Happy Winter Break! I hope you find ample opportunity the next couple of weeks to rest, relax, reset, and reflect. 

I am so thankful to you for stopping by here. I am grateful to my community near and far.

As parents, we have this unique time to unschedule our families and embrace quality time together. 

May this post be a way to add intentionality…not stress…into this time with your children. 

Winter Activities and Crafts

The goal is to keep the pace relaxed and fun. These activities should be low-prep, low-stress, and high on quality time. Using materials you likely already have at home, you can work side-by-side with your child knowing you’re making memories and building skills. 

The internet has an infinite number of ideas out there. Here we’ve collected a few that are age-appropriate and allow for some independence.

Toddlers

• Jingle Bell Pouring – 
  • Using two small/miniature pouring pitchers, transfer mini jingle bells from one pitcher to another.

• Ornament Stuffing – 
  • Stuffing felt pom-pom balls in a clear bulb ornament makes for great fine-motor work and a cute tree ornament.
• Snowflake Tracing –
  • Trace onto pre-cut paper a 6-pointed, line star. (You can choose to help your child do this or do it ahead of time yourself.) Have your child paint glue over the top of the traced lines. On the wet glue, your child can sprinkle salt (or glitter if you’re brave) to create a snowflake

Primary and Elementary Age

• Snowflake Cutting –
  • Help your child fold a coffee filter in half, then in thirds. He can now cut out shapes and designs from the edges. Unfold and hang for a snowflake decoration.
• Practice Present Wrapping –
  • Find a small empty box or two that you can tape shut. Cut wrapping paper to fit the box. Model for your child (this is less about verbal directions and more about slow, careful modeling) how to wrap the box, making clean folds around the corners. If possible, use re-stick tape (highlighter tape also works well) to tape the wrapping paper. When this is done, the child can unwrap the box and do it himself. The clean folds from previous wrapping should help guide your child’s wrapping. You can also choose to trace these folds in marker to give your child a visual reference.

Any Age

• Ornament “Painting” – 
  • Again using a clear bulb ornament, help your child drip a little paint inside. Have your child turn and twirl the bulb to get the paint to spread. This could also be a great color-mixing experiment.
• Mini-Tree Decorating –
  • Consider letting one of your Pinterest-inspired mini-trees (ideally child height) become the designated child tree. Place a basket of ornaments at the base of the tree. This is now a tree that can be decorated and undecorated as much as your child desires.

Christmas Prep with your Child

Don’t leave your child out of the thrill of the holidays! Here are some great ways to let him know he’s an important part of the celebration. 

• Bake – Put on some music and expect a mess!
• Clean – Have a hand-held or child-sized broom? Work side-by-side with your child to make the house sparkle and shine. (Fun fact: kids seem to love spraying and washing windows. You’re welcome.)
• Set the table – Model one table setting for your child, then let him finish the rest. A printable outline can also be a great tool for him to use.
• Serve – Guests or not, serving others is a great way to involve your child. Have him choose a dish that he serves to everyone.
• Shovel – Fresh air + gross motor work + chores complete. What more could you want from a winter activity?!

Don’t Forget to Observe!

A big part of a Montessori approach is observation. This is a great time to practice this and become more in-tune to your child’s development.

While you work and do activities with your child, observe:

• What hand he uses
• Finger strength and coordination
• How he holds his tools
• Which aspects of the activities or work hold his interest
• Which aspects of the activities or work frustrate him
• Does he sit or stand while working
• Is his body peaceful or fidgety
• What he expresses verbally and through body language

These observations can help inform you, the parent, as to what your child craves developmentally. This is a big part of the Montessori teacher’s role as well. The more we observe each child, the more we can offer an environment that meets his needs. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas!! I’m so thankful you stopped by. May your holidays be filled with joy and memories.