by unloading letters in order.

It’s easy to set up and keeps toddlers busy while they learn. They can sort letters, load the truck, and make deliveries until the evening draws close.

 

The cute characters are also great for bringing a storytelling element to the activity! 

 

Obstacle course 

What you need:

• Cushions, pillows, chairs, or tape on the floor 
• A clear, child-safe space 

How to set it up: 

1. Arrange a simple course—maybe a line of cushions to hop over, a chair to crawl under, and some tape on the floor as a “balance beam.” 
2. Help your child run the course at their own pace. You can even join in yourself!
3. For an extra challenge, encourage them to try variations (e.g., moving backwards, fast mode,  slow mode, etc.). 

It’s the perfect activity to burn off their energy in a focused way. As they run, jump, and crawl, your toddler is working on their gross motor development. They’ll also love inventing their own ways to navigate the course, sparking endless creativity.

The great toy dig 

What you’ll need:

• Large plastic tub 
• Dry filler (sand or tissue paper) 
• Small toys, like dinosaurs or LEGO® DUPLO® bricks
• LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator(optional)

How to set it up:

1. Fill the tub with your chosen filler—enough to fully bury the toys.
2. Hide the toys under the surface.
3. Hand over some small spoons or paintbrushes, and let your child dig.

The different textures encourage sensory exploration while scooping and sifting develop fine motor skills. I also love using LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator set for more storytelling and roleplay opportunities. 

 

There are two construction worker figures in hi-visibility vests, one for you and one for your toddler! You can work together in the ‘dig site’, operating the toy truck with its tip function and the excavator with its rotating digger as part of a story. 

 

Time to pull out the character voices!

 

Sticker stories 

What you need: 

• A sheet of paper or cardboard 
• Stickers (characters, animals, shapes) 
• Crayons or markers 

How to set it up: 

1. Place a variety of stickers in front of your child. 
2. Show them how to create a “story” by placing stickers on the paper as you narrate (e.g.,  “Once upon a time, there was a dog who lived in a big house…”). 
3. They can add drawings or scribbles to connect the scenes or build their own narrative.

These sticker stories encourage imagination and storytelling, improve fine motor control when peeling and placing stickers, and (best of all) require minimal prep and cleanup. 

Wrapping it up

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I hope these ideas inspire you to create simple, screen-free fun for your kids. 

As both a mum and an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on play fosters creativity, independence, and confidence. With just a bit of prep, you can watch your child explore new skills and spark their imagination.