“…So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”

– Colosians 1:10-11 NIV

Do you have Cabin Fever Yet?

For the next little while, until winter loosens its grip on us here, I am definitely experiencing some cabin fever. So far this year, we have had a few snow days so often that that means not leaving the house and living in the basement with 3 boys under 8 years old. After a while, we all start to get a little stir-crazy and are looking for things to do either on our own or with our families. As I started looking for some ideas myself, I also wanted to be budget-conscious as well. Here are a few ideas for teachers who have to accommodate indoor recess activities as well as for families and couples who want to mix things up on the homefront.

Station Activities for Indoor Recess

For the stations listed below, I would create an area designated for these in your classroom where all of the materials are kept. Also, you may want to put a label on the games or stations as to how many students can be at each one. As with anything, make sure you show them how to properly clean up after they are finished.

• Legos– This is a great way for students to be creative and build different things. Give them a bucket of Legos and have fun!
• Board Games- Have a variety of board games available that would interest boys and girls as well as different skill levels
• Playdough or Clay – Kids of all ages like clay or putty. This can be a stress reliever as well.
• Arts and Crafts On Your Own– This can be coloring pages (kid and adult versions), or just a pile of craft materials that they can use to create whatever they want.
• GoNoodle– GoNoodle is a great way to get your students up and moving during a break in the day or indoor recess. They are constantly updating their activities as well. Check out this other article on how to keep your students motivated all year long.

Family Activities During the Winter

• Build a Fort- How to build an impenetrable snow fort!
• Hide and Seek
• Puzzles– A great way to get a lot of family members involved and are great for the brain!
• Movie Night- Grab some popcorn and M&M’s (our family’s favorite) and watch a family-friendly movie
• Make some Treats- Here are some fun recipes that are delicious and kids can help with
• Bowling
• Exercise Together- They learn a healthy lifestyle by watching you!
• Build a Snowman or go Sledding
• Snowshoeing- Check out a local sporting goods shop or a snowshoe rental place or ask around and hit the trails. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks! Here is a must-read article on tips for making the trip fun for your children.
• Ice Skating

Activities for Couples

• Plan a themed dinner night– Check out this list of recipe ideas to get you started.
• Ice Skating
• Have a Game Night– Here is a list of games that give you a quick summary and let you know about how long they are.
• Volunteer Together– Use your talents to help serve others within your local church, school, or community
• Check out a Museum- Here is a list of the best museums in every state
• Exercise Together
• Invite Friends Over to Watch a Game- This is a great time to root for your favorite team!
• Go to a Sports Game– Many cities have professional or minor league teams that have cheap tickets along with food and drink deals.
• Take a Cooking Class
• Plan Your Next Vacation- When it’s cold, it’s nice to think about anywhere that is warmer than where you are. Think about where you want to go next and what you might do while you are there.
• Go Hiking/Snowshoeing
• Start a Marriage Devotional- This is a great way to invest in your marriage or if you are dating as well. My wife and I are reading the Uncommon Marriage Adventure by Tony and Lauren Dungy. Here is a list of others as well.

I hope that during these seemingly long weeks before winter turns into spring, you are able to have some fun, even if it is just staying around the house with family and friends. There are some fun activities to beat the cold this year with your family. You do not need to go on an expensive winter retreat to make lasting winter memories with your students or family. Have a great week!

Want More Strategies and Support Each Week?

Do you go into the classroom on Monday overwhelmed at the week ahead of you? The Momentum Monday newsletter is like a Snickers bar for teachers. Each week, there is great information for what you need right now in your classroom. There are student engagement strategies, teacher self-care, a teacher tech tip, and a Q & A section with actual questions that I have received from teachers. Click to view the latest issue of Momentum Monday and subscribe to future issues and view our past issues!

Subscribe to the Momentum Monday Newsletter

Email address:

First Name

Last Name

Leave this field empty if you’re human: