The holidays are here, and if you’re a parent or caregiver to children, it’s a great time to start thinking about winter break activities that will keep kids busy and having fun. As an added bonus, if the activities result in a little learning, well then, all the better!
Some of the best winter break activities are fairly traditional, like making snowmen in colder climates when weather permits. But how about taking that outdoor fun to a new level by creating different kinds of snow creatures, from snowdogs to snowmonsters? Don’t forget to utilize your creative play prop box during this activity – you’ll be amazed at what kids will find to “dress up” their creations!
Another great winter break activity for a frosty day is baking or cooking (with an adult’s supervision, of course!). Have a book of child-friendly recipes on hand and let them choose what they want to make (make sure it’s age-appropriate – even kids’ cookbooks generally span a range of ages). Then take them to the grocery store with a list of needed ingredients. For older children, this is a great time to start shaping skills such as selecting produce or even budgeting. Let them pick out what’s on the list, and only guide them when they get off track. Once you get everything home, make a production out of it! Tie on aprons, make chefs hats out of napkins, and get cooking!
For a simpler take on baking, buy refrigerated sugar cookie dough, and let kids of all ages have a chance to shape, bake, and decorate the final product. Don’t feel limited to traditional holiday themes –a little cookie dough and a lot of creative energy will produce hours of incredible, edible art in all shapes and sizes.
Finally, the holidays are a time when many children receive gifts from various friends and relatives, and the perfect winter break activity to thank others for their generosity is making homemade thank you cards. This is an excellent way to let kids get creative, while making a lasting and much-appreciated memento for the gift giver. Gather up whatever art supplies you have on hand, a list of recipients and you’re ready to go! This is the ideal opportunity to have a little messy, crafty fun, while learning the art of expressing gratitude to those around us at a very special time of year.