Don't Leave Learning Out in the Cold!


Winter break is a time when families travel, celebrate the holidays and students take time away from their crazy, everyday schedules. Just like with summer break, it is important to continue to involve students in some form of academia to keep their wandering minds engaged. There are many ways to allow students to take a step back from the classroom but still keep their minds active and learning.

Here are some tips to keep your students from facing the brain drain—or brain freeze—of winter break. 

Supplemental Education
Continued work with an enrichment program will allow students to take a break from school but still continue learning and studying. Whether it's taking booklets away on travel or coming to class once or twice a week, students are continuing their education with the simple flexibility of the program. 

Museums and Planetariums
Places like Liberty Science Center in New Jersey or the Field Museum in Chicago, IL are great ways for students to have fun and keep the learning growing. These places not only teach students about science and history but make learning a fun, active process. Attractions such as IMAX movies on planets or nature and displays on the evolution of ancient history bring lessons from their school textbooks to life.

Culinary Work
The learning process is not limited to areas of math, science or reading. Over the winter, students can also focus on learning about things that are all around them. Independence at an early age can be very important. Cooking is a great way for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. Learning about culinary dishes from other countries and locations is an exciting method for students to be exposed to cultures from around the world. They are able to understand and cook different cuisines from countries that they may have an interest in visiting one day or have learned about in the classroom. 

Game Nights
Having game nights with the family can be a lot of fun but also involve learning. Games like Scrabble allow students to continue both spelling and vocabulary practice while involving a bit of friendly competition. Have a little something for the winner so kids have something motivating them as they play. Making a homemade Scrabble board with math pieces can also be a great way to keep students learning as they make their own equations. 

Homemade Experiments
It can be hard for many students to do a lot of experimenting in science class depending on the grades and resources within their schools. Students can make their own volcanos, constellations, or even homemade playdoh. They can even make editable crafts such as ice cream. These are great ways to make learning hands on and fun over the holidays.