Winter break is the perfect time to balance fun and learning. Educational activities, like reading and science experiments, keep your child’s mind active, while physical play boosts health and focus. This balance helps prevent "brain drain" and prepares them to return to school energized.

Here are some activities you can try over winter break with your child:

1. Winter-Themed Reading Challenge
   Encourage your child to read a certain number of books or set up a winter-themed reading list with various books about snow, holidays, or winter adventures.

2. DIY Science Experiments
   Conduct simple experiments like making a snowstorm in a jar or creating a homemade snowflake using borax and water.

3. Winter Writing Journal
   Have your child keep a journal about their winter break experiences, favorite holiday memories, or what they’re grateful for.

4. Nature Walk and Observation
   

   Take a winter walk outside and have your child observe and record the different types of trees, animals, or plants they see.

5. Cooking or Baking Together
   Have your child help you in the kitchen to bake cookies or prepare a holiday meal. Measuring ingredients is a great way to practice math, and following directions builds reading skills.

Teaching students how to handle conflicts and find compromises helps them develop important life skills. It boosts emotional intelligence, communication, and problem-solving, making them better at managing disagreements and building positive relationships. These skills not only support their success in school but also prepare them for future challenges in work and life.

How to Teach:

• Model positive conflict resolution by using calm tones and finding compromises
• Role-play different scenarios where your child needs to work through a problem
• Encourage them to use words to express their feelings rather than physical actions

When students see these behaviors in action, they are more likely to adopt them in their own lives. Together, we can help them build the confidence and tools they need to navigate challenges and grow into respectful, resilient individuals.

As the winter season wraps us in its cozy embrace, we hope you're taking time to enjoy the warmth of family, laughter, and togetherness. We look forward to seeing all our Cougars in the new year ready to learn and explore new ideas, fun adventures, and create more memorable experiences in the classroom.

We hope you enjoyed this edition and find the strategies useful. We wish you all a wonderful winter break with the ones who matter most.

We look forward to welcoming all our Cougars back to school on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

BRAVE - SMART - KIND - CONFIDENT