A "go to" schedule for unexpectedly crazy days?

Yesterday we awoke to find the furnace wasn’t working and much of the rest of my day was spent in trying to fix it, consulting with others, getting parts, etc. Everything turned out fine, the furnace is fixed, but I was frustrated that our school day fell apart. Yes, this is part of life, and yes, had I been a tad more organized then they could have done a few more things on their own. But I was thinking that at unexpected times like this — when I can’t be involved with them and don’t want them to do the read aloud on their own because we want to do it together, etc. — wouldn’t it be nice to have a schedule of sorts where they could do their own stuff. I would love to hear some ideas for what to put on the list! 

I am totally up for some special things like computer games and such being on there, but would like to actually come up with a plan of sorts that could be our “go to” at times like this.

What ended up happening yesterday: I was getting annoyed with them for not getting certain things done, yet I was also annoyed when they wanted my help with those things (just asking me simple questions, but I was so wrapped up in the furnace problem that it was really annoying, lol). And then they’d ask if they could play on the computer or watch something, etc., and I was anoyed with that as well because I didn’t really want them doing that but had no time to give them any attention under the circumstances. The weather was icky so they couldn’t go outside. 

So, what would go on your list? — things that require little to no involvement from mom (not suggesting this be the norm! this is just for those days like my furnace day). Here’s a few I thought of:

— certain subjects that are easy to “do the next thing” on their own? (some math, free reading,… that’s all I can think of at the moment but there must be nore)

— board games (maybe from a preselcted list, just for days like this, to avoid those games that are particularly…frustrating to me due to the messiness or carziness of the game)

— something creative like art, but I don’t want anything messy or requiring me on a day like this…maybe something we have but rarely use that they would particularly enjoy because they rarely see it? like bendy wax sticks, in our home

— computer/electronic device/apps (again, maybe a preselected list or a time limit on this??)