Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas is coming!

  Yes that title is correct Christmas is coming soon! We here at IPS are super excited like the kids about the upcoming holiday season and we have a lot of fun planned for you and your children.

  Outdoors we have some games planned and everything we do outside is now dependent on the weather. As you all know the season is changing and so if its raining hard we will be inside. On those days we will be playing a lot indoors. But if its just cold we will still play outside so everyone (Mom's, Dad's, Grandma's and Grandpa's too) should bring a jacket!

 Its also that time of year that we think of gifts for our kids. I want everyone to remember that outdoor toys make great Christmas gifts too! Physical activity at home and at school helps to develop motor skills and self confidence. I know outdoor toys are always a hit in my house! Some of my favorites are playground balls, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, bikes, and scooters are all fun. Even outdoor games like bean bag toss, ladderball, bocce ball, and bowling are all fun.

 We will also be on Christmas break this month which means the kids will be home with us for a little over 2 weeks. I know for me when the weather is nice its easy to keep my kids busy we can play outside, take walks, and enjoy each other's company. But when it rains and we are trapped inside its tough to keep them from getting bored. On those days we try to play some indoor games to keep the bodies moving and the eyes off the TV. Some times we play ......
  • We freeze dance which is always more fun when Mom and Dad play too.
  • We build pillow forts
  • We play minute to win it games (you can find a lot of ideas for them on pintrest)
  • We build with non traditional items
  • We make playdough
  • We picnic in different areas of the house
  • We play twister
  • We play mother may I
  • We do mirror movements
  • Bean bag games (you can make beanbags yourself with old socks bean or rice and a good rubber band)
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Hop scotch (you can make a grid using masking tape or painters tape)
  • Balloon games (ping pong, 4 square, and others)
  • Paper airplanes (tons of instructions available online)
  • Stringing pasta or cheerios
  • Marshmallow toothpick building
 I could go on for a long time but this is just a spring board for you. You can google rainy day activities or even check pintrest for lots of fun age appropriate ideas! Remember busy kids are happy kids.

 I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas season and please remember the true reason for the holiday is the Birth of Jesus Christ our savior and share that special story and truth with your children. I hope you all carve out a little time to spend time together as a family and do something out of the ordinary to have fun this season. I appreciate all the parent helpers that come to school and especially those that help outside I know some days it can be a big challenge. I love getting to know your children and help guide them on their journey into learning.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!