Whether we want to believe it or not, winter is well on its way. In some parts of the country, snow has already made an appearance which can make for an extra-long cold-weather season. Instead of sulking in misery indoors for the next five months, we have a few activities for you to do with the kids and grandkids during the blustery weather.
1. Pull out the pen and paper. The days of sending snail mail may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still get creative with your correspondence. The virtual world has certainly made for quick contact with everyone we know, but there is still something special about receiving a hard copy letter in the mail. Invest in a nice set of notecards and a pen and start writing letters to your loved ones. The grandkids will be beyond excited when they received a card addressed to them in the mail.
2. Trace your history. Pull out the old family album and show the kids how each family member is connected. Instead of cutting up your valuable photos, you can print copies and then trace the outline of family member with scissors. Draw a giant tree on a piece of poster board and create branches that stem out to each family member, showing exactly how aunts, uncles, cousins and great-grandparents are connected.
3. Play the role of journalist. Encourage the young children in your family to interview an older family member. They can practice their communication skills and learn a bit about what activities others participated in when they were their age. Some example questions are: What was their favorite subject in school? What activities did they participate in when they were a kid? What did they want to be when they grew up? Not only will they learn a lot about their older family members, but they will realize how much things have changed over the years.
4. Share some quality time in the kitchen. Share a famous family recipe and guide your youngster through the steps required to make it. Cooking teaches rule following, gives them sensory awareness, and gives the experience of satisfaction when they get to taste what they made.
5. Show them your talent. We all have something we are good at and take pride in, and there is no better way to educate the child in your family than to share your special talent. Whether it’s painting, cooking or dancing, give them the chance to see you in all your glory and one day they may pass that same talent down to their own kids.
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
