I love all the school holidays – but this May half term is usually one of my favourites as the brighter and generally warmer weather is here and is a great time to have a fun relaxing week with the children before the last part of the school year. We tend to run out of ideas rather than time, but if you need a few pointers read on…..
Team Meeting
I have got in the habit with my children of having a ‘morning meeting’ after breakfast (which as it’s the hols can be as late as 10am!!!!). This is a great chance to go through what needs to be done – or what they would like to do and plan the day ahead. This is very good for those ‘empty days’ as with a few suggestions from them the day soon fills with great ideas and everybody has some input. These are often the best days at home and don’t usually involve anything special.
Bikes
This is a great one whatever ages your children. Mine are about to have a week long course in riding without stabilisers (which I think may be followed by me having a bad back for a week!). With a whole week ahead without after school club, play dates and everything else I can ensure a whole week of daily practise to achieve this milestone – or at least start on it! If the weather is nice plan some bike rides locally, see how many different routes there are to cycle to the local shops, park or library or go further afield. Free fun in the fresh air – great for everyone.
Food
The holiday time is a great chance to let children chose, shop for ingredients and cook what they would like. If you have fussy eaters it is way of involving them and helping them along and for good eaters a great chance to try something new. The choice is endless – lunch, a picnic, cakes or even a family meal where each person cooks a different course or part.
Growing
This is the first year we have started growing some vegetables in the garden and so far everything seems to be going well – at least above ground! Children love to plant and grow things. It doesn’t matter how much or how little space you have you will be able to grow something. For really young children who need quick results an egg-shell cress head is a good place to start. You could have a family race with sunflowers or runner bean plants – whose will grow the tallest. A window box, a planter or a hanging basket are all good for flowers, herbs or strawberries.
And remember if we do have some wet weather check out our 5 Ways to entertain kids on a rainy day and if you are just staying at home there might be something new to try in our 10 Great Garden Games for Kids . Anybody else with half term ideas – please comment below and share with us.
