.png)
School may be out, but class is always in session! At Good Hope, our aim is to cultivate lifelong learners. We believe in finding teachable moments outside of the classroom. The learning should never stop. You can grow core learning skills at home during the holidays through fun and interactive activities. Here are some ways winter break activities to keep the creative juices going.
APPROACHES TO ENCOURAGE MATH SKILLS
1. Give Your Child the Task of Coming Up With the Amount of Groceries to Buy
Incorporating arithmetic with a common life task, like grocery shopping, will accomplish two things. Not only will it be an opportunity to practice math, but also an opportunity to demonstrate the everyday usefulness of it. You could have your child figure out how many eggs to buy if you are making two hard boiled eggs for four people. Try giving a more challenging question to an older child by having them determine which is the better value between two similar items based on price.
2. Practice measurement in a fun way in the kitchen
Let the math skills from the grocery trip spill over into the kitchen. Baking cookies can serve as an opportunity to have valuable bonding time with your child, and build some math skills like doubling. You can ask a question like, “if there are eight tablespoons in half a cup, how many more tablespoons to make one cup?”
APPROACHES TO ENCOURAGE SCIENCE SKILLS
3. Bring the science lab home with some at home experiments
Science activities can fuel your child’s curiosity. At home experiments are an interactive way to explain complex concepts. For instance, you can teach the concept of density with lava lamps.
4. Switch out the learning environment from indoors to outdoors
Getting two things for the price of one is always a great feat. Take the learning outdoors where there is the added benefit of some physical exercise. A simple excursion can stimulate curiosity about the world around them. You can ask a question like, “what sorts of animals would call a tree home?”
APPROACHES TO ENCOURAGE WRITING SKILLS
5. Pen a letter to a family
In our current climate, it can get tricky when wanting to visit extended family members. A letter is a great way to keep in touch and encourage your child to work on their handwriting skills. A handwritten letter will give it that extra special personal touch.
6. Write a thank you note to a front line worker
A thank you can go a long way. Consider a writing activity where your child writes a thank you note to someone in your community doing their best for the greater good. In the letter, have your child express why they are grateful to whom they are writing to and why it is important to let others know they are appreciated.