Kids work hard in school, and when school breaks roll around they deserve a mental break just as much as their teachers do. But just because they’re taking a break from the rigors of daily school doesn’t mean they have to take a complete break from learning. Here are some ways to keep your child’s brain active and engaged during school breaks – in ways that are so fun, they’ll never even know they’re keeping their mind sharp for when they return to school.
This post is sponsored by Seattle Christian School.
Cooking and Baking – There’s a lot of math involved in the kitchen – but this makes it fun! For older children, make it more challenging by asking them to double a cookie recipe or halve a casserole.
Shopping on Budget – If you’re wrapping up your Christmas shopping, take the kids with you and help them shop for family members within a set budget. If it’s after Christmas, take them shopping with their gift cards (or return credit) and make them stay within their allotted amount. You can even take older kids grocery shopping with you and ask them to try and keep track of the total bill by estimating; compare how close they are to the final cost at check-out.
Read Daily – Reading is one of the best things your kids can do to keep their brains active. Make reading mandatory every day by carving out regular time to do it – whether it’s first thing in the morning, mid-day, or right before bed. Try Storyline Online to read to your youngest readers if you need some time to do other things while they’re busy reading.
Turn Off the TV – You’ll initially hear some complaints, but don’t let that discourage you. You’ll be amazed at how creative your kids become when they have to figure out how to entertain themselves.
Play Board or Card Games – Most games involve math, reading, or strategy. Play games as a family throughout the break to keep your kids’ minds active.
Do Puzzles – Jigsaw puzzles help develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, cognitive skills, as well as spatial reasoning. They also help support memory and concentration.
Check Out STEM Websites – Let technology work for you. There are lots of websites that will engage your child in learning while they’re still having fun.
Have Kids Do Yoga Sessions – Not only does yoga have physical benefits, but it has mental benefits as well including increased focus and concentration. Check out the Cosmic Kids YouTube Channel and find lots of fun, engaging, kid-friendly yoga workouts.
Do Open-Ended Crafts – Set out papers, stickers, paints, markers, glue, glitter, tape, string, ribbons, boxes…whatever craft supplies you have…and see what your kids come up with. Watch their brains come alive with creativity!
Put On A Play – Have your kids write, rehearse, and perform a play. This encourages reading, writing, creativity, and memorization. If you have older, tech-savvy kids, have them record and edit it to make their own movie!
Are you looking for a school that will not only offer your child an academic challenge, but also help to solidify their faith and reinforce your values with a Christian worldview? Then check out Seattle Christian School and learn about the challenging academics, grace-filled personalized learning, and diverse multi-denominational community offered to students in K through 12.
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