Stay Active & Sharp this Winter!

Winter time is here again … Duh duh duh! The good thing about living in Missouri though is that in the winter time it could be 5 degrees one day and 60 degrees the next. My family for sure likes to get outside for some fresh air and stave off what I like to call the “indoor blues” on those nicer days! Being indoors for long periods of time is not my favorite, and I definitely notice a difference with my family when we can’t go outside. My advice to make it through the cold winter is to get outside when you can, and prepare ahead of time with indoor activities for those -30-degree days! Below are some ideas to stay fit, active, and sharp over break and during the winter months.

• Learn some new board games. Games are a great way to practice academic skills in a fun way. 
  • Candy Land is great for first time game players! 
  • UNO is a good option as your kids get a little older, and what’s the deal with the million different versions of the game nowadays! 
  • Code Names is perfect for students who enjoy word association and creativity.
  • Jensen and I currently enjoy playing PayDay. It’s amazing to see her count money, make investments, and exchange large bills!
  • Ticket to Ride is a game about strategy for students who are wired that way.
  • Our family favorite is a domino game called 42. It’s a little complicated, but you can check it out here and see if it’s a game your family would like!
• Enjoy some YouTube video workouts with your family.
  • Would you rather videos are all the rage!
  • Superhero workouts are perfect. Just put that in the search and pick your favorite. Here’s a go-to for us!
  • You can also commit to doing certain exercises during commercials or ads if you are watching TV.
• Look for community centers or indoor activity memberships in the area. You can also check out POGO passesto see a variety of activities in the area you could try.
  • 3 month pool memberships are also a fun way to stay active!
• Play some made up games around the house.
  • Hide N’ Go Seek is a classic.
  • Couch Battleship is a fun game involving throwing a ball (soft stress ball!) to knock barbies and superhero action figures off the couch. You win once you’ve knocked the barbies off the other player’s couch.
  • Painter’s tape hopscotch.
  • Create an obstacle course in the living room.
  • Use your imagination to come up with new ideas!
• Use a bike trainer stand to keep in your living room, basement, or garage. This would allow your child to still ride their bike while watching TV in a stationary position. 
  • You can find some stands for under $30. Here are instructions to make one if you’re into that! 
• Join a winter sport at Oakhill!
  • We offer:
    • Cheer for PK-3rd grade students.
    • Dance team for 5-8th grade students. 
    • Esports for 4-8th grade students. 
    • Basketball for K-8th grade students.
    • Send Tim Ziegler an email if you’d like to sign up!
• Make a goal to participate in the 1,000 hours outside challenge for the coming year. Making a goal can be a motivating way to consistently get outside and move.
  • Fire pits are a great way to stay warm in the winter.
  • Investing in quality warm gear will ensure your kids last longer outside!
• Start a new book series to read with your family.
  • Reading together is a good way for students to practice their fluency skills while fostering a love for books. We are currently reading through the Ramona Quimby series. An oldie but goodie! Setting aside scheduled time to read will help give you something to look forward to.
• Find a fast food restaurant that has a play place inside.
  • Finding one of those is like finding a unicorn these days! There is one that I know of near Zona Rosa.
  • We can all agree that this isn’t the healthiest food choice, however you could go and just grab coffee while your kids play, or enjoy a tasty treat that your kids will burn off when playing after!
• Go to a bookstore, such as Barnes and Noble.
  • Many Barnes and Nobles have a kids area to play with train tracks and cars. There are also plenty of children’s books as well as a stage to read on.
  • Hayley and I go there from time to time to get a coffee and enjoy some time talking or reading magazines while the kids play. A good time for everyone!

I’m sure you can think of way more things to add to this list to keep busy, active, and stay sharp during the cold months. Please send me an email with anything I may have missed! Hopefully this list is helpful in your pursuit of keeping your sanity and staying healthy and thriving. Use this list however you see fit to create schedules, routines, or things to look forward to. Having something to look forward to in the winter time keeps spirits high!