Bright Days, Big Adventures, and the Love of Learning

As the holiday season approaches, our classrooms are glowing with excitement! This winter, we will share two inspiring themes with children: Light and Travel. These units are designed to spark imagination, friendship, and a lifelong love of learning.

Whether your child is enrolled year-round or joins us during their school break, these themes nurture wonder and connection while maintaining the comfort of daily routines that families depend on.

Why Keep Your Child’s Routine During the Holidays?

Routine builds comfort and confidence. Even during school breaks, children thrive when they know what to expect. Predictable daily rhythms (greeting friends, engaging in small-group play, and enjoying familiar teachers) help them feel safe, comfortable, and ready to explore. Research shows that consistent routines reduce anxiety and strengthen learning outcomes.

Enrichment fuels growth. Structured programs during holiday breaks keep children engaged, creative, and socially connected. Studies show that high-quality, out-of-school experiences promote academic and emotional development.

Continuity supports well-being. Extended breaks can sometimes lead to dips in children’s well-being, but engaging programs that combine play and learning help them continue to thrive.

Our Winter Weeks: Light and Travel

Wonders of Light – Children will explore everything that shines! From shadows and reflections to the gentle glow of lanterns, teachers will share exciting activities and illuminate their natural curiosity through art, science, and storytelling.

Wonders of Travel – Together we’ll “journey” near and far! Maps, pretend play, and stories that expand children’s sense of community and wonder will fill the week. We will investigate how we move, connect, and learn from one another along the way.

Both themes weave curiosity, creativity, and compassion into every classroom. They remind children that learning is not just something we do, it’s something we love.

Family Connection Tips

• Ask about the day:
  “What did you discover about light today?” or “Where did you ‘travel’ in class today?
  
• Share your family story:
  Send in a favorite vacation photo or postcard for your child to share with friends.
  
• Explore together:
  Go on an evening “light hunt” or make a simple family travel map.
  
• Celebrate with us:
  Many of our schools will host a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. This joyful countdown to 12 noon vs. 12 midnight will be filled with music, crafts, and laughter so everyone can celebrate together.

A Season of Love and Learning

Across our community of schools, we believe holidays are about more than just the sparkle. They’re about belonging. By keeping familiar routines while introducing fresh, engaging themes, children experience the comfort of consistency and the excitement of discovery. Our goal is to embrace what matters the most during every season: love, learning, and the joy of growing together.

We can’t wait to share this season of wonder with your family!

References:

ChildCare Education Institute. The Benefits of Routines in Early Childhood Education

Eglitis, A., O’Donnell, A., Kearns, N., O’Toole, C., & Gillen, A. (2024). Children’s Health, Wellbeing, and Academic Outcomes over the Summer Holidays: A Scoping Review. Children, 11(3), 287.