The Christmas holidays are a very busy time of year, but they can also provide opportunities for simple, fun ways to help your child read, write and chat over the school break.
We’ve put together some of our top tips to support reading, writing and communication:
Christmas cards
Encourage your child to write Christmas cards to school friends, teachers and family members. If they’re younger, buy a set with a pre-written message but get them to sign their name on each one. This repetition is great for learning. If you have time you could make your own cards together.
Festive recipes
Writing a shopping list, finding the right ingredients in the shop and following a recipe are all fun ways to improve your child’s reading. Try our Christmas biscuits recipe for a child-friendly bake!
Sing carols or festive songs
Following along with lyrics to festive songs is a great way to boost reading and listening skills. Plus, for younger children, the rhyme and rhythm of songs is helps to develop their language.
Read festive stories
There are a huge number of stories that you and your child can read together to get you in the festive spirit. We’ve put together a list of our favourite festive books which you can enjoy.
Write a letter to Santa
Asking your child to write a wish list to Santa is a great way to get all that Christmas excitement into an activity that will give them handwriting practise. Read our tips on how to write the perfect letter to Santa Claus.