Milton Hershey School Teacher Shares Fun, Educational Activities for the Holidays
By Nora Hollobaugh, MHS Elementary Division Teacher
During the holiday season, parents and students are looking for activities that will entertain them while home on school break. As an educational expert and teacher at Milton Hershey School, I see firsthand the benefits of providing children with stimulating activities that will keep their minds active during the cold, winter months.
This holiday fun does not have to be expensive and can be created with supplies found around the home or online. Here are a few activities we are sharing with our communities this holiday season.
Math Activities
There are several free online resources that provide holiday math games for children of all ages. Work on short-form multiplication or long-form word problems with a holiday twist. Looking for a hands-on activity? Baking encourages students to measure ingredients and practice using kitchen instruments. Ask your sous chef math problems in between recipe steps.
Science Experiments
Keep student’s minds and bodies busy with these no-mess, easy experiments.
Mouth Lightning: Triboluminescence
Colored petals: Vascular bundles and transpiration
Shiny Coins: Corrosion
Disappearing Pyrex: Refraction
Is it snowing? Explore the science of snowflakes or make your own with this crystal snowflake experiment.
Reading Aloud
Share your favorite childhood book or ask your child to pick a new one from this holiday list. Reading aloud will allow your child to sound out words that they may find challenging. Parents can assist in pronouncing words and looking up their meanings.
Word Finds
Task your child with creating a holiday word find that will entertain family members at a holiday gathering. Searching the dictionary improves vocabulary skills and helps with letter recognition.
Play Board Games
Students can practice and improve on vocabulary, fine motor skills, and math strategies through board games such as Apples to Apples, Hoot Owl Hoot, Tall Tales, Memory Game, Hedbanz, and Uno.
Whether you’re in the kitchen or around the table, families can celebrate the magic of the season with educational activities that keep kids busy and learning all winter long.