Maximizing Holiday Fun: Quick Learning Activities for Preschoolers Amidst the Chaos

The holiday season brings excitement and joy, but it also means a whirlwind of activities, family gatherings, and travel plans. With everything on the schedule this month, it's hard to figure out what learning activities to do. Luckily, the holidays offer unique chances to blend holiday festivities and learning in ways that fit naturally into the chaos.

Use Everyday Moments as Learning Opportunities

The holidays are full of moments that naturally invite learning. Instead of setting aside long blocks of time, look for chances to sneak in quick activities during daily routines.

• Cooking Together : This is one that we've been over a lot. But with a new little twist. It's cookie season. No matter what holidays you celebrate, cookies are always in season this time of year! It can be fun to get creative and talk about different shapes of cookie cutters, and rolling out the dough is great for strengthening little hands. No extras needed here!

• Scavenger Hunts (Literally Anywhere): Grocery shopping, driving in the car, at a restaurant, you name it. Guaranteed your little learner will get bored waiting for something at some point, so use that to your advantage! Hunt for colors, letters, shapes, familiar logos (hey environmental print).

• Decorating and Wrapping: Sorting ornaments by size or color sharpens categorization skills. Counting decorations as you hang them reinforces numbers. Practice cutting skills with scraps of wrapping paper or ribbon. Use what you have, especially when you're busy!

Use Technology Wisely

Screen time can be meaningful on those long trips or when you have a very long to do list and need some time!

• If you want to use screen time, it's better to know what your child is working on. There are tons of learning apps for this age group as well as websites that they can play on. Just make sure any child blocks are on as needed.

• While teaching we loved using websites I could trust like PBS Kids and ABCYA.

• There are also books that they can listen to and interactive online books. Just make sure to do your due diligence before handing over that device :)

• I've used Storyline Online which was great and has appropriate books labeled by age. I'm sure there are more as well. I'll save that list for another post!

Keep Materials Ready and Accessible

Having supplies on hand makes it easier to jump into quick activities.

• Stock up on crayons, paper, glue sticks, and scissors.

• Keep a small box of holiday-themed stickers or stamps.

• Prepare simple puzzles or matching games related to the season.

• You can even buy little kits at your local craft or dollar store to keep kids busy and practicing skills at the same time.

Manage Expectations and Celebrate Small Wins

The holidays are not the time for strict schedules or long lessons. Focus on small, enjoyable activities that fit into your day. Don't stress about fitting learning into every activity. Kids are learning while they're playing, exploring new places, and spending time with family. So PLEASE remember to enjoy this season and let learning happen in less structured ways this month.