Fun Things for Kids to Do at Home during Winter Break

The Associated Press (Jennifer Forker) wrote an idea-inspiring article, Holiday Doldrums Can Spark Kids’ Creativity, which was syndicated in print and online throughout the United States in December 2012. The article featured crafting and storytelling project ideas from Show Me a Story author Emily K. Neuburger. The article was published during the holiday winter break.

We now have another winter break upon us and a potential for more bored kids. We decided to pull together a list of our own Storey-centric activities to get you and your little ones, crafting, storytelling (in a good way, of course!), exploring outside, and warmed up from the inside out.

Show Me a Story 
by Emily K. Neuburger 

Activities: Story-Disk Chain, Memory Cards, and Scribble & Tell
Download these three craft projects to spark children’s creativity, memory, and storytelling. Activities can be for a small or large group of children or can include the whole family in the participation!

Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun
by Michael J. Caduto 

Project: Solar Heat by the Gallon
A container of water that heats up in the sunlight during the day continues to give off that heat well into the night.

Download the PDF, and follow the steps to create your own small passive-capture solar heater.

The Nature Connection
by Clare Walker Leslie

Activity: Observing & Recording Nature
Scientists around the world are studying, testing, and observing many aspects of how our world’s climate and environment is changing. But what you may not know is that much knowledge comes from the careful observations of many other people as well. You, too, can be a part of this study.

To keep good scientific records or journals, naturalists use the same form to make sure that they don’t miss anything. Click here to download many different types of journal pages. You can use any or all of them, or make up your own style of study. A good entry includes information on when, where, what, and why. You can also include questions, drawings, and collected objects from your observations.

Tag, Toss & Run
by Paul Tukey and Victoria Rowell

Game: Dodgeball — Put a winter twist on one of the oldest games on the planet: play dodgeball in the snow. To further winterize the game, replace the rubber balls with snowballs!

Some consider dodgeball practically barbaric, as if launching a ball at another human being for the sake of pleasure has no place on the playground. We’re here to say, loudly, clearly, and respectfully, that dodgeball deserves a continued place among the cherished games of the past and future. Absolutely use the right kind of ball,* and realize that the game may need to be overseen by an adult — bullying should not be tolerated.

Download the official dodgeball rules, playground setup, and game variations here.

*If using snowballs, be sure that they are soft-packed and that they are not ice-balls!  

The Cleaner Plate Club
by Beth Bader & Ali Benjamin

Recipe: Have all these projects and activities made you hungry? Here is a kitchen activity with rewards — healthy and delicious Whole-Grain Chocolate Chunk Cookies to warm you up from the inside out!

This activity requires an adult — bake these for your kids or with your kids. Download the recipe.

Take your winter treat a step further and serve your cookies with Old-Fashion Stovetop Hot Cocoa made with real milk — a real Mom pleaser.

Have a safe and fun winter break!