2．Keep skills sharp during winter break
Winter break means being free from homework and daily lessons．But before you know it，the holidays will be over and it will be back to the bus stop．（41）G Try these familyfriendly activities to keep skills sharp during winter vacations：
•Read for pleasure．Whether your child is in the mood for holiday stories like The Night Before Christmas or the newest one from his favourite series，winter break provides the perfect chance to put away schoolbooks and read for fun．（42）C You can gather in front of the fire to take turns reading from classic tales．
•（43）A Chances are many of your family's favourite hoard and card games strengthen skills such as counting，reading，and drawing．Gather the group to play games you usually don't have time for on school nights．
•Keep up reasonable bedtimes．（44）F A few days before school starts up again，ease back into the regular bedtime schedule so your child can start the year brighteyed．
•Let kids help with online shopping．Need a last minute gift for Grandma or Uncle Joe？Log onto your favourite shopping sites and let your child help you select presents．（45）D
•Write thank you notes．Writing notes of appreciation to gift givers not only teaches your child gratitude，but also helps him polish writing and spelling skills．
A．Have a family game night．
B．Have a family get together．
C．Encourage relatives to give books as holiday gifts．
D．This helps children work on their computer and research skills．
E．Help your child stay at the top of his class during the vacation．
F．With no school to get up for，you are likely to let kids become night owls．
G．To prepare for a successful second term，don't let school skills slide completely．
