How to Keep Learning Going Over Winter Break
1) Reading a New Book
An excellent way in which your student can keep learning over the break is by continuing to read. There are plenty of books out there that are not only able to be read over the winter break but also can help with your student understanding the main reason for the Advent season.
A few examples of great winter break books:
- Room for a Little One
- Christmas in the Manger
- 'Twas the Evening of Christmas
- The First Christmas Night
- Stable Where Jesus was Born
- The Advent Storybook: 25 Bible Stories Showing Why Jesus Came
2) Reviewing Lessons from the Semester
We admit that it might not be incredibly feasible to get your student to actively review last semester’s homework every day through the break. However, it probably is possible for you to at least a few to verbally review some of the lessons which your student learned last semester.
You could also talk with your student’s teachers about some of the most important things they learned this semester and some of the lessons which will directly relate to next semester. That way, you can make sure to keep your student mindful of the learning which is most necessary to remember!
3) Doing Learning Activities Together
One way you can help your student to keep learning over the course of the winter break is by performing learning projects together. There are plenty of activities that can be done together as a family that will both improve learning in your students and help them remember the true reason for the advent season: the humility of Jesus in coming to earth as our savior, in the form of a baby.
Doing these kinds of activities and projects as a family will bond you together, help your child to learn and focus on what matters, and also have fun!
4) Learning a New Skill
Another fun activity that your student can do in order to keep learning over the winter break is to learn a new skill in which they’ve always been interested.
A scientific, peer-reviewed study noted that “an early (before 12 years) start of learning some sports, music instruments, second language, etc., often leads to a higher level of competence.” Therefore, if your student wants to learn new skills or talents, now is probably the best time to start doing so!
Talk to your student about some new skills or talents that they would like to learn. Have they always wanted to learn an instrument? Maybe they don’t know how to do a cartwheel and would like to find out? Who doesn’t want to learn to juggle?
All of the free time over the winter break is a perfect opportunity to begin the learning process.
5) Talking With Someone With More Experience
The advent season can often be a time when some individuals actually feel more lonely and isolated than ever. One of the activities you and your student can do this season that will help them to keep learning is by talking with someone who needs company and has a lot of wisdom to offer.
Now is the perfect time to go visit a senior citizen in assisted living. By doing so, your student can offer hope and love to someone in desperate need of it, and they may also learn a lot from the experience of visiting a senior.
No matter what you do this winter break, at the very least, make sure that your student never stops learning about what matters most - the perfect life of Jesus Christ. This is something we’ve always been passionate about at St. Paul Lutheran, and it’s why the Gospel is such a vital part of our curriculum.
If you would like to know anything more about St. Paul Lutheran, our focus on Jesus, or our academic curriculum, we would love to answer any questions you may have! Feel free to contact our office for more information.
Read our article on how to get back on a school schedule for more helpful tips!