Spring Break Fun that Will Keep Kids Learning

In the mid-west Spring Break is almost here. A week off is a time to rejuvenate from the learning and structure of school. For some this is a bittersweet time as kids are home which means you can spend more time with them... and you spend more time with them. While I'm a mom who still has to work, as an education professional, I know how important it is to be prepared with activities for the kids that are educational yet fun so they don't get bored two days into the break. So how do you keep those kids busy and make it something educational as well.

The last thing kids need is more structured learning time that concentrates on paper-pencil activities. Sure you can have some around for some down time, but check out some fun you can have with the kiddos that they won't even know they are learning from.

1) Get outside.
First off ,the extra outside time is a benefit in itself. More exercise clears the cobwebs to free up the brain for thinking. The weather's getting nicer and there's an abundance of nature processes happening out there. Take a few nature walks in different areas - or the same area at different times. Take a notebook, or clipboard with paper to make observations of what is going on in the neighborhood. For preschoolers, encourage drawing for older children, have them draw and write about what they see. Let em get dirty and discover what's in nature.

2) Go out and about
Discover the various sites your area may have. Here in Lansing we have a few museums, children's museum, and zoo. But there's you can also just see the sites and discuss what you're seeing. Talk about right and left while driving. Discover words, letters and number in the variety of signs you pass.

3) Create an adventure
Ask the kids where they would like to go in their imagination. Then help them create that in the house. Gather boxes, blankets, art supplies and other props. Say your child is interested in a castle/knight adventure. Create a castle out of boxes, armor and the dragon and princess (or be the princess yourself). If your child is older, have them write out the adventure and then act it out. Allow the child to take the lead and add to it only in detail.

4) Have a picnic
Cooking with children can be an extremely educational time. Besides self-help skills, there is the math of measuring, literacy or reading the recipe and science of baking there's a lot to be learned. First, have the child write up the menu. Pictures are acceptable for younger children, older children should be encouraged to write as best as they can. Then it's time to make the meal. Children can actually put together sandwiches and put fruits into baggies.

5) Have a theme day
Tie all the learning in to one specific theme. On the simple side, pick a letter, color or shape and create activities around that. Say you choose the Letter B as a theme. Read books that start with B. Act like bears. Brainstorm ways you could move that would be like the letter B (maybe like bumble bees). Eat B foods all day... bread, bagels, burgers, breaded chicken, beef etc... Just remember to have fun with it.

Plan ahead, but also remember to take the lead of the child. If they aren't interested in something, move on to something else. If they are extremely interested in something, keep going and expand on it further.