Creating Lists with Your Child This Holiday Season

student reading her book sitting next to Extra Large stuffed animal

How to get started

The holiday season is such a busy time of the year. With so much to do, it can easily become overwhelming, leaving you feeling unproductive and tired. One way to let go of some of that stress is by creating lists.

Creating lists allows you to be structured, accountable, and more productive. Making lists with your child lets you bond and organize yourselves together, to feel fulfilled during this special time of the year.

Here are four types of lists you can create with your child this holiday season:

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1. Grocery List

The holidays are always spent with family, and family meals are always included. If you’re planning on hosting or preparing a dish, ask your child to help you come up with a list you can take with you to the store. It’s important to challenge your child on how to organize the list whether that means by type of product (meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits, snacks, etc.), whether it’s by dish that is being prepared (appetizer, entrée, dessert), or even if it follows the order on where you would find the items at your local market. Creating a grocery list will help your child learn to categorize items for easy identification and increase their productivity.

2. Book List

With winter break around the corner, many students will have a lot of free time in their hands. What better way to keep your child learning than through reading? Encourage your child to come up with a list of fun and entertaining book to read this winter break. If you need some inspiration, check out books from our Recommended Reading List (RRL) to help you get started.

young boy does his homework on a window sill

3. Gift Wish List

The holiday season is a great time for giving. Whether your child is celebrating their accomplishments or a holiday, they deserve a token of appreciation for their dedication to school and adaptability this year. Without making any promises, have your child create a gift wish list with limited number of items that they would love to receive. Making a wish list is harder than it sounds and including a specific number of items will help your child prioritize their preference.

4. List of Accomplishments This Year

The end of year is near, and it is key to reflect on what this past year has taught all of us. Ask your child to list all the things they have learned and accomplished this year. Some things might include adjusting to remote learning, completing a challenging level in Kumon, or even stepping out of their comfort zone. Read the list aloud and praise your child for their perseverance and hard work this year.

Making lists with your child will help embed some great foundational skills to help them stay organized, be effective, and learn to prioritize. Challenge them this holiday season to create a variety of lists and encourage continued learning through winter break.