December

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Christmas/Winter

Values: Wonder, Kindness, Giving, Unity

December might just be my favorite month! I love the festive feel of Christmas in the air, how giving everyone is, and the magic of the season. Along with all the fun to be had, this year I have planned simple service activities for my kids throughout the month to keep the focus more on "giving". It has been a great experience so far! Yesterday we took handwritten notes to the assisted living facility in our neighborhood. My kids personalized each note and it made our hearts happy to experience that feeling of giving, though a simple act. ( My preschooler added his scribbles to some notes :) Next week we have the opportunity to make simple refugee kits to donate. I really like to focus on being kind and giving and it can even be as simple as doing kind /secret acts and giving gifts within your own family, anything to get your preschooler thinking about kindness. :)

Snow/Weather
Value: Education, Wonder, Creativity, Responsibility

Snow is wonderful! Snow encompasses many learning opportunities in my opinion. First of all, snow is fun! If you live in an area where it snows this time of year, take the time to go and play in it! This is another opportunity to talk about appropriate clothing for the cold weather. (Ironically my preschooler is watching Blippi put on snow clothes at this very moment, thanks Blippi! :) If you don't have snow in your area, take the time to learn about it, and even make pretend snow to play in! :) There is much to learn about snow such as how snow forms, how each snowflake is different (this can lead to a great talk about differences), how snow melts...etc. Preschoolers can also learn about responsibility in regards to snow and ice. We can help clear the snow with a shovel (with the help of an adult :) and we must be careful and safe so we don't fall on the ice. Go any direction with this topic ( your preschooler will most likely help lead you in one direction or another)!

New Year's Eve
Value: Unity, Fun, Goal-Setting

New Years Eve is another great opportunity to gather with loved ones during the winter months to celebrate! We have lots of fun playing games, eating, and watching a movie or two as we count down to the New Year. My husband and I both have early morning jobs so we have a mock celebration for our kids and it's just as much fun! Some fun ideas for the actual celebration include a balloon drop and "party poppers/crackers" (with small prizes and treats inside). Your preschooler can help you make the party poppers/crackers ahead of time and fill them up with goodies, unless of course you want them to be surprised. ;)  (We just use cardboard tubes and scraps of wrapping paper and ribbon to tie off the ends) Of course New Years Eve is a great time to make simple goals that you can help encourage your child to achieve! Make a fun mini-poster, vision board or print out and then hang it up where your child can see it often!

Check out my Instagram account for more tips and ideas this month! 

<@easyathomelearning>

Happy Holidays!!