10 Activities To Keep Your Child On Track Over the Holidays

Dec 17, 2018 • Summer

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean it’s time to stop learning! There are a variety of fun activities students can partake in that develop core learning skills for a variety of subject areas.

Keep reading to learn the different ways students can spend the holidays developing skills in math, science, writing, reading, and art.

Activities That Develop Math Skills

1. 1. Have Your Child Help Pick Out Groceries

On your next grocery trip, have your child help! Not only will it make your child feel very grown up, it will also help him or her practice mental math skills. For instance, if you’re cooking 2 burgers for 6 people, ask your child to figure out how many burgers to buy. If your child is a bit older, you can ask him or her more complex questions. For example, ask your child to determine how expensive each unit in a bag is based on its price.

1. 1. Have Your Child Help With Holiday Baking

If you’re doing some holiday baking, ask your child to help measure out the ingredients. Baking not only helps improve basic unit conversion and math skills, it also helps young people build confidence. While your child is measuring out the ingredients, ask questions like “how many millilitres will we be able to fit in a cup?” to get his or her mind working even more.

Activities That Develop Science Skills

1. 1. Take A Walk In The Outdoors

Something as simple as exploring a nearby park or green space can teach your child so much! Spark your child’s curiosity by asking how he or she thinks that landscape formed, or what animals you may find on your walk. You can also set up a scavenger hunt for your child and ask him or her to classify all the found objects by colour, shape, and size.

1. 1. At Home Science Experiments

Building a baking soda volcano doesn’t only have to happen at the science fair—create one at home! There are many child-friendly mini-experiments you can do with your family that are both fascinating and fun. If you have multiple children, have them start a friendly competition over who can create the highest tower made out of just paper and tape. The winner gets to decide the next science experiment your family does.

Activities That Develop Writing Skills

1. 1. Write a Letter To Santa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If your family celebrates Christmas, have your child write a letter to Santa. Letter writing not only improves handwriting skills but it will also encourage your child to write in his or her spare time.

1. 1. Write Holiday Cards to Family Members

A simple but easy way you can get your child to write throughout the holidays is having him or her write the family holiday cards! Have your child ask family members what they want the card to say and write a message from everyone. This will help teach your child how to compromise and coordinate with other people, as well as improve writing skills and time management. It will also give your child the satisfaction of creating something the whole family can enjoy.

Activities That Develop Reading Skills

1. 1. Read With Your Child Every Night

For younger children, reading a chapter of a story every night is a great way to improve their reading skills. Read the story out loud together, point to photos, and guide your child through the text using your finger.

For older children, reading a novel ensures they’re still developing their reading skills while having fun over the break. Offer to buy your child a book at the beginning of the break and encourage him or her to finish it by the time school is back in session.

1. 1. Learn How To Play A New Game

Go out and buy a new board game your family can play over the break. When you sit down to play it, ask your child to read the instructions out loud. Be sure to help your child with any tricky words and be there for support. Reading the instructions aloud will not only help with reading skills but it will also help with his or her confidence in presenting.

Activities That Develop Art Skills

1. 1. Performing A Play

It’s time to get creative! If you have friends or family coming over, have your child to put on a play. Offer to help your child prepare for the big performance by setting up a stage or reviewing lines—but make sure the play is entirely his or her own idea. Writing and performing plays is a wonderful way for your child to express him or herself and have fun.

1. 1. Film A Video

If live performance isn’t something your child feels comfortable with, he or she can also have fun filming a video. Coordinating angles, sets, lighting, and storylines take a lot of concentration and commitment. Your child will also feel very accomplished when the whole video is complete. This will only inspire him or her to start more creative projects. Bonus Tip: Make sure that the video is saved—your child will have a good laugh watching it years down the line!

Whatever The Subject Matter—Oxford Learning Can Help

Whether your child is struggling with a specific subject and needs help or just wants to brush up on learning skills—Oxford Learning is here to help! Our team members will learn about your child’s specific learning goals and work with him or her to ensure these goals are met.