DISTRICT OFFERS hints to keep your child in a learning mode over the holiday break

The holidays are coming up. Want to know some good ways to keep your child in a "learning mode" over the holiday break?

Try these hints from Nanette Kuhn of the Taylor School District:

1. Read several holiday stories together.

2. Bake cookies and other holiday treats with the entire family helping.

3. Write notes of cheer and thank-you notes for teachers, family, and friends.

4. Ask children to help you compare prices for gift shopping.

5. Encourage children to make a "wish list" of things they want. 

Insist that some of the items can't cost money.

6. Adopt a needy family and plan together how to provide them clothing, toys, food and holiday decorations.

7. Make homemade ornaments out of thread spools, shiny paper, ribbon, Styrofoam shapes, glitter, and spray paint.

8. Buy your child a small, live potted tree. Show her how to care for it.

9. As a family, choose and attend a concert or special holiday event.

10. Make musical memories. Have each family member select some favorite songs-and record them onto a family holiday CD.

11. Hold a "nostalgia night." Gather around, young and old. Share pictures and scrapbooks. Watch old movies. Talk about what it was like when each was young.

12. Allow your child to invite friends to come over and bring one toy or game to share.

13. Give small educational gifts like a funky ruler, calculator, or miniature magnifying glass.

14. Let your child help you plan a holiday trip and keep track of gas, mileage, and expenses.

15. Give your child "Me and You, Kid" coupons that she can use when she wants to spend time reading, playing, or working on a special project with you.

Reprinted from SchoolFamily.com  Copyright © 2013 Parent Institute