Written by Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator
The holiday season is a special time to come together, create memories, and share moments of joy—and it can also be a wonderful time to keep kids curious and learning in fun, meaningful ways. We’ve put together a “12 Days of Learning” guide to help make each day of winter break feel a little more magical and connected. With simple, holiday-inspired activities, families can explore reading, math, science, and social skills together—all while having a great tim` `e!
Tips for Families:
Try to set aside 15-20 minutes each day to engage in these activities as a family.
Encourage children to ask questions and explore each activity as deeply as they’d like.
If any activity sparks particular interest, find related books or online resources to explore further.
These daily activities reinforce the joy of learning during the holiday season and connect families to UCP's approach to education: making learning engaging, relevant, and fun!
Day 1: Story Time Spectacular (Reading)
Choose a holiday or winter-themed book and have a family story time. Encourage children to act out their favorite parts of the story or illustrate a scene to reinforce comprehension and creativity.
Day 2: Kitchen Math (Math)
Bake a simple holiday treat together, like cookies or brownies. Let kids help with measuring ingredients and discuss fractions, addition, and multiplication through the recipe steps.
Day 3: Winter Science Experiment (Science)
Create “fake snow” using baking soda and water. Discuss how real snow forms and the concept of temperature changes. Talk about what makes things cold or hot, tying it to winter weather.
Day 4: Gratitude Journal (Social-Emotional Learning)
Start a holiday gratitude journal. Each family member can write or draw one thing they’re grateful for each day, building social-emotional skills by focusing on gratitude and reflection.
Day 5: Holiday Geography (Geography)
Pick a country and learn about how they celebrate the holidays. Find it on a map and discuss customs and traditions, introducing the concept of cultural diversity and geography.
Day 6: Festive Word Search (Language and Vocabulary)
Make or print a holiday-themed word search. Include words related to winter, holidays, and celebrations. This reinforces vocabulary while keeping learning fun.
Day 7: Nature Scavenger Hunt (Science)
Bundle up and go on a nature walk to look for signs of winter (or seasonal changes, depending on your location). Look for evergreen trees, pine cones, or birds and discuss how nature adapts in different seasons.
Day 8: Acts of Kindness (Social Skills)
Encourage kids to brainstorm simple acts of kindness they can do for family, friends, or neighbors. Helping with chores, writing a thank-you note, or sharing a small gift nurtures empathy and social skills.
Day 9: DIY Ornaments (Art and Fine Motor Skills)
Make simple ornaments or decorations with household items like paper, glue, or glitter. This strengthens fine motor skills and creativity, plus it’s a fun way to decorate for the season!
Day 10: Family Math Game Night (Math)
Play a math-centered game like Bingo, Uno, or a board game that involves counting. This builds number skills in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
Day 11: Write a Letter (Writing)
Encourage children to write a letter to a friend or family member. They can share their favorite things about the holiday season or what they’re excited for in the new year. This activity enhances writing and self-expression.
Day 12: Goal Setting for the New Year (Goal Setting)
Sit down as a family to reflect on accomplishments from the past year and set one or two goals for the upcoming year. This teaches kids the importance of planning, self-improvement, and setting achievable goals.
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