So the winter weather is finally here! Some things to do while stuck inside...
1. Take some photos. Capture the wonderful things in your home right now while you can. Better yet, have your little kiddo take the pictures. It is neat to see what is important to them.

2. Drink Hot Cocoa with your kiddo and READ!! Did you know, children should hear two-three stories a day? If they are school age, then consider at least one or two reads...so that leave one more as a family.
Make it a DATE! You child will feel so wonderful just getting the time in and making it special with goodies, blankets, pillows and STORIES!

3. Work on the Santa Letter! There are 5 parts to work on with your child: Heading (the date), Greeting (Dear..), Body ( all the good things to share), Closing (Love, Your friend, ) and Signature (signing name). This is a time to work in a learning standard as well as share with your kiddo. If you have little ones (first grader or younger, pick a few words for them to identify and circle as you write the letter).

4. ZANEY BRAINY: Please go visit www.spellingcity.com
This website is just amazing! You can help your kiddo learn all kinds of words whether it be word lists from school, words they are just interested in, theme words..You type the words into a word bank and SURPRISE! Many, many activities to do right there!

5. Make Christmas, Holiday or Winter cards for a nearby hospital or nursing home. (Fresh baked cookies would be WONDERFUL too). There are times when we need to teach our kiddos about compassion and giving. It goes back to just being a good person. There are so many near and dear that need that extra bit of love. So, take an evening talk with your kiddo about giving. Share some of your talent with them. Go. Go to a place that could use that bit of extra CHEER. Share the GOOD!