Making the Most of Winter Break

The year is almost over, and winter break is finally here. Kids are glad to be out of school and free from homework, tests, and projects. While taking the entire week off and lounging around doing nothing but watching TV or surfing the Web sounds appealing, it’s probably not the best way to recharge. Some rest and relaxation are good, but slipping totally out of their normal routine can make it harder for kids to get back into the swing of things once school resumes.

Here are some tips for making winter break fun and relaxing while still integrating some learning.

Be Flexible with Sleep but Don’t Abandon Routine

No, kids don’t have to get up at 6 a.m. every day, but try to stick to a reasonable routine. If they get into the habit of staying up past midnight and sleeping until noon, they’re going to be dragging their feet after the new year. Shift back to normal sleep and wake hours as they get closer to returning to school so it’s not such an abrupt change.

Keep Reading

Spending time reading every day is good for everyone! Turn off the screens and grab a book, graphic novel, comic, or magazine. Go to the library or bookstore and let them pick something new to read over break that is of their choosing. When it’s something they’re interested in, they’re more likely to want to read.

Incorporate Learning in Fun Ways

Don’t let the learning stop just because school’s out — but also don’t make it seem like work. Find fun ways to keep kids practicing, exploring, creating, and asking questions. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Bake cookies together to practice math skills and following directions.
• Go ice skating to experience physics.
• Talk to relatives about the past, how the world has changed, their favorite things to do when they were younger, what school was like, their careers, etc. to learn more about history.
• Play board games as a family to practice critical thinking, logic, strategy, problem solving, and following directions.
• Volunteer in the community to give back and help others.
• Visit a museum, science center, aquarium, or historical place and let them explore.

Set Goals for the New Year

This can be a combination of personal and academic goals. Have kids reflect on what went well the first part of the year and what they could improve upon. Encourage them to set goals for what they want to achieve by the end of the school year or calendar year. Keep ideas realistic and something that is attainable. Create a variety of short- and long-term goals so they can check things off their list while continuing to strive for something greater. Once they’ve set their goals, work together to come up with a plan on how to achieve them.

Start Fresh

Help your kids clean out their bookbag and reorganize their materials for school. Get rid of anything they no longer need. Put notes and papers in the correct folders or binder sections. Restock pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, and sticky notes. Put fresh batteries in their calculator. Make sure they are ready to go once break is over and school starts back again.

As winter break comes to an end, make sure your kids are ready to hit the ground running and start the second part of the year off strong. Contact Crafting Scholars to find out how our learning specialists can support your child with subject area content, study skills, test prep, SAT/ACT prep, organizational skills, and more, all tailored to their needs and goals.