The Second Week of Winter Break

This post is for parents…

We are now in the second week of our winter break.  While I know we are still very busy with family and work events, it’s also a great week to engage your child intellectually. Here are some ideas/tips for you to consider:

• Talk to them about current events.
• Ask their opinions on matters, it doesn’t need to be those difficult, open-ended questions (especially if you have a teenager).
• Have dinners together.
• Take them to a museum, to the library, or to a park.
• Encourage your child to be creative. Challenge your child with a project (like a puzzle or a snow structure).
• Place boundaries on television and computer time.
• Encourage your child to read a book and then discuss it with them.

I am not advocating to turn this last week of break into school. Your child needs some down-time from school and your family deserves quality time together. I am challenging you, though, to think about the opportunities you have to enhance their learning and growth.