23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

25 Activities

Overview

With winter afoot, during a school year like no other, are you looking for fun, healthy and restorative activities you can share with children and youth?

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December offers just that.

From “Action Packed ABC” for younger children and “Dance, Dance, Dance” for middle school kids, to “Mindfulness” for teens, this weekday December calendar shares art, music, yoga, social emotional learning, and indoor and outdoor projects and games to help kids feel better.

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Students recognize diverse skills and strengths, prompting the building of well-rounded and collaborative teams.

Discover Activity

I Love My Neighbor!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

I Love My Neighbor!

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

Discover Activity

Would You Rather?

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Would You Rather?

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Warm up your brain and get to know your group with this question game that encourages you to trust your instincts and make decisions quickly.

Discover Activity

Plant Parts We Eat

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

Plant Parts We Eat

K - 2

30 Minutes

Introduce the edible parts of plants to small children and show them some fruits and vegetables.

Discover Activity

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

K - 2

15 Minutes

Let your imagination run wild as you transform everyday objects into something different! In this playful warmup activity, students take turns generating ideas about what everyday objects could become. The objects can turn into something as wild as students like - they should have fun with it!

This activity is designed to set the right tone for the rest of your lessons by not limiting our ideas to what seems sensible or possible, and to show that play is a fun way to encourage creative thinking and problem solving.

Discover Activity

Making a Kaleidoscope

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Making a Kaleidoscope

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a simple, colorful Kaleidoscope and experiment with manipulating light.

Discover Activity

Play Stations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Play Stations

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

Discover Activity

Rubber Band Helicopter

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Rubber Band Helicopter

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

Discover Activity

Group Meditation (Grades K-2)

K - 2

30 Minutes

In this activity, students engage in a guided group meditation. Then, students engage in an enriching group discussion about their experience.

Note: Sometimes, young children may fidget or move during meditation, but they may still be engaged in the activity.

Discover Activity

Mindful Breath

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Focusing on breathing is an easy and effective first step to mindfulness. A breathing technique called yoga nidra claims to be more relaxing than sleep and is excellent for improving focus and relieving stress. In this activity, students will begin with a simple star-hand-breath meditation, which will introduce a method of breathing that accompanies a slow scan of the body. Then, after a short break, they will participate in full yoga nidra.

Discover Activity

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

3 - 8

3 Hours

By studying existing soundscapes, students identify the sounds most common to their lives. Students then recreate these sounds using objects found within the program space.

Discover Activity

The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Create a Sport

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Many of us have favorite sports to play and watch, but have you ever wondered what it was like to create these sports? Today, students will have the opportunity to create their own sport. They can base their sport on a sport that exists, create something entirely new, or pull ideas from all their favorite games. At the end, they will choose one of the new sports to try out!

Discover Activity

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, We The People

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students research ideas for service projects, choose a service project, and present it to the group, explaining why it is worthy of their time. Students then vote to determine which service project they will potentially do.

Discover Activity

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and present a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students research and create a slideshow presentation about a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

High Five!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

High Five!

K - 8

5 Minutes

Build connection and energy by getting students to affirm and acknowledge each other's contributions.

Discover Activity

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

Discover Activity

Dance! Dance! Dance!

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn dances ranging from ballet to the party favorite, the electric slide.

Discover Activity

Action Packed ABC

Leadership and Teamwork, Stories and Perspectives

Action Packed ABC

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

Discover Activity

Super ME! Part 1

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Super ME! Part 1

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use their drawings from My Talents, Interest, and Strengths to start their Super ME pop-up book.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 part activity series: A Hero Among Heroes, The Hero Inside, My Talents, Interests, and Strengths, Super ME Part 1, and Super ME Part 2.

Discover Activity

Sticks and Stones Activity

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Sticks and Stones Activity

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use paper person cutouts to symbolize the effects of unkind words and hurt feelings.

Discover Activity

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will learn that mindfulness means paying attention to the world outside you and to the world inside you as well. In this activity, you lead students in a meditation session. They discover that focusing on the breath is an easy and effective first step to mindfulness and that filling the lungs with air can be all-absorbing and help clear the mind.

Discover Activity

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Students recognize diverse skills and strengths, prompting the building of well-rounded and collaborative teams.

Discover Activity

I Love My Neighbor!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

I Love My Neighbor!

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

Discover Activity

Would You Rather?

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Would You Rather?

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Warm up your brain and get to know your group with this question game that encourages you to trust your instincts and make decisions quickly.

Discover Activity

Plant Parts We Eat

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

Plant Parts We Eat

K - 2

30 Minutes

Introduce the edible parts of plants to small children and show them some fruits and vegetables.

Discover Activity

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

K - 2

15 Minutes

Discover Activity

Making a Kaleidoscope

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Making a Kaleidoscope

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a simple, colorful Kaleidoscope and experiment with manipulating light.

Discover Activity

Play Stations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Play Stations

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

Discover Activity

Rubber Band Helicopter

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Rubber Band Helicopter

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

Discover Activity

Group Meditation (Grades K-2)

K - 2

30 Minutes

In this activity, students engage in a guided group meditation. Then, students engage in an enriching group discussion about their experience.

Note: Sometimes, young children may fidget or move during meditation, but they may still be engaged in the activity.

Discover Activity

Mindful Breath

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

3 - 8

3 Hours

By studying existing soundscapes, students identify the sounds most common to their lives. Students then recreate these sounds using objects found within the program space.

Discover Activity

The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Create a Sport

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, We The People

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and present a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

High Five!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

High Five!

K - 8

5 Minutes

Build connection and energy by getting students to affirm and acknowledge each other's contributions.

