Keep your child’s mind active during the holidays

It’s official- we’re on Christmas Break!  That means no more school for my first grader til after the New Year… which also means no more running her back and forth to school for me.  No more rushing around in the mornings trying to get out the door on time.  Now we can all sleep in and get up when we want.  Well get up when the kids want anyway, no one cares when mommy wants to get up.

But Christmas Break also means more fighting at home (it’s inevitable with three kids- I’ve learned older sisters don’t like sharing with younger sisters).  And it also means no more structured learning at school for my 6 year old.  It’s easy for kids to forget much of what they learn while on extended breaks from school.  It’s important to help your child continue to practice what they’ve already learned so they’re confident when they go back to school.

I like using different forms of learning for my kids to keep it fun and interesting.  We use workbooks, play board games, watch DVD’s, and one of the things my oldest (6 year old) really likes to do is play games on the computer.  You can find just about everything  you’d like your child to do online nowadays- numbers and shapes games, online books for reading, math games for first graders (or whatever grade your child is in).

Most educational kids games online are specific to a certain age or grade level so be sure your child is playing one that’s appropriate for them.  If you’re looking to specifically encourage more reading, check out these tips for keeping kids reading over the holidays.

While it may not be the main focus of your holiday break, or any break your child gets from school, it doesn’t take a lot to keep their minds learning.  And you may be surprised to find your children actually find the different activities fun.