It is very important that we help our children’s minds to stay active over the holiday break. It is tempting sometimes for children to want to be passive and just watch television, play that new video game, or be on the computer. While all of these things are fine in moderation, studies show that more than one or two hours a day doing these activities can not only turn their brains to mush, but sometimes cause them to be extra grumpy.
Here are my suggestions for over the break.
PROBLEM SOLVE TOGETHER:
To practice elapsed time ask your child questions like, “If you go outside now, and come back in at 11:30, how much time has gone by?”
To practice math ask, “If you build a snow fort and have 17 snowballs ready for a snowball fight, how many more will you need to make to get 50?”
WORD GAMES:
Play games together like Bogle, Scategories, or Scrabble.
WRITING:
Promote that “Attitude of Gratitude” by having your child write thank you notes for the wonderful gifts that they received.
READ:
Have your child spend time reading a variety of text this season. They can read Christmas letters, magazines, comics, and books. Have a family reading time together. Make popcorn and have fun with it!
ART:
Have your child draw, paint, or create something over the break!
By keeping your child’s mind active, they will be that much more ready for school when it resumes again next week!
