By the Rainbow Resource Center consultants

Permit us to be real with you. Our Curriculum Consultants have been experiencing a bit of cabin fever these past weeks. That shouldn’t surprise us since we also experienced that as parents with our children. No matter your climate, sometimes in February you just need a change from the school routine. We’d like to share some of our ideas with some practical applications to break up the potential monotony.

Janice—Break up the Textbook Cycle:

If you’re a textbook focused family, reinforce your subjects with alternative methods. Use music, building sets or art as a way to learn the same thing but from a different perspective. Cooking is a great doldrums’ buster—food goes with everything.

Mike—Get Your Game On:

Incorporating a few educational games into your weekly routine melts away the tedium. Students can look forward to playing a fun and educational game. Staggering these games in among their difficult subjects will help balance their load.

 Deanne—Get Moving:

Games don’t have to be the sit-down variety. Move back the furniture and select games that help you stretch, exercise and move while having fun. With our young children, we put a baby pool in the kitchen with warm water (and thermostat turned up!) for free play with buckets etc.

 Gina—Make Gifts for Others:

Make homemade gifts for people. We made lots of cards and paper gifts and took them to nursing homes once a month. My kids loved art and would draw for quite a long time during free time.

Donna—Learn a New Skill:

When you’re stuck indoors, use the time to learn. Crochet and knitting kits are some of my favorites. Boys and girls can enjoy this nice, quiet, indoor activity. Remember, Rosey Grier (former pro football player) liked to crochet, knit, and do needlepoint. It’s not just for girls!

Sara—Get Creative:

We loved creating a pet shop with stuffed animals. We built forts and moved swings inside to use up extra energy. With paper dinosaur tracks placed around, we went on a dino hunt around the house. Dressing up is always a great idea as well.

Ruth—Go Green:

At my house this time of year there’s a desperate need for life. Digging in the dirt as a family can initiate a sense of hope. Growth is so much fun to watch. Get a jump start on a garden. Create a mini indoor garden. Force some bulbs. Grow a tree to later transport outside at the right time.

Give your Cabin Fever a dose of fun! These times are just opportunities for fun and fond memories. Share your ideas with us. We’d love to hear them. ~ The RRC Consultants