Welcome to the “Keep on Learning” Game!
We know the holidays come and go quickly, and before we know it, the kids are back to school already. But that two week break is a great opportunity to work one-on-one with your child, helping them to avoid winter break learning loss. Over the course of eight days, we will provide you with math and language tips to help support your child. From Saturday, December 26, 2015 to Saturday, January 2, 2016, we challenge you to encourage your child to “Keep on Learning” with a fun and educational activity.
Enter to win $50! We will pick four winners who will each receive a $50 gift card. To be entered to win the $50 prize, you simply have to take a photo of your child or children enjoying the activity of the day, and post it as a comment under our daily Facebook post. At the end of eight days, a winner will be randomly selected from all photo entries. Winner will be announced on Friday, January 8, 2016. No purchase necessary to win.
Receive the daily activity right in your inbox!
Enter your information below and we’ll send you an email each day during the challenge so you don’t miss out on any of the learning fun.
DAY 1
Saturday, December 26: MAKE A RECIPE
Just For Good Measure…
Measurements can be quite tricky for children to learn especially with differences in metric and standard systems as well as conversions. While baking cookies or other delicious treats, take time to allow your child to practice measuring alongside you. Teach them how to read a measuring cup or spoon and let them get a little messy, too!
Here is one of our favorite holiday recipes from Like-Minded Mamas: (No) Sugar Cookies
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 2
Sunday, December 27: PAPER SNOWFLAKES
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
Exploring snowflakes outside can turn into a science lesson right at your fingertips! You can even put on your scientist hat and discuss words like symmetry, molecular structure, and polyhedral. Creating paper snowflakes inside can also be fun for all ages, and just like a real snowflake, no two will ever be the same. Check out these great steps for making 3-D snowflakes out of wrapping paper!
If you want a real challenge check out how to draw a Koch snowflake here.
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 3
Monday, December 28: READ A BOOK
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to… Read a Book
We know we don’t need to explain this one but honestly whom doesn’t love snuggling with their little (or big) ones and reading a classic story together? So grab a mug of hot cocoa, a warm, fuzzy blanket and share a story together this season.
Check out some of our favorites:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 4
Tuesday, December 29: BUILD A SNOWMAN
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Whether you’re a Frozen junkie or are ready to bundle up and get some fresh air, building a snowman can be an awesome learning experience. Try giving them ratios of different sizes and after your child builds their snowman, have them measure the circumference with a flexible measuring tape. You can even quiz your older children on finding the diameter, too! Who says you can’t do math over winter break? It’s all about making it an enjoyable learning experience!
No snow? Get creative! Make a snowman using craft supplies, food items or gift boxes. Your child can expand their imagination and creative thinking skills, in addition to learning math.
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 5
Wednesday, December 30: BACKYARD WEATHER REPORT
“Working” in a Winter Wonderland
Let your child set up a backyard weather station complete with a thermometer, a jar to measure precipitation and a weather vane. Each day, have them record their findings in a journal and give you a weather report. This is a great way to learn science and presentation skills! Simple instructions for making a child friendly weather vane can be found here.
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 6
Thursday, December 31: MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
He Huffed and He Puffed, but He Couldn’t Blow My Gingerbread House Down!
Many of us love making gingerbread houses during the holidays, so why not turn it into an educational experience? This is a great way to discuss shapes and practice counting with younger children. Implement math skills by finding the area and perimeter of the house with older children. But try not to eat all the candy so the kids have something to count!
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 7
Friday, January 1: PLAY A BOARD GAME
“Sorry!” the Weather Outside is Frightful, but Board Games Inside are Delightful!
Whether it be Sorry!, Chess or Candyland, your child can use problem solving skills and logic while having fun at the same time. When playing a game with your child, use the opportunity to have discussions about winning and losing, following rules and playing fair. Games are not only a great way to spend quality time together, but they can also provide meaningful lessons.
Some of our favorites for the little ones are:
The older children will enjoy playing these favorites:
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends!
DAY 8
Saturday, January 2: CREATE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
Ring in the New Year!
Writing New Year’s resolutions with your child and helping them to set goals prepares them for a lifetime of success and achievements. Take time during this busy season to converse about the big and little things that really matter to your child. Reminisce about the past year and talk about changes for the future. Help them to create their own New Year’s resolutions for 2015. While helping them to set their goals, indulge in this wonderful bonding experience with your child!
Make sure you comment and post your photo under the daily activity post on your school’s Facebook page, or on the Choice Schools Associates or MIChoice Facebook pages. Just be sure to tell us what academy your child attends! This is the LAST day of the “Keep on Learning” Game! Thank you so much for playing, we loved seeing all of your photos over the past week. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 8!