Winter can be cruel, am I right? Most of the time it is way too cold to go outside and run off some energy so we are forced to get creative. Also worth mentioning is the fact that it gets dark so incredibly early! Kenley is only in school in the mornings, so I have really tried to be intentional as much as possible with that time in the afternoons. She loves doing “homework” and working alongside of me, and I want to foster that as much as I can. Here are a few after school activities that are our go-tos for winter.
Writing & Doodling
My kids can get a lot of use out of just a blank notepad. We use one with Kenley to practice her writing. She does really well, but with kindergarten coming up next year (and the fact that she LOVES to practice!) we have been doing quite a bit lately. She likes to try to write sentences/stories, and draw photos that go with them. It’s the same as a journal activity she does at school that she seemingly can’t get enough of. A child + blank paper? Lots of opportunities! Lately, we have been practicing her name and trying to perfect her letter writing. She enjoys it and I love being able to help her.
Coloring
When the writing letters gets tiring, she most always switches to coloring. I keep a few coloring books on hand, as well as a few color by number pictures that I have found on Pinterest. Those seem to be her favorite! Brayden loves to color when he comes home from school as well. It’s nice for them to be able to wind down together!
Technology
The kids both have hand me down iPads, and during the winter, they use them quite a bit more. Kenley’s has a few favorite games and Brayden likes to have this downtime after school. I have learned this year that they both like some down time at the end of each day, and I try to let them have at least that! I know how much that down time can disappear when they get older.
Snacks
As soon as Brayden is off the bus, he is in the house raiding the cupboards for a snack. Their snack of choice? Goldfish cheddar crackers. Even my nephew asks for “fishies” when he comes over. I pour some in a bowl, set them at the table with their writing pads and coloring books, and they love having some time to be creative. Sometimes I work alongside them on my computer, and sometimes I just let them be together. They have such a cute bond, and I hope it’s always that way.
Goldfish crackers are an easy way to bring out the smiles in our house, and I love that they are baked with real cheese and made with no preservatives. It’s a snack I feel good about giving my kids, and I love the memories we are making with a bowl of Goldfish crackers at the table after school. I am enjoying these sweet moments while they last. Next year Kenley will be in school all day as well, and before I know it, Brayden will want to be doing sports. I don’t take for granted how lucky I am to get this time with them, that is for sure!
What are some of your favorite after school activities?
