5 Learning Activities for Winter Break from Indiana Gateway Digital Academy

While earning your high school diploma is important, it’s also essential for your brain to take a pause from constant studying and processing. With everything happening during this time, it’s the perfect opportunity to step back and recharge. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your mind active. To help you stay engaged while having fun, INGDA has put together a list of activities designed to brighten both your spirits and your brain.

Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) Offers Ideas for Learning Fun

As you plan activities and family time, think about your favorite traditions and consider adding some new ones to the mix! While Winter break is a perfect time for relaxation and family fun, there are plenty of ways to keep your mind active and engaged. INGDA is here to help you keep the fun going, whether you’re spending time alone or with family, with these exciting ideas.

1. Discover your next good read.  Reading is a fantastic way to improve comprehension, creativity, and imagination—and it doesn’t have to be a singular activity! One person can read aloud, or the entire family can take turns narrating a story. While reading, set time aside to discuss chapter, characters, and key moments in the book.  
2. Connect with your family. Chances are, you’re already surrounded by loved ones this new year. Encourage everyone to write a story about themselves they’d like to share. Set up a video camera to record a loved one recounting a memorable time or story from their life. You also could create a family tree together, involving an older family member to help share memories and details!
3. Host a Family Game Night. Set aside a night for some family game time. Many board and card games encourage teamwork, boost critical thinking and are just plain fun. Games can teach money management, probability, improve vocabulary and strengthen memory. With so many options to choose from, you can enjoy classics such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, chess, trivia games or 20 Questions. Or try something new, such as Skip-Bo, Mastermind, Apples to Apples, Minute to Win It games and more!
4. Nurture your creativity. Choose a hobby, craft or cooking project to enjoy as a family. Focus on activities that spark creativity and align with your family’s interests. Make cards or ornaments to hang on the tree or give as gifts. Try building a gingerbread house, baking cookies, making bread or preparing a special dinner to practice following steps and use math skills. Get creative by drawing, painting or coloring together, and then hold an “art show” to showcase and discuss everyone’s artwork.

Play a Newly Invented Game

If you’re looking for something a little different this season, you might check out Flip 7. Created by a K12 teacher in Idaho who invents games, Flip 7 is up for Toy of the Year. Flip 7 is simple to pick up in seconds, so everyone, from kids to adults, can jump right in and start playing for instant fun. It’s also lightweight and portable, ideal for bringing along on trips, so you’re never without a fun game to play with family and friends!

Log into the K12 Skills Arcade

Need more ideas? INGDA wants you to keep the learning going—and the fun alive—over winter break with the K12 Skills Arcade! Engage your students while still having down time. The arcade will be available through Jan. 15, 2025. Visit the arcade for many learning ideas. Students can access the Winter Arcade through the OLS/D2L homepage.

INGDA encourages you to take a break this season and enjoy some well-deserved fun. Many activities offer hidden learning opportunities, from math and creativity to money management, relationship building, problem-solving and more. Consider exploring learning options that allow you to focus on your passions while enjoying quality time with your family. You work hard to support your family and pursue your goals, so this winter break, make time to savor the small moments.

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