Fantastic holiday games for all the family (sneak in some learning!)

The Christmas break can be a wonderful time for family bonding, yet as the school term draws to a close, it can be easy for children to forget all the work they have completed and focus on the Christmas excitement.

Here are three ways to ensure your child’s brains remain active and stimulated while still getting into the holiday spirit.

1. Play Some Games!

There’s no better time than Christmas to dive into some friendly family competition! Board games and card games are excellent tools for sneakily reinforcing essential skills while having a blast. Classics like Scrabble and Monopoly not only provide hours of entertainment but also challenge children’s verbal and mathematical reasoning. Scrabble boosts vocabulary and encourages strategic thinking, while Monopoly hones skills in critical thinking and decision-making. 

For a fast-paced twist, matching card games like Dobble or Uno promote quick thinking and pattern recognition, along with basic mathematical skills. Trivia games such as Scattergories and Trivial Pursuit spark curiosity about the world, enhancing knowledge in areas like geography, history, and music. This wider knowledge can be extremely useful if preparing for school interviews or even scholarships to schools like Winchester, and Eton.

This holiday season, gather the kids around the game table and watch them learn and grow whilst creating memories together!

2. Set up a Holiday Reading Challenge

Encouraging independent reading during the holiday break is a fantastic way to keep your child’s mind active. A holiday reading challenge can motivate them to explore new stories and ideas. Consider setting a goal for them to read around five to ten books, or challenge them to explore different genres like fantasy, adventure, or mystery. You could also introduce a reward system to keep them motivated – perhaps a special Christmas treat after they tick a book off the list! If you choose a book that has an accompanying holiday movie, watching it together afterwards can be a lovely way to celebrate their achievement!

3. Bring Them to See Theatre 

Why not treat your family to the magic of live theatre? Remember seeing the Nutcracker, a Christmas Carol or even pantos when you were little? There are lots of events during this festive period that can aid your child’s understanding of storytelling while also improving their attention to detail. It’s a memorable way to combine entertainment with meaningful learning.

-RT