While there is a lot of down time during winter break, it doesn’t mean that teens have to turn off their brains. While there may not be a lot of studying to do if finals are over, there are plenty of opportunities to continue learning outside of school and keep up good school habits.
Read for fun
One of the best ways to learn is reading. Teens should use the opportunity of more free time to dive into a good book. If they aren’t big readers, help them choose a book that fits their interests to help them get into it. After studying and reading textbooks, enjoying a novel without the pressure of having to do an assignment can teach teens the value and fun of reading. There are also lots of holiday books out there that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Think about reading together out loud during the evenings as a way to spend time together.
Vacations
If your family is planning on taking a trip during the holidays to visit friends, family or a new city, consider adding some educational activities along the way. Visiting a history or art museum can be a great way to spend an afternoon while learning and providing a cultural experience. Dining out at an authentic restaurant could complement a day of exploring past history.
Sleep schedule
While in school, teens can stick to a regular sleeping schedule that will help them stay alert and focused during the day. However, during winter break, these patterns can easily become disrupted without the need to get up and go to school. To keep teens in their school habits and stay focused, try to maintain the same sleep schedule even when not in school. Getting up later can be a great way to catch up on sleep and relax, but it can also make it more difficult to get back into the school routine once break is over.
Screen time
When teens are home all day and away from their regular activities, it’s easier to bend the rules a little bit when it comes to homework and screen time. However, it’s best to avoid allowing a teen to spend their entire winter break in front of the computer or television. While they might be able to finish the entire Harry Potter series of films during the break, there are more productive ways of passing the time. If you already limit screen time for your teens, continue to keep the same rules in place or loosen them just a little. Encourage other activities like games and puzzles that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
Health
Another important factor during the holidays to keep teens sharp and ready to return to school once the break is over is to maintain their health. Without a regular schedule, it might be easy to vegetate at home all day, especially after indulgent holiday meals. This can affect a teen’s overall energy level and have a negative impact when they have to get back into the swing of their regular, busy life. Remember to keep them active and eating right during winter break.
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