Activity: “The Great Life Swap” – A Day Living Like Someone Else

Perfect for: Indoors or outdoors, solo or group play

Best for: Kids aged 7+ (builds empathy, understanding, curiosity, and creativity)

Activity Description:

In this creative role-play experience, kids choose a real-life role, culture, or profession they’re curious about—and spend the day “living” as that person. Whether it’s a scientist in Antarctica, a child in ancient Egypt, a firefighter, or a wildlife ranger in the rainforest, they’ll dress up, research the role, act it out, and create parts of that person’s life. It’s a fun, immersive way to learn about different lives, cultures, and perspectives, all while nurturing curiosity and empathy.

1. Choose a Role or Life to Step Into

Help them brainstorm ideas like:

• An astronaut on the ISS
• A market stall owner in Morocco
• A deep-sea diver
• A Japanese sushi chef
• A medieval knight
• A future city architect
• A rainforest explorer

Ask: “Whose life would be fascinating to live for a day?”

2. Dress the Part and Set the Scene

Help them create a costume or setting using what you have—aprons, scarves, cardboard helmets, or bedsheet tents. They can set up their “workspace” or “home” to match the theme.

Add props like clipboards, magnifying glasses, maps, or wooden spoons to bring it alive.

3. Learn and Act It Out

Encourage them to spend time:

• Writing a diary entry as the character
• Drawing what their home or tools would look like
• Cooking or pretending to eat a meal from that role
• Doing a “day in the life” performance for family
• Talking in character: “Good morning! I’m Captain Luma from Mars Station 7…”

4. Reflect Like a Time Traveler

At the end, ask:

• “What did you enjoy most about living this life?”
• “What was challenging or surprising?”
• “Would you want to live like this for real?”

Let them draw a comparison chart between their real life and the one they lived.

5. Make It a Series

Create a “Life Passport” where they collect stamps for each life they explore. You can even turn it into a weekly feature:

“Whose life will we live this Saturday?”

This activity opens their mind and heart, helping them walk in someone else’s shoes—and might even spark dreams for the future.

Type n when you’re ready for the next meaningful adventure!