While Christmas is a magical time of year, it can also be quite stressful when it comes to deciding what to buy. More often than not, you buy your child the toy that they’ve been pestering you for, only to find that once opened they’re more interested in the cardboard box that it came in. Frustrating, right?
Come lunchtime, you have a tonne of wrapping paper and boxes that need recycling, but before you bundle it into the recycling bin, why not consider how you can utilise some of that waste to allow your child to get creative?
Children naturally have the ability of finding a way to use their imagination even with the most basic of items. Whether it be jumping in and out of boxes and rolling around in all the wrapping paper, this helps your child learn about themselves, their abilities and everything around them from a young age.
Packaging waste is ideal for arts and craft activities. It allows children to use their imagination and takes them away from their screens and toys. You can also add nature into this too by heading outside to gather things such as holly, leaves etc to support your child’s creative thinking while getting some fresh air and exercise too. You also have the benefit of allowing your child to burn off some pent up excitement of the Christmas season.
If you’re yet to finish off your Christmas shop, then my recommendation is to think about the things your child will get the most benefit from. Consider the gifts that will keep giving throughout the year such as a subscription to a children’s magazine or an annual pass to a play centre. Maybe something memorable to spark their interest or nurture their talents like tickets to see a show, music lessons or a special experience day like go-karting.
Christmas can be a hectic time of year but the most important thing to remember is how you can ‘be present’ and enjoy this time with your children whilst encouraging their inquisitive and creative minds.
At Coppice Valley, we’re always encouraging our children to use their imagination, and to consider all the resources available to them to do this. Whether it’s being outdoors in our nature area, gardening in the community allotment or considering how they can live more sustainable lives, we carefully plan to develop our children’s creativity and deeper thinking.
So whenever things feel like they are getting a bit too manic with the children this Christmas season, why not try something creative and calming, indoors or outdoors. You never know, you might enjoy it too!
To discover more about Coppice Valley and see some of the things they get up to in school, follow them on Facebook. Proud to be a Red Kite Learning Trust School.
Emma Meadus – Head Teacher, Coppice Valley Primary School
