Time truly does go by so quickly. It doesn’t seem like the winter holidays were that long ago, but it’s already time to start planning for the warmer weather breaks.
With the spring season right around the corner, it won’t be long until students in Downey Unified School District are out of school for the week for their annual spring break. For families who don’t take trips for those days off school, it can often present a challenge to parents to ensure that their children remain entertained. Thankfully, there are several activities that can engage kids (and often even provide educational value, as well) while they aren’t in school.
Complete arts and crafts projects. Creation allows children to explore their creativity and engage their minds and imaginations while having fun and making memories at the same time. Whether they are coloring, making homemade bubbles, making their own kites, or taking part in a number of other enjoyable activities, at-home crafts are a great way for students to tap into their creative sides while outside of the classroom during spring break.
Conduct science experiments. Children can learn by discovering new realities while also enjoying engaging activities, all while using materials and ingredients that can often already be found at home. Simple science experiments such as making slime, growing crystals, and creating a tornado in a jar are exciting learning experiences that can help keep students entertained while they are away from school for the week.
Build a fort. When students build their own forts, they engage their minds and creative-thinking abilities, using engineering skills and imagination to construct a safe space for them to play and be themselves. A significant benefit of this activity is that it generally involves materials already within reach (pillows, blankets, couch cushions, etc.) and allows for easy cleanup afterward.
Visit the local library. Going to the local library not only allows children to get out of the house for a little bit but also allows them to explore a place filled with entertainment, creative experiences, and imaginative stories that help them keep their minds engaged during spring break. The local library is an excellent resource for students and families and often has a variety of activities throughout the week in which students can participate for free.
Play. Whether it’s playing a game of tag inside, throwing a frisbee or football outside, running through sprinklers, kicking a soccer ball, or using building blocks or magnetic tiles, simple play of any form allows kids to escape into their own worlds and find joy in a variety of activities. Play is important to a student’s mental and physical well-being and can sharpen the mind and ability to focus while also creating a fun environment with ample room for creativity and imagination.
Have a picnic outside. Escaping from the house for a bit to soak up some sunshine and Vitamin D outside can benefit children and parents alike. Enjoying time together while making memories and encouraging healthy habits can help relieve stress, improve well-being, and increase social and emotional growth for kids. Picnics are also inexpensive, offer a nice change of scenery, and don’t require extensive planning or organization.
The DUSD spring break week takes place from April 3 through April 10. For more information regarding school holidays and breaks, you can access the district calendar or reach out to your local campus with additional questions.