Hey Shawnta!
Should I make my child do the winter break packet?
A winter break packet is a packet teachers send home during winter break so students can continue practicing skills.
Should parents make their children do the packet?: It depends.
As an educator, I want students to have a break. Everyone needs a break: staff, students and families. The school year can feel like one giant treadmill of tasks: get up on time, get good grades, pay for a field trip, take children to rehearsal or practices, buy new clothes because your kid grew a foot overnight, volunteer to support the school … and the list goes on and on. Everyone needs a break from school tasks.
My motto is to work hard and play harder. We should work children like work students hard Monday through Friday and then demand their time during a break.
So, why did I say it depends? Sometimes parents need children to sit down and chill out. I don’t know about y’all, but when summer break started coming to an end, we had to start going to bed early to practice for when school started. As winter break comes to a close and children are getting squirmy, shoving, and pushing their siblings too much, this might be a time for a few academic activities.
The key is that these packets should be optional. There should be no incentive to do them. For example, if you turn in a completed packet, you will earn a treat bag. Students who travel to see family or want to or have to prioritize other things during break should be able to do so without losing out on an incentive.
You know your child best. Confirm that the packet is not for credit. Once you know it is not for a grade, decide whether you will toss it, do part of it, or do all of it. Whatever you choose, just ensure your child gets some rest and relaxation.
