New Year’s Activities for Kids
It can seem like such a drag to suggest that you print and do worksheets with your kids over holiday break. I get it! Sometimes the last thing we want to do is more ‘homework.’ But sometimes these activities can not only break up boredom but have tremendous value too.
Kids, depending on their disability, may not be fully processing what is going on around them as far as December 31 and January 1. Sure, it’s just another day on the calendar. And a time that may include a party. But it can be really helpful for kids to have the conversation and not assume that they know.
Ask them if they know what “new year’s” even means. Why do people celebrate this day? And, if they don’t celebrate it, why is it often both a time to reflect and a time to plan for the future?
I am wildly passionate about parents really pushing their kids as far as self advocacy and self determination. And, coming up with either a few New Year’s Resolutions, or taking time to reflect on the previous year can have tremendous impact on that.
When self reflection, self critique and self improvement is something you are able to do without consciously thinking about it, we may take it for granted.
But, some kids do need to be taught everything directly. Looking back on a previous year and celebrating accomplishments and making goals can be a tremendously valuable exercise for self determination.
So I not only invite everyone to use and share these free printable New Year’s Activities and New Year’s Resolution Activities for Kids, but I encourage you to really use them. Make an afternoon or evening of it, parent child bonding time.
Ask probing questions. Discuss thoughts, feelings and memories.
New Year’s Activities for Kids
Here are some added suggestions for conversation starters.
- Do you remember when XYZ (something on worksheet) happened? How did you feel about that? Would you like to do it again?
- Why is XYZ your favorite book of last year? What did you enjoy about it? (and then you can even discuss reading ability, if it’s a struggle and bounce around ideas and solutions for your child, you may really learn something!)
- Your favorite color is ABC? Why? What is your favorite thing that is ABC color? Was that always your favorite color?
- On the last page, there is a place for both reviewing accomplishments and listing goals for next year. Great way to talk about goal setting!
Benefits for Kids-New Year’s Resolutions and Review
Reviewing one year and planning for the future is a great activity for everyone, but especially kids. I mean, how much stuff do you see these days–out there for moms, as far as goal setting, self care and all that? A TON.
Because, many of us were not taught to do this as kids as part of personal growth. Recognizing one’s accomplishments is essential, but certainly for kids who struggle with self awareness and social awareness, as part of a learning disability. There are many other great skills to be learned here.
- Increase self esteem by acknowledging past accomplishments
- Exercises the working memory part of the brain
- Excellent for sequencing, as the child reflects on the past and talks about the future
- Engages them in a holiday activity that many people take part in, can feel “a part of something” when they hear references to this on tv
- When done together (adult/child or whole family) it can be a great Theory of Mind activity, which is something many of our kids struggle with
- Can help increase self awareness and social awareness skills
Anyway, I’ve talked enough. Here is the printable, and the new year’s resolution and wrapup stuff is on the last page. Enjoy!
