5 Learning Activities for Holiday Break from GEO Focus Academy of Indiana

Learning Activities for the holiday break: Reimagine learning and have some fun

The holiday season is here – the busy time of finishing tests and assignments, all leading to a well-deserved break. While learning is essential, it’s equally important for students to rest their minds from constant thinking and processing. As our future leaders, it’s imperative that students learn how to balance hard work with relaxation. Fortunately for GEO Focus Academy of Indiana students and families, the K12 Skills Arcade is ready to entertain your learner through friendly competition.

Engaging Learning Activities

As you plan for the holiday break, consider not only enjoying your favorite traditions but also exploring new ones that align with your student’s goals of college preparedness. This time off is a valuable opportunity to balance relaxation with productive activities that can keep your student focused on their future. While enjoying family time, think about ways to engage your student’s mind, whether through academic projects, skill-building or activities that support students’ aspirations for college and beyond.

Preparing for college isn’t just about grades—it’s about building independence, responsibility and a life path that supports future success. GEO is here to provide ideas and resources to help students stay on track while still making the most of their time off.

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.  

Catch up on a holiday movie

Movies can lead to thoughtful discussions about characters, settings, themes, and traditions portrayed in a film. Just like with books, take time to analyze the messages and deeper meanings, and encourage everyone to share their insights and opinions to foster a lively conversation.

Connect with your family

Chances are, you’re already surrounded by loved ones this holiday season. 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!

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 holiday 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.

Put together a puzzle

Pick up some puzzles to work on as a family. You can buy new ones, but also check what you already have, swap with another family or borrow some from your local library. Work on assembling the puzzles together – some might take a few days to complete!

Play a Newly Invested 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 for Learning Activities

Need more ideas? GEO Focus 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.

As a parent preparing your child for college, it is important to balance relaxation with continued growth during the holiday season. We encourage our students to take a well-deserved break and enjoy quality time with family. However, even the simplest activities can provide valuable learning opportunities—from math and creativity to money management, problem-solving and relationship-building. This holiday, cherish the small moments together while encouraging your children to explore their passions outside the classroom. Whether through creative projects, hobbies or real-world experiences, these opportunities can inspire their interests and contribute to their development.