Winter break is a well-deserved reprieve from homework and daily school commitments…for teachers, students and parents alike. Kids are counting down the days until the commencement of the glorious holiday break, but we all know it will be over before you know it! Kids will likely spend more time in bed and on their devices. Read books? HA! What are those again? Parents, I understand the struggle! To prepare for a smooth re-entry back into school in the new year, help your child keep up their reading, writing and math skills during their time off. In this blog, I will share a few fun, family-friendly activities to keep their skills sharp!
Encourage Reading for FUN
Now that the kids are on break, they have the opportunity to read what they WANT to read, not just what they are assigned to read. Take your kids to the local public library or a bookstore and let them peruse the shelves. Consider asking relatives to give books or a gift card to a bookstore as holiday gifts. What about gathering in front of the fireplace as a family one cold winter evening and reading a classic story together?
Do Some Holiday Baking
‘Tis the season for…BAKING! Invite your child into the kitchen to help you whip up a batch of your favorite holiday cookies! Recipes are chock-full of developmentally appropriate learning opportunities such as one-to-one correspondence, colors, shapes, measuring, weighing, and fractions.
Write Thank-You Notes
After the presents have been opened and played with, encourage your child to write letters of thanks and appreciation for the gifts they’ve received. This simple act of gratitude not only helps to teach children good manners, but also hones their writing and spelling skills.
In closing, winter break is the PERFECT time for kids to sharpen their math, reading and writing skills with activities that they enjoy. I encourage you to try one or all of the activities discussed here to help your child start the new year strong!
