Coaches Corner
Why Every Early Childhood Educator Needs a “Mary Poppins” Bag of Tech‑Free Activities
If you’ve ever worked with young children, you know one truth: even the best-laid plans can unravel in seconds. A sudden transition, a rainy day, a spill, a waiting period that stretches too long; these are the moments when every early childhood educator needs a little magic.
Enter the “Mary Poppins bag," a trusty, always-ready collection of simple, tech-free activities you can pull out at a moment’s notice to engage, calm, redirect, or inspire.
What Is a “Mary Poppins” Bag?
Just like the famous carpetbag that seemed to hold endless surprises, an educator’s version is a portable stash of hands-on materials that require no preparation, no screens, and no batteries. Just imagination!
Think of it as your go-to toolkit for:
- Unexpected downtime
- Transitions between activities
- Emotional resets
- Small group or one-on-one engagement
In a world filled with digital tools, tech-free activities offer something incredibly valuable:
- Immediate connection between educator and child
- Open-ended play that encourages creativity
- Sensory experiences that support development
- Reduced overstimulation, especially during busy days
These activities build skills like problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation.
What to Keep in Your Bag
Your Mary Poppins bag doesn’t need to be fancy. In fact, the simpler, the better. Here are some tried-and-true essentials!
Creative mini kits:
- Small packs of crayons and paper
- Stickers or washi tape
- Pipe cleaners or craft sticks
Quick games
- A deck of cards (for simple games like matching or sorting)
- Dice for counting games
- Dominoes or mini puzzles
Fine motor favorites
- Playdough in small containers
- Beads with string or laces
- Clothespins or tweezers with pom-poms
Storytelling starters
- A small book
- Finger puppets
- Picture cards for storytelling prompts
Calm-down helpers
- A soft scarf for breathing exercises
- Stress balls
- Simple visual cards for emotions
How to Use It Effectively
The magic isn’t what’s in the bag, it’s how you use it!
- Be intentional. Pull something out that matches the moment (calming, energizing, focusing).
- Rotate items, keep interest fresh by swapping materials regularly.
- Invite participation. Let children help choose what comes out next.
- Keep it accessible, and make it easy to grab when you need it most.
A Mary Poppins bag is about being prepared to meet children where they are, in real time. It gives educators confidence and flexibility, turning unpredictable moments into meaningful ones.
And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that sometimes, the simplest tools, paired with a little creativity, are the most powerful of all!
So go ahead, pack your bag. You never know when you’ll need to pull out a little magic.