"In the lane, snow is glistening"

Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith & Felix Bernard

Hey Reader,

I'm smiling ear to ear today, because my viral video was featured on Unilad :) In case you were wondering, no these publications rarely reach out when making articles like this, so it was a total surprise.

Have you heard of Winter Break BRAIN FREEZE?

Learning loss happens to all children during long breaks from school. While summer break is the famous one, we also see it during winter breaks (or really anything 2+ weeks long). The good news? It's surprisingly easy to prevent. Here's how:

Memorization

Focus on anything your child needs to memorize, like sight words, multiplication facts, counting, or spelling words. Reviewing these for just a few minutes every day can make a huge difference. Try making it fun with flashcards, apps, or games that incorporate these skills. Ask visitors to practice with your kids as a fun way to bond.

Reading

Encourage your child to read for 20 minutes daily—bedtime stories absolutely count! Consistent reading, whether it’s a picture book, chapter book, or comic strip, helps maintain literacy skills and fosters a love for books. Tools like OK Ready can also support comprehension and track progress for younger readers and make it simple for parents.

Critical Thinking

Plan activities that naturally encourage problem-solving and reflection. Museums, nature walks, and historical sites are perfect options. While you're there, have meaningful conversations. Many places offer brochures with pre-made questions or facts to guide discussions and spark curiosity.

Cheat Code: The Workbook

This was my secret weapon when I was teaching! Think Stretch offers fantastic winter break packets for K-5 students that keep kids engaged. If your child needs extra motivation, consider offering a small prize for completing the workbook. Bonus: These packets often include a mix of math, reading, and writing activities, so it’s an all-in-one solution.

Remember, even a small effort over the break can help your child return to school ready to succeed!

What's New?

🎥 Gift Guides!: Check out my annual Holiday Teacher Gift Guide. This year I rounded up the top 5 gifts $0-25 for teachers. Stay tuned for my last video of the year coming out later this week...the Banned Book Gift Guide

❤️‍🩹 A tragedy: Yesterday a school shooting occurred in Madison, WI. We are still learning the details of what happened, but my heart goes out to all impacted. There are so many systems broken that would allow a child to bring a gun to school, and we are stuck in a pattern with this nightmare happening again and again. Once again I'll be donating to Every Town, a group that advocates for gun safety in the United States, and I'll be checking records of those I vote for. May this nightmare stay in 2024.

Things I Love

🎄 Stocking Stuffers for Tweens!

• Surprise stuffed animals! Popular kid youtuber Moriah Elizabeth and Aphmau have really cute collections...plus they're on sale for $6.99
• These shower scrubs are very popular with tweens and come in fun scents. The cotton candy scent is on sale for under $10
• This small drawing book will show your kiddo how to draw over 40 things
• This kids survival book will keep them busy over winter break and encourage them to play outside.
• And when it doubt...shop gift cards for kids! The gift card center has everything you can imagine.

Thank you for shopping with affiliate links! It's a simple, but very effective way to support Primary Focus. 💕

Take care,