Wellbeing

A message from Emily Murcott - Assistant Principal / Wellbeing Literacy Leader

As the school holidays approach, we understand the importance of keeping your children engaged, active, and happy. This time off from school is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your kids, create lasting memories, and promote their wellbeing. To help you make the most of the break, we’ve put together a list of fun and creative activities that are low or no cost, and can be done at home or locally.

1. Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts Exploring the great outdoors is a wonderful way to get some fresh air and exercise. You can turn a simple walk into an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for your children to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or insects. This activity can be educational and fun, teaching them about nature while keeping them entertained.

2. Crafting and DIY Projects Crafting is a great way to spark creativity and keep little hands busy. Use everyday household items like toilet paper rolls, old magazines, and cardboard boxes to create art projects. You can make things like homemade cards, paper plate masks, or even a cardboard box fort. Websites like Pinterest offer endless ideas and tutorials to inspire you and your kids.

3. Cooking and Baking Together Cooking is not only a valuable life skill but also a fun way to spend time together. Involve your children in the kitchen by letting them help with simple recipes. You can make homemade pizzas, decorate cupcakes, or create healthy snacks like fruit kebabs. Cooking together can also be an excellent opportunity to teach them about nutrition and healthy eating habits.

4. Movie Nights Turn your living room into a cozy cinema with a movie night. Let your kids pick a few of their favorite films, make some popcorn, and snuggle up with blankets. You can even create tickets and set up a snack bar for a more immersive experience. This is a great way to relax and enjoy some quality family time.

5. Reading and Storytelling Encourage a love of reading by setting aside some time each day for books. You can visit your local library to pick out new stories or have a family reading hour at home. For a creative twist, you can take turns making up your own stories. This activity not only improves literacy skills but also stimulates imagination.

6. Gardening Gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity for children. If you have a garden, let them help with planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Even if you don't have a garden, you can grow small plants or herbs in pots. Gardening teaches patience and responsibility and can be a calming and enjoyable hobby.

7. DIY Science Experiments Bring out the little scientist in your child with simple and safe DIY science experiments. There are plenty of experiments you can do with household items, such as making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, creating slime, or growing crystals. These activities are not only fun but also educational.

8. Exercise and Physical Activities Keeping active is crucial for both physical and mental health. Set up a mini obstacle course in your backyard, have a dance party in the living room, or go for a bike ride together. Physical activities help burn off energy and keep your children fit and healthy.

9. Visit Local Parks and Attractions Many local parks and attractions offer free or low-cost entry. Check out nearby parks, nature reserves, or museums. These outings can be both fun and educational, providing new experiences and opportunities for learning.

10. Family Game Time Board games, card games, and puzzles are great ways to spend time together as a family. Choose games that are appropriate for all ages and have a game night. This can help build teamwork and problem-solving skills while having lots of fun.

We hope these ideas inspire you to create a holiday filled with joy, creativity, and togetherness. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this time with your children and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Wishing you a wonderful and restful school holiday!