If you are like me, your kiddos will have some time off for Winter Break. My littles have continued virtual learning so the difference will be that they won’t have homework they have to turn in each day during the week. Now to find different fun ways to fill that time and to keep them learning even during the break! I want the activities to be fun but ones that I can use to still teach them what they need for school.
One of the first things we will do is take a walk in the park. We’ve done this before, but it’s been a while since we went out with my goal being them having fun while learning. We will see what we can find and then practice saying the words in English and in Spanish. I will also challenge my daughter to attempting to spell the words as best as she can! You can also use a walk to count. Count your steps, count how many wreaths, trees, lights, etc. you see on your walk. Try to find something that starts with each letter of the alphabet on your walk. There are so many things you can do on a walk that makes the walk a time of fun and a time of learning.
We will also work on homemade gifts! This can be crafting with paint and canvas. Make a handprint reindeer. Make glitter ornaments. Make a snowman wind sock from a used toilet paper roll. Make stained glass art with cut up tissue paper. You can cut the tissue paper into different shapes and review shapes, colors, big, small, etc.
Another thing we will be doing is baking! They will not be allowed to put anything in the oven, but they can help measure and count. Baking is a great way to work on math skills. It can even be useful for older kids that are learning how to add and subtract fractions. Double a recipe or cut it in half. Use shapes and try to figure out how they can be put together to make something instead of just a shape. Make a puzzle out a big gingerbread cookie. Before the dough is cooked, cut shapes and then once cooked they can be put together. Make a gingerbread house and learn about shapes, colors, and how to put things together!
Finished product complete with icing! Get everyone involved!
Reading will be a must. My kids love to read. In fact, the only way I can get my 2 year old to go potty is to have books in the bathroom for him to sit and read while he goes potty. Y’all, whatever works! Reading is critical for so many things. We will read books about Christmas, Halloween, rainbows, etc.
There will be some watching of YouTube videos for learning. One of our favorite channels to watch on YouTube is Art For Kids Hub https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub. My daughter LOVES to watch their videos and draw along with them. She has even made me start doing it with her! It’s really awesome. I can’t even draw a stick figure, but below are some of the things I have drawn with my daughter. It has been a lot of fun for us. As an added bonus it has been a great time of bonding for us! I highly recommend the channel if you have a kiddo that loves drawing and art (or if you just want to learn how to draw).
Cleaning is always a good thing to do. I believe it is important for kids to learn how to be a member of the household by doing chores. I know everyone might not feel this way, but it is important in our household that everyone do their part and their share.
These are just a few ideas of what we will be doing! What are some ways you will be keeping your kiddos learning during their break? I’d love to hear from you!
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