When winter break rolls around, most kids have cast aside reading and arithmetic for candy canes and presents before their last class has even ended. While an unwinding period is important even for young minds, children should remain engaged throughout winter break. Routine is a key component of any learning regiment, so make sure to keep your kids deep in thought even during winter break. Swan Learning Center has compiled a few of the methods we use to expand and grow our children’s minds when school is out.
- Head to the Local Library
Your kids should still be actively reading even though English class isn’t in session. You may have books at home, but a trip to the library can be an exciting experience. Think about all of the amazing new books that your children can explore that may not even be available in the school library. Plus, a library may hold events like a group reading or story time that can keep your family engaged year-round.
- Keep a Consistent Schedule
It can be easy to get into bad habits when there is a window of time off from normal responsibilities, so be sure to keep your kids on the right track. Keep their bedtimes and wake-up times generally the same as when they were in school. Inconsistent sleeping patterns can lead to stress and irritability for kids and parents.
Try to maintain healthy eating habits during break, too. It’s all too easy to chow down on Christmas cookies, but keep everything in moderation. Keep mealtimes consistent, and make sure that your kids are eating breakfast every day to maintain energy, concentration, and peak performance.
Finally, keep TV time regimented. If your kids were allowed 30 minutes of electronics time during the week, don’t change that just because they’re home more. Transfer that time into building snowmen outside, reading a book, or doing science projects with a family member.
- Create Holiday Crafts or Write a Holiday-Themed Story
To keep your children in a creative mindset during winter break, have them write a story about their favorite reindeer or other holiday character, or help them make snowflakes out of construction paper to hang around the house or on the fridge. These projects provide valuable family time while also giving your kids something productive to work on while school isn’t in session.
