2024 Winter Break online workshop
December 18th, 2024
Learning Activities to Enjoy as a Family over Winter Break
During winter break, students deserve a well-earned reprieve from homework and school responsibilities, but the holidays will come and go and in time, and students will be returning to the classroom. To best prepare them for a seamless transition back to school while taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to them during this time, students and parents can do fun activities that also maintain and build upon academic skill sets.
There are fun activities that are both engaging and fun, and at the same time, encouraging for students to continue learning during their time away from school.
Offline Activities
- Play board games that involve numbers
- Bake using step-by-step recipes where students can measure, mix, and divide ingredients and vary the number of servings
- Create a budget for holiday shopping
- Explore Geometry by designing a snowflake pattern
Online Resources:
Math testing Resources are available to help students get ready for standardized tests.Prodigy is a free, game-based platform that combines math practice with a fantasy-themed environment. Students solve math problems to progress through battles and quests, making it engaging and motivating. Topics cover basic arithmetic, geometry, and more, aligned with state standards. Teachers can create accounts to track progress and assign specific skills for students to practice.
Khan Academy Kids offers a wide range of interactive math activities designed for younger learners. The app includes videos, interactive games, and problem-solving tasks focusing on numbers, counting, shapes, and addition/subtraction. Its friendly animal characters guide students, and there’s a built-in reward system to encourage continued learning.
Math Playground features a variety of games and activities for grades 1-6, including problem-solving challenges, logic puzzles, and skill-building exercises in topics such as fractions, decimals, and multiplication. The vibrant, game-like interface makes it easy to navigate and fun for children.
Toy Theater provides creative, colorful math games that focus on early math skills, like addition, subtraction, place value, and geometry. Many activities incorporate hands-on interactivity, like digital manipulatives for counting and puzzles. It’s ideal for visual and tactile learners.
Coolmath4Kids offers free lessons and math games tailored for kids aged 12 and under. It focuses on foundational topics such as multiplication, fractions, and division. The quirky and colorful design creates a welcoming space for independent learners. It’s simple to navigate and can reinforce school-taught math skills.
Offline Activities
- Visit a public library and check out books and e-reader titles
- Play Scrabble with friends and family members
- If traveling, students can keep a travel journal, including photos, captions, reflections, and descriptive impressions
- Writing projects based on specific themes
- Write short stories and poems
Online Resources
Storyline Online offers free videos of professional actors reading popular children’s books aloud. Each story is paired with animated illustrations, making it highly engaging for kids. Free activity guides with comprehension questions and vocabulary tips are available for each book.
The ICDL provides free digital access to a diverse collection of children’s books from around the world. The site offers books in multiple languages for a variety of reading levels, making it a great tool for parents to encourage reading while introducing global cultures.
Unite for Literacy features a library of free digital picture books for young readers, with narration available in multiple languages. This site is perfect for supporting bilingual learning or improving early reading skills with vibrant, engaging stories.
Highlights Kids provides free short stories, poems, and writing games for young children. The site also offers creative puzzles, DIY crafts, and interactive activities that help develop literacy skills in a fun, engaging way.
Offline Activities
- Discover the great outdoors
- Outdoor nature walks, take pictures, create descriptions and blurbs for photographs
- Keep a lunar journal of moon observations and records of activity
- Watch documentaries and education
Online Resources
Mystery Science offers free mini-lessons and activities designed to spark curiosity in young learners. Topics include everything from weather and space to plants and animals. Parents can easily access free experiments and videos that are fun and simple to do at home.
National Geographic Kids is an engaging platform with videos, articles, games, and quizzes about animals, space, the environment, and more. The vibrant visuals and interactive elements make learning science both exciting and accessible for children.
This NASA site introduces elementary students to climate science and Earth’s systems through interactive games, activities, and stories. Topics include energy, the water cycle, and environmental stewardship, with content tailored to be kid-friendly and fun.
PBS Kids features interactive science games with beloved characters like Sid the Science Kid and the Wild Kratts. Activities cover topics such as ecosystems, physical science, and basic biology, making it perfect for sparking curiosity in young scientists.
How Stuff Works offers easy-to-read explanations of fascinating scientific topics, from natural disasters to simple machines. Its kid-friendly design and focus on everyday science questions make it great for elementary-aged children eager to explore how the world works.
Offline Activities
- Explore the history of winter holidays around the world
- Research or create a family tree
- Investigate the cultural significance of winter solstice
- Explore and learn about famous historical winter events
Online Resources
BrainPOP Jr. offers free videos and activities that teach history, geography, civics, and culture. Topics include community roles, famous historical figures, and map skills. While some content is behind a paywall, parents can access many free resources, perfect for young learners.
Ducksters provides simple, engaging articles about world history, American history, and famous figures. The site also covers geography and government topics. The content is written in a kid-friendly way and makes learning about history fun and accessible.
National Geographic Kids combines articles, videos, and games to teach historical events, landmarks, and cultural traditions. Kids can explore content on ancient civilizations, U.S. history, and global cultures while enjoying beautiful visuals and fun facts.
iCivics offers free games and interactive activities that teach kids about government, citizenship, and civic responsibility. Parents can help their children play engaging games like “Win the White House” or “Cast Your Vote” to understand voting, laws, and community decision-making.
This website provides easy-to-read articles and resources about world history, ancient civilizations, and U.S. history. Parents can find stories about events like the Civil War, ancient Egypt, and famous explorers, paired with printable worksheets and activities to reinforce learning.
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