Students
absolutely deserve a breather from school work and studying over the
holidays, and there are many benefits to embracing this time as a
chance to relax and recharge. However, Dennis Shaw of the Ankeny
Huntington Learning Center reminds parents how easy it is to keep
children engaged and having fun during break. “There are so many
great ways to keep the mind active while spending time together as a
family,” says Shaw. “And best of all, including a few educational
activities in your holiday break schedule can keep your child’s
brain active, minimizing regression that can take place even during a
short break from school,” says Dr. Shaw. He suggests that families
consider trying out one or all of these educational activities this
holiday break:
Library
visits – An
easy and highly beneficial educational outing for holiday break is a
family trip to the library—and you can go as often as you like.
Most libraries offer a range of activities during holiday breaks that
might pique your child’s interest. At a minimum, however, you and
your child can pick up some reading material to enjoy during the lazy
days that school is out. Make reading a daily activity for the whole
family.
Museum
outings – If
you have a favorite art, cultural, science or other museum or have
wanted to visit one for the first time, holiday break is an ideal
time to do so. Be sure to view the website ahead of time to see if
there are any special exhibits or events. And take your child’s
lead—perhaps he or she would enjoy art over science or a fireman’s
museum over the baseball museum.
Documentary
or film – If
your child was fascinated during his or her class’s unit on Egypt
or loves learning about nature and weather, check out the selection
of films and documentaries at your library (or through Netflix if
you’re a subscriber). An at-home movie afternoon is certainly fun,
but you could also make it a day outing. Browse the showings at your
local science museum—maybe you’ll discover an exciting option at
a nearby IMAX theater or planetarium.
Musical
performances or theater – This
time of year generally means lots of cultural events and activities
if your family is interested in music, theater or dance. If The
Nutcracker doesn’t grab your child’s interest, check out the
local high school or college for plays or other performances, nearby
jazz or other music clubs, or even your local coffee shop to see what
types of entertainment might be on the holiday calendar.
Holiday
break is a great chance for your child to unwind and do the things he
or she wants to do, but it is also a perfect time to enrich the mind
and explore different topics. “This is a rare opportunity free of
school obligations when parents and their children can delve into
some interests and enjoy learning something new together,” says
Dennis Shaw. “Get out and expand your
horizons. Offer your child ideas and then let his or her curiosities
guide you.”
