The semester is over, and winter break is finally here! For Omaha Public School students, school will start back up on January 5, 2021, which is about three weeks away! Winter break is usually a time spent with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. But with everything going on right now, many families may decide to stay home.
Even though winter break is a time for students to relax and take some time off from school work, it’s still important that they are doing activities that promote learning. This will help students retain their knowledge and keep them prepared for when school begins again in January. So, here are some fun and educational activities for at risk youth to do at home during winter break!
Read books
A great way for kids to pass the time until school starts again is by reading books! Reading is not only fun, but educational, and will help young students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. And since it’s the holiday season, what better time than now to read a Christmas book or two!
Also, parents should be taking the time to read with their children. Not only does this allow you to spend quality time with them, but also helps them become more focused and willing to read in the future!
Play educational games
Other than reading books, there are also many online educational games that will help students continue to learn while away from school. As so many things have gone digital this year, you are sure to find some games for almost every level of learning!
Learn the basics of cooking
Another way to keep children learning during the holidays is by teaching them how to cook. Cooking is a life skill that everyone has to learn at some point, and is a great activities for at risk youth while spending time at home. Here are some easy recipes to try making with your children that will help them learn the basics of cooking!
Also, what better time to make cookies and other sweet snacks than the Holidays! Here are some great holiday cookie recipes that you and your children can bake together!
Watch movies
Something else both parents and children can do together during winter break is watch movies! When choosing a movie for you and your child, consider one that is both fun and educational, and maybe throw a Christmas movie or two into the mix!
Look at Christmas lights
Lastly, a fun activity to help buy time over break is driving around town to look at Christmas lights! In the Omaha area, there are many different Christmas light displays that will surely get you in the holiday spirit! Here are 19 must see Christmas light displays according to NP Dodge.
Although winter break is designed to give students time off from school and allow for families to spend time together during the holidays, it’s important that children continue to learn! These activities for at risk youth will promote fun learning that the whole family can do together!
At DREAM, we offer after school and mentoring programs for at risk youth in Omaha. For more information about any of our youth programs, give us a call or visit our website today!
