Winter Wisdom

Winter Wisdom

In a season filled with joy, fellowship and cheer, there is one small phrase that no parent wants to hear - "I'm bored!"

Never fear, families! The District's Curriculum & Instruction Department has compiled handy, age-appropriate resources to help you keep your child engaged with learning throughout the holiday season.  Click on any subject area to learn more.

Math

Reading

“Winter Break” in Florida sometimes means cold weather or trips to chillier climates for visits (while practicing recommended health and safety guidelines!)  Wherever you spend your break, you can have rich language and literacy experiences with your child.  Below are some easy, fun samples (compiled from resources on the Just Read, FL website) along with some links to sites focused on relevant materials to celebrate the winter season with your children.

  • Find a simple recipe that your child will enjoy. Make a shopping list together; go find any ingredients that you might need and have your child read the recipe to you.  Not only are they practicing their reading skills, but they are also learning how to follow directions and work toward a goal.

  • Pictures can be a catalyst for discussion whether you point out pictures in a newspaper/magazine or look at family photographs. Ask your child to tell you about the picture or list adjectives to describe the picture.  Make up a story about what is seen in the picture or retell the actual story of when a photo took place including the setting and the timeline surrounding the event.

  • Encourage your child to write a book about their day or a memorable moment during the break.

  • Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members.

    • Take the time to play rhyming games during a car trip or at home.

    • Sing songs related to the holidays you celebrate.

    • Play games.

    • Practice tongue twisters.

    • Write and act out a puppet show.

    • Share family memories of a special holiday had with your child in the past.

  • Try watching a TV show with closed captioning turned on.

  • If you are traveling, pick up some brochures and let your child help plan places to go while on the trip or try and persuade others why a certain location should be part of the journey.

  • Model good reading habits by reading to, with, or alongside your child.

  • Take a walk and talk about what you see along the way.

  • Have your child write letters (or thank yous) to family members. For younger children, you can have them dictate while you write.  Leave blanks for them to fill in some words that they can manage.

  • Schools may be closed, but the local libraries are still open for you to visit with your child.

  • Kids 12 and under can sign-up in Beanstack for book prizes and Culver's coupons for reading from November 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023.

    Superintendent’s Winter Reading Challenge

Science

Easy and Fun:  STEAM and Sensory Activities to do with your child over the holiday break.

Visit the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and explore our local ecosystem.
Located at 890 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida. 
Hours:  Open daily from 10am to 4pm, December 14th through January 8th with some exceptions. We will close on Christmas Eve at 1pm and we will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Hike and Play at Halpatiokee Regional Park It is the largest park in Martin County with 65 acres of active park land surrounded by approximately 500 acres of wetland preserve area. The landscape varies from pine flatwoods, oak hammock, scrub and river land. The property includes approximately four miles of river frontage on the west side of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Located at 8303 SW Lost River Road in Stuart, Florida.

Explore by hiking, boating, and camping at Jonathan Dickinson State Park which has 16 distinct natural communities that create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida.
Located at 16450 S.E. Federal Hwy. Hobe Sound, Florida

Social Studies

Check out Civics 360 and CPALMS for games and tutorials for civics education.

Games and other activities related to social studies to stay engaged during break.
Ben’s Guide To the U.S. Government (gpo.gov)

Check out our Nation’s historical documents by virtually touring the National Archives in Washington, D.C.