Ms. Kasey Kelly

Smith Library Media Specialist

While the winter brings so many wonderful traditions and holidays to enjoy, it can also mean more time indoors looking for ways to fill the hours. And as we all know, the temptation to turn to our screens in times of boredom can be overwhelming- this year more than ever. So what else can you and your family do to conquer the winter slump? Check out these 10 fun ideas and activities:

1. Read, Read, Read!- What could be a better winter-time activity than curling up with a great story? Students can use our Smith library system to request and checkout books. Your students also have access to a full online library of books via the app Sora! (If your student needs a refresher on how to check out books in Sora, have them watch this). Take some time to talk to your student about their reading interests, maybe even start a family book club or a read aloud all together. Need some recommendations? Check out our SmithReads padlet and suggestions on GoodReads, for your next great read.

2. Get ready, get set, BAKE!- Do you have the next great baking champion or Iron Chef in your home? Get adventurous and try out new recipes! There are countless online resources to help get you started on your culinary masterpiece; from step-by-step guides on YouTube, quick fixes on TikTok, and livestreaming culinary classes on Instagram and Facebook, now is the perfect time to hone your skills in the kitchen.

3. Sing out, Smith School!- Who doesn't love a classic karaoke night?? Set up your own karaoke playlist, like this one for example, through YouTube for your family to embrace their inner superstar! It can be a great way for families to share their music tastes from current top hits to all the classics!

4. Fighting Bored with Board- You can't possibly go wrong with a classic family game night! Bring on that friendly competition with standards such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Apples to Apples, etc. Don't have a board game? No problem! You can play games such as charades or Pictionary with just some paper and a writing utensil, or get some cards in order to play countless different card games.

5. Ram Resolutions- The new year is an excellent time to start up on a new hobby or learn a new skill! Discuss with your family a specific goal each person wishes to set for 2021, and have at least one day a week where you spend time learning that new skill or practicing your hobby. Motivate and support one another, and you're sure to have a successful resolution!

6. When in Doubt, Dance it Out- There is never a bad time to throw on some tunes and have a dance party! It releases stress, makes everyone laugh, and is a great way to get some exercise. You can impress your kids with all the big moves and trends from your day, and they can try to help you master The Renegade.

7. Head Start on Spring Cleaning- The winter season is a great time to take stock of your closets and start the process of cleaning out unwanted or unnecessary items. You can donate your items to local charities so that those in need can benefit this holiday season! Take the immortal words of Mary Poppins "For every job that must done, there is an element of fun" and add an incentive to the cleaning for your family! For instance- whoever takes on the most chore items or finishes the quickest gets to choose a family movie that night. Now THAT is certainly a spoonful of sugar!

8. Trivia is No Trivial Activity- Who doesn't love a fun fact?? Challenge your family to choose a topic of interest, do some research, and present trivia facts about that topic to everyone! It is a great way for family members to express their passions/interest, practice research skills, and learn some great new facts!

9. With A Note of Gratitude- Whether you want to thank someone for a gift, send best wishes, or check in on a long-distance loved one, there is never a bad reason to write a letter! Not only are you teaching them a great skill and helping them to hone their writing abilities, but you'll be brightening the day of your letter's recipient!

10. There’s SNOW Place Like Home- Of course with the winter season comes snow, and there are countless activities you can do in your own winter wonderland! From a backyard snowball fight, snow angels, building a snowman, going on a winter walk, sledding, and more the winter has no shortage of outdoor fun to be had! If Mother Nature isn't being generous with her snow days, never fear! Take the opportunity for indoor crafts like making paper snowflakes or building cotton ball snowmen.

You can be creative in what you do with the long winter days, find what works best for your family! The possibilities are truly endless.

No matter what activity you and your family do this winter season- stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the time with your loved ones.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Smith School!