Learning Opportunities Outside the Classroom
Winter break is upon us! While the kids (and teachers) may be jumping for joy, a lot of parents are concerned about learning loss. Instead of running out to purchase workbooks, we encourage parents to incorporate learning into fun everyday life activities. Here are some suggestions to help you keep your student’s mind active over winter break. Bonus: you won’t have to resort to bribery to get an assignment completed!
Math activities
Grocery store addition: Take your little ones to the store with you and engage them in the shopping process. Ask them to pick out 5 apples or 2 peppers and then quiz them about the number of produce items in the cart. Older kids can practice fractions and decimals by totaling the amount of deli and bulk meat you purchase.
Weekly budget: Determine your family’s entertainment budget for the week and task your child with determining what activities you can do within that budget – and providing a balance after you complete each activity.
Game score keeper: Ask your child to be the scorekeeper when your family plays board games. They can practice addition and subtraction skills to help determine who wins.
Reading and writing activities
Recipe reader: Ask your child to assist you in meal preparation by reading each step in a recipe. For older kids, you can combine math and reading by having them measure ingredients and/or make a meal based on a recipe.
Holiday cards: Enhance the joy of receiving holiday cards by having your child read each card out loud.
Thank you and gratitude cards: A thank you card is much more meaningful when it is written by the gift recipient. Have your child write thank you cards for all the holiday gifts they receive. Keep the gratitude and penmanship flowing by having them write random notes to thank those that bring joy to their lives.
Family games
Game night is a fun way to practice reading, writing and math skills – and the kids will have won’t even realize they’re learning! Here’s a few of our favorites:
Mancala – counting, problem-solving/strategy
Battleship – problem-solving/strategy, graphing/coordinates
Quixx – strategy, addition
Yahtzee – counting, strategy, probability, matching
Mathable – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Boggle – spelling, reading, creating words (helping each other is okay in our book!)
Blokus – problem solving/strategy, geometry, spatial reasoning
Rummikub – strategy, problem-solving
Scrabble Junior– spelling, reading
Mad Libs – vocabulary, reading
Road trip fun
Audible books: If you’re about to pack the whole family in the car, audible books or podcasts are a great way to while away the time. They help engage the imagination and improve listening skills. Bonus: kids will get so engaged, you won’t have to listen to the familiar whine, “Are we there yet?” Check out this list of audiobooks from Everyday Reading or explore a new podcast from Kids Are a Trip. There are so many options that you’re sure to find one the whole family will enjoy!
License plate game: Even on short trips across town, it’s easy to spot license plates from many different states. As you play the game, have your child keep score and determine who has the best spotting abilities.
I Spy: Before you leave for a trip, print out sheets of things you might see along the way. Have your child read the list and, as they spy each item, write down where they saw it.
If you have fun ways that you incorporate learning into everyday activities, please email them to info@reachlearningservices.com.