How to Keep Kids Learning During Winter Break

Winter break is exciting for kids. No school and lots of free time, but boredom can soon set in. This year, if you want to beat boredom, try an innovative way to keep kids busy and away from the TV, movies, and video games by signing up for Winter in the Woodlands! The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is offering this unique educational program that will include games, crafts, and activities inspired by Native American culture on Thursday, December 28, and Friday, December 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on both days.

The activities are planned for both indoors and outdoors on the grounds of the museum and will showcase the lifeways and lessons of local Native Americans. Each day the museum’s educational staff will offer an exciting roster of games and craft projects. A special highlight is listening to Native American stories told by a professional storyteller. These stories share Native American history, customs, rituals, and legends through exciting narratives that have been passed down for generations. Often stories educate children about culture, morals, and values.

Getting kids outside in the fresh air is a bonus to some of the traditional Native American games they will play like snow snake, snow boat, hoop, and pole. The crafts that children will create indoors will be keepsakes that they can bring home. Some of the crafts that your children might enjoy include cornhusk dolls, buzzers, and beaded artwork. This two-day program is designed to teach children new skills and to ensure a smooth transition to going back to school. Participants can be signed up for one or both days.

This two-day program is best suited for children aged six to twelve. Parents are invited to stay and participate adding another dimension to family fun and quality time. If parents are not staying, they must complete a permission form. A First Aid/CPR-certified staff member will be on the premises at all times. The price of participation is $40 per day for non-members and $30 per day for members of the museum. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register click here https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14302
or email events@iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.