There is nothing quite like the anticipation of a child waiting for a holiday to begin or a significant celebration date (who am I kidding, it can be pretty exciting for adults too – especially the vacation option!)
In our house such anticipation manifests itself as lots of discussion and research about the destination or event, enthusiastic list making and preparations, and probably the most exciting of all – counting down the sleeps!
One fabulous way to harness this enthusiasm for the power of good is to make a simple countdown calendar which involves children in a range of learning activities related to the event.
To make this version of a countdown calendar I used colourful envelopes, marking them with the number of remaining ‘sleeps’ on the front, tucking in the envelope flap and putting inside one activity or discussion prompt in each envelope. Depending upon the age and patience of your child, you could of course start at 10 or even 20!
Here are some ideas of what to include in each of your envelopes;
- A map showing the distance from your current location to your destination
- A list of interesting facts about your destination or the origin of the celebration
- Information about the sights you will see or your accommodation
- A schedule of activities or plan for the day
- Postcards or photographs from previous visits or celebrations
- A packing list
- Details of a chore that your child can complete in preparation for the journey or special day
- Tickets for a tourist attraction you will be visiting on your vacation
- Activity sheets related to the event or destination
- A list of websites for finding more information about the destination
- Spending money
Depending upon which activities you choose your children will be involved in purposeful reading, writing and geography, and through the process of helping to prepare for the event will be learning fabulous life skills about planning and preparation.
Have you ever created a countdown calendar for a special journey or event?
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
Awesome idea. Would help so much with that tricky concept of time.
What a wonderful way to get kids involved with holiday preparations. I love this idea 🙂
This would be really fun for Immy 🙂 We had a countdown calendar for when hubby was coming home from 9 months deployed. We counted down the last two weeks. It really helped Jack understand time.
When my children were little we used to make up calendars for December. No advent calendars! We would put little drawings on as many days as possible ie Christmas carols, dad finishes work, playgroup party. We’d then mark off each day until Christmas with a sticker or a big tick. As the children got older they could do their own drawings, but they would always be involved in choosing the type of image used.
Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing!
What a great idea. I also love you limited toys to be taken. I always say this many and allow many more. This written contract would be perfect to keep my miss 3 on track. It looks spectacular also by the way.
What a lovely idea. Great way to build anticipation, educate them a bit about where you’re travelling and get them a bit organised at the same time. 🙂
What a fabulous idea!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Yes, I’m a tad excited because this will help my little tomorrow wonderer to perceive future events! Thanks! x
What a fun idea, my kids would love this!
Brilliant idea. Such a fab way to get organised for everything. Enjoy your holiday!
What a great idea! These are the types of things we already do in anticipation of a trip but not in a fun countdown calendar format. We’ll have to give that a try next time we’re counting down to something. Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is just like a countdown calendar I did for Pebble leading up to a sleep over at Grandma’s….. except WAY cooler LOL Now I have some great ideas for our next count down, thanks.