Ideas to Keep the Kids Engaged During Winter Break

It feels like we just got through Thanksgiving break! If your kids are anything like mine, it seemed like they spent more time lamenting having nothing to do, than they did enjoying the moments they had so intensely anticipated. While I’m fully on board with the idea that boredom is a natural and healthy part of developing creativity, I also like to be prepared with a few ideas to keep us active during school breaks.

Over the years, KITS has put together more than a few great ideas. We’ve gathered a few here for easy reference. Happy holidays and have a great winter break!

Winter Break Fun for the Family!. A list of suggested activities for your family during your holiday break.  Enjoy!

Nature Walks for Winter Break. Need an activity to keep the kids busy and help them get rid of some of that energy? Go on a nature walk! Taking a walk with your family and noticing the environment all around you can be a great way to get some exercise, explore, and do some self-care this winter break.

The Benefits of Playing Outside in the Cold-Infographic. It’s winter and we know it is cold outside. Your kids might want to curl up inside, but it’s actually really good for them (and you) to go outside. 

3 Ways to Put the Brake on Winter Break Backslide. While thoughts of winter break may make some parents reach for the holiday nog, most kids are probably jumping with excitement. Though breaks can be a lot of fun, they are also times when kids get out of the habits that help them do well in school. Luckily, parents can help their children keep those habits going without looking like the Grinch!

Indoor Scavenger Hunt (and More)! Though this blog was written while we were all stuck at home during the pandemic, it is chock full of wonderful indoor and outdoor activity ideas.

Boost the Immune System with Movement. Children need movement to thrive. Exercise and movement are essential for their physical and mental well-being and being active for just 6 minutes causes a significant jump in their immune cell levels! 

Keep the Whole Family Cozy with Hygge. Getting cozy as a family can be a great way to slow down and reconnect. Find out to embrace hygge (the Danish word for being cozy)!

5 Reasons to Cook with Kids. Winter break is a great time to try out a new recipe and reap the benefits of cooking with our kids.

Kid-Friendly (and Global) New Year’s Eve Traditions. Traditions from around the globe that you can celebrate in spirit with other countries around the world as their clocks turned over into the New Year starting at 8 PM Pacific Time.

May your winter break bring a healthy balance of fun and excitement, good food and cheer, family and friends, and also, rest and relaxation. We’ll see you in 2025!

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TFC CONSULTANTS, OSLC, ODI

Confidentiality Agreement

This year, we return to in-person training. We will be in spaces where multiple programs, in addition to KITS, operate. We are asking all attendees to agree with the Confidentiality Agreement below to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

As an employee, volunteer, visitor, or associate of TFC Consultants, Inc., Oregon Social Learning Center and OSLC Developments, Inc., I agree to the following:

  1. To refrain from discussing material relating to individual persons and/or families with, or in the presence of, persons other than those who have signed this confidentiality agreement.
  2. To refrain from disclosing the participation of individual persons and/or families in research, prevention, demonstration, evaluation, dissemination, and/or treatment projects at TFCC, OSLC and ODI to persons other than those who have signed this confidentiality agreement.
  3. To maintain confidentiality as outlined above, both during and after my association with TFC Consultants, Inc., Oregon Social Learning Center and OSLC Developments, Inc.
  4. To see that all files containing material relating to individual persons and/or families are locked, whether or not this material contains identifying information, and that information is released only to authorized persons.
  5. To immediately report any breach in confidentiality to my supervisor and/or the management of TFCC, OSLC and ODI.

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Coaching and Videotaping

KITS uses ongoing coaching to support educators in the implementation of the model. We do this through viewing groups on video, weekly team meetings, and fidelity monitoring. Your team will record KITS School Readiness and Parent Groups and upload each session to a secure online platform (such as Box.com). The videos are only used as a means to support KITS staff. We promise it’s not scary!

Your KITS team will meet every week to talk about what is working well and areas where you may be experiencing challenges. During these meetings, teams and coaches will work together to problem-solve challenges, offer support and encouragement, and celebrate successes!

If parents or students do not wish to be recorded, they can be seated out of view or for online parent groups they may turn off their cameras.

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