We get it: it’s cold outside, the sun goes down early, and it just feels so good to hunker down on the couch in front of the tube after work. However, there’s no reason the cold dark weather has to keep your students cooped up in front of the TV (or tablet, smartphone, etc) after school. Pediatricians heartily recommend limiting your child’s screen time, but cutting it down can be overwhelming if you don’t have a slew of activities already up your sleeve. Fear no more! Here’s a quick list of things you can do with your child that engage the brain and get you both off the couch.
Happy reading, crafting, and fort building in 2019!
- Read! Would we be Teton Literacy Center if we didn’t pitch this first?
- Cook together. There’s nothing better than whipping up a winter soup and while your kids learn new skills and use their noggins to read recipes and measure out ingredients.
- Listen to an audiobook. Services like Audible offer free trials and the library offers a huge array of titles. Listening to skilled narrators emphasizes reading skills like fluency and expression.
- Make a blanket fort. Not only is this one super fun, but it boosts make-believe and imagination skills, which are invaluable for creativity and reading comprehension.
- Get your craft on. Work together to cut out snowflakes to decorate the house, paint a pet rock, or learn to knit a scarf!
- Go on a walk. It might sound horrible in freezing temperatures, but with a cozy coat, hat, gloves and boots you will get that heart pumping and feel great. You can even try going on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood- keep your eyes peeled for winter wildlife like ravens, magpies, elk, and moose (animal tracks or scat count too!).
- Make a box of “unplugged” entertainment. Start by gathering things (your child can help you with this) from around the house like puzzles, favorite toys, or other things that your children can do when they feel the urge to grab the remote. Then have it at the ready somewhere your child can access it.
- Teach do-alone games like sudoku or solitaire. Do you remember who first taught you to play these games when you were a kid? Give them the gift that keeps on giving!
Happy reading, crafting, and fort building in 2019!
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