Discover Activity

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

Discover Activity

Dance! Dance! Dance!

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn dances ranging from ballet to the party favorite, the electric slide.

Discover Activity

Action Packed ABC

Leadership and Teamwork, Stories and Perspectives

Action Packed ABC

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

Discover Activity

Super ME! Part 1

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Super ME! Part 1

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use their drawings from My Talents, Interest, and Strengths to start their Super ME pop-up book.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 part activity series: A Hero Among Heroes, The Hero Inside, My Talents, Interests, and Strengths, Super ME Part 1, and Super ME Part 2.

Discover Activity

Sticks and Stones Activity

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Sticks and Stones Activity

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use paper person cutouts to symbolize the effects of unkind words and hurt feelings.

Discover Activity

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

Grades K - 12

20 Hours 35 Minutes

Overview

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Students recognize diverse skills and strengths, prompting the building of well-rounded and collaborative teams.

Discover Activity

I Love My Neighbor!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

I Love My Neighbor!

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

Discover Activity

Would You Rather?

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Would You Rather?

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Warm up your brain and get to know your group with this question game that encourages you to trust your instincts and make decisions quickly.

Discover Activity

Plant Parts We Eat

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

Plant Parts We Eat

K - 2

30 Minutes

Introduce the edible parts of plants to small children and show them some fruits and vegetables.

Discover Activity

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

K - 2

15 Minutes

Discover Activity

Making a Kaleidoscope

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Making a Kaleidoscope

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a simple, colorful Kaleidoscope and experiment with manipulating light.

Discover Activity

Play Stations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Play Stations

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

Discover Activity

Rubber Band Helicopter

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Rubber Band Helicopter

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

Discover Activity

Group Meditation (Grades K-2)

K - 2

30 Minutes

In this activity, students engage in a guided group meditation. Then, students engage in an enriching group discussion about their experience.

Note: Sometimes, young children may fidget or move during meditation, but they may still be engaged in the activity.

Discover Activity

Mindful Breath

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

3 - 8

3 Hours

By studying existing soundscapes, students identify the sounds most common to their lives. Students then recreate these sounds using objects found within the program space.

Discover Activity

The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Create a Sport

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, We The People

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and present a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

High Five!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

High Five!

K - 8

5 Minutes

Build connection and energy by getting students to affirm and acknowledge each other's contributions.

Discover Activity

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

Discover Activity

Dance! Dance! Dance!

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn dances ranging from ballet to the party favorite, the electric slide.

Discover Activity

Action Packed ABC

Leadership and Teamwork, Stories and Perspectives

Action Packed ABC

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

Discover Activity

Super ME! Part 1

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Super ME! Part 1

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use their drawings from My Talents, Interest, and Strengths to start their Super ME pop-up book.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 part activity series: A Hero Among Heroes, The Hero Inside, My Talents, Interests, and Strengths, Super ME Part 1, and Super ME Part 2.

Discover Activity

Sticks and Stones Activity

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Sticks and Stones Activity

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use paper person cutouts to symbolize the effects of unkind words and hurt feelings.

Discover Activity

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Building Well-rounded Teams: Step in the Circle If...

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Students recognize diverse skills and strengths, prompting the building of well-rounded and collaborative teams.

Discover Activity

I Love My Neighbor!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

I Love My Neighbor!

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

Discover Activity

Would You Rather?

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Would You Rather?

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Warm up your brain and get to know your group with this question game that encourages you to trust your instincts and make decisions quickly.

Discover Activity

Plant Parts We Eat

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

Plant Parts We Eat

K - 2

30 Minutes

Introduce the edible parts of plants to small children and show them some fruits and vegetables.

Discover Activity

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Creativity & Play: This is Not...

K - 2

15 Minutes

Discover Activity

Making a Kaleidoscope

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Making a Kaleidoscope

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a simple, colorful Kaleidoscope and experiment with manipulating light.

Discover Activity

Play Stations

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Play Stations

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

Discover Activity

Rubber Band Helicopter

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Rubber Band Helicopter

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

Discover Activity

Group Meditation (Grades K-2)

K - 2

30 Minutes

In this activity, students engage in a guided group meditation. Then, students engage in an enriching group discussion about their experience.

Note: Sometimes, young children may fidget or move during meditation, but they may still be engaged in the activity.

Discover Activity

Mindful Breath

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Sound, What's Your Story

3 - 8

3 Hours

By studying existing soundscapes, students identify the sounds most common to their lives. Students then recreate these sounds using objects found within the program space.

Discover Activity

The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Create a Sport

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, We The People

A Call to Service (Grades 3-5)

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and present a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

High Five!

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

High Five!

K - 8

5 Minutes

Build connection and energy by getting students to affirm and acknowledge each other's contributions.

Discover Activity

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 9-12)

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

Discover Activity

Dance! Dance! Dance!

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn dances ranging from ballet to the party favorite, the electric slide.

Discover Activity

Action Packed ABC

Leadership and Teamwork, Stories and Perspectives

Action Packed ABC

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

Discover Activity

Super ME! Part 1

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Super ME! Part 1

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use their drawings from My Talents, Interest, and Strengths to start their Super ME pop-up book.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 part activity series: A Hero Among Heroes, The Hero Inside, My Talents, Interests, and Strengths, Super ME Part 1, and Super ME Part 2.

Discover Activity

Sticks and Stones Activity

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Sticks and Stones Activity

K - 5

1 Hour

Students use paper person cutouts to symbolize the effects of unkind words and hurt feelings.

Discover Activity

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

6 - 12