Lessons Learned: Christmas Break

Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
Christmas break is less than a month away and our kids are already bursting with excitement! I hear many parents express concern about kids “checking out” over the holidays, but being out of the classroom doesn’t mean learning has to stop….it just means we have to be creative! The holidays are a great time to incorporate learning into the activities you already have planned. Here are some great ways to keep those young minds active during the holiday season:
 
Baker’s Dozen. Pull out those measuring cups and get your kids busy in the kitchen! You'll get some extra help with the holiday baking and they'll learn about measurement and fractions. Older kids can help by reading the recipe and identifying the correct measuring tools while little kids can count the eggs, pour in the milk and mix it all together. We’re preparing cookie mix in a jar this year and it’s the kids’ responsibility to make sure they measure the right ingredients.
 
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
Countdown to Fun. Advent calendars are such a great tradition for kids of all ages. There's no better way to keep the kids excited for the holidays than tiny treats and trinkets to help with the daily countdown to the big day. It's a great way for kids to learn about numbers, counting, discovery and it helps to teach patience. Asking them how many days they have left of school or how many more days until Christmas are great ways to practice adding and subtracting without them even knowing they’re doing it!
 
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
The Art of a Good Letter. There's no doubt about it, the more kids write, the better their writing will be. Whether it's their letter to Santa, helping with the family Christmas cards or writing thank you notes for gifts they receive -there are so many ways for kids to keep writing over the holidays. Younger kids can draw pictures to include in your cards – or, with a quick scan, you can turn it into your Christmas card! How proud would your little one be to know their artwork was sent to all your family and friends?
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
Stories. There are so many wonderful stories to share during the holidays. Why not start a tradition of reading a new holiday story everyday leading up to the holidays? Focus on a selection of funny, inspiring and perhaps even some about how other cultures celebrate their religious holidays. Older kids can read stories to the family and younger kids will enjoy being read to. Asking questions about the story they read or heard will encourage engagement and help build comprehension.
 
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
The List. Feeling the panic about all the shopping you have left to do? Why not get the kids to help? Pick a few names off your list for them to help you shop for. Determine an amount you want to spend and let them brainstorm some ideas with you. You'll get some extra shopping help and they will learn about budgeting and being responsible.
 
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
Giving. Probably one of the best lessons you can teach your kids this holiday season is empathy. Teaching them to help others who are less fortunate from a young age is something they will take with them all their lives. Donating to the food bank, toy drive, or the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree are amazing ways to show your children how good it can feel to help others. Older kids can even donate their time by volunteering at a soup kitchen, animal shelter or seniors home. The ideas for giving throughout the year are endless, but especially important during the holidays.
Lessons Learned: Christmas Break
 
No matter what activities and events you have planned during the holidays, try and involve your children as much as possible for some fun and entertaining learning opportunities.
 
 
Oxford Learning offers programs for children from 3 years old through university. Our goal is to give students the skills they need to be successful in school and in life. Oxford Learning has locations in Halifax, Hammonds Plains and Bedford. For more information about our programs and services, including our camps, visit us at www.oxfordlearning.com

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