The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and well-deserved rest. However, for young children, a long break can also mean slipping out of their learning routine. The good news? Keeping your preschooler’s mind active during the holiday break doesn’t have to feel like homework! With a little creativity, you can turn everyday moments into opportunities for fun and education.
Creative Learning Experience, our preschool in Lake Worth, is here to support parents in fostering curiosity and growth, even during the holidays. Plus, we’re excited to announce that free registration for the 2025 school year is available until the end of December!
Here are eight engaging activities to ensure your child continues learning and growing over the holidays.
1. DIY Holiday Crafts
Nothing sparks creativity like arts and crafts! The holiday season provides endless inspiration. Set up a craft station with supplies like construction paper, glue, glitter and markers and encourage your child to make holiday cards, ornaments, or decorations.
Example:
- Have your child create a snowman from paper plates or design their own Christmas tree using green handprints.
Benefits: Crafting helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity while giving children a sense of accomplishment when they see their finished product.
2. Storytime Adventures
Stories transport children to magical worlds while building their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Choose festive books, and after reading, engage your child with questions about the story to boost their critical thinking.
Example:
- After reading The Polar Express, ask, “Why do you think the boy was chosen for the train ride?” or “What would you do if you got a special bell like in the story?”
Benefits: Reading fosters a love for books while improving language and cognitive skills. Plus, it’s a cozy way to spend quality time together.
3. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Turn your home into a treasure trove of learning with a scavenger hunt! Make a list of holiday-themed items for your child to find, such as a candy cane, a Santa hat, or a snowflake.
Example:
- Hide small holiday treats or decorations around the house and provide your child with clues or a checklist to track their findings.
Benefits: This activity encourages problem-solving, observation, and physical activity. It’s also a great way to burn off extra energy!
4. Outdoor Winter Fun
If the weather allows, spend time outside exploring nature with a holiday twist. A walk in the park can double as an opportunity to teach your child about the environment.
Example:
- Go on a “holiday nature walk” and collect pinecones, leaves or small branches to use in crafts or decorations later.
Benefits: Outdoor play supports physical health, builds an appreciation for nature, and helps children develop observational skills.
5. Writing Christmas Cards
Involve your child in creating and writing Christmas cards for family, friends or neighbors. Even if your preschooler isn’t writing independently yet, they can draw pictures, sign their name or dictate their thoughts for you to write.
Example:
- Provide colorful paper, stickers and markers to let your child personalize each card. You can also help them “write” simple messages like “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Holidays!”
Benefits: This activity strengthens early writing skills, encourages creativity, and teaches the joy of giving to others.
6. Holiday Baking Together
Baking is a wonderful way to mix learning with fun—and the result is delicious! Let your child help measure, stir and decorate holiday treats.
Example:
- Bake sugar cookies together and allow your child to decorate them with icing and sprinkles. Talk about measurements (“We need 1 cup of flour”) and sequencing (“First we mix the ingredients, then we bake the cookies”).
Benefits: Baking introduces basic math and science concepts while improving motor skills and patience. Plus, it’s a sweet bonding activity.
7. Kindness Activities
The holidays are a perfect time to teach children the importance of kindness and giving. Simple acts of kindness can make a big impact and help your child develop empathy.
Example:
- Work together to make a small gift basket for a neighbor or donate toys to a local charity. Ask your child to pick a few toys they no longer play with to give to another child.
Benefits: Participating in kindness activities teaches empathy, generosity, and the joy of giving.
8. Holiday-Themed Role-Play
Encourage your child to use their imagination by creating a holiday-themed pretend play scenario. Role-playing builds social and emotional skills while keeping your child entertained for hours.
Example:
- Set up a “Santa’s Workshop” where your child can wrap pretend presents or create a “Holiday Market” where they can sell homemade items to family members.
Benefits: Role-play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills while allowing children to explore different roles and perspectives.
Make the Holidays Count and Plan for an Exciting 2025 at CLE
The holiday season is a wonderful time to bond as a family while keeping your child’s mind engaged and curious. Activities like crafts, storytelling, baking and acts of kindness can seamlessly blend fun with learning, ensuring your preschooler continues to grow during the break.
If you’re searching for the best preschool in Lake Worth, CLE offers a nurturing environment designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Don’t miss out on our free registration for the 2025 school year—offer valid until the end of December!
Contact us to learn more about our programs and reserve your child’s place for an exciting year of growth and discovery at CLE!
