Holidays are for rest, relaxation, family time and celebrations. But children often struggle to get back into a school routine after a long break.
Learning does not have to stop when school closes. You can help make learning fun over the holidays without your kids knowing it!
These quick tips will help your child get excited about learning and allow them to ease back into school once they return.
- Visit museums
Museums are an ideal space for young children. Museums are very interactive, and there are some exhibits where children can touch and feel objects, allowing children to explore their curiosities and ask questions.
They can also learn a lot about art, culture, history and the sciences outside of a school environment and without the pressure of assessments.
These visits can be a great bonding session for you and your family where everyone can learn something.
- Take them grocery shopping with you.
The grocery store is the best place to have learning outside of the school environment and in the real world.
Ask your child questions like ‘where does milk come from?’ or ‘how are eggs produced?’ It can ignite your child’s mind, making them interested in everyday daily things of life and boost their love for learning!
- Let your child be bored.
Often we think that your child must always be busy doing things and constantly entertained. Children are constantly distracted and have an instant gratification mindset in the digital age.
Your child can be creative with time and imagination by taking away all these distractions.
Take your child for a walk in the park, encourage play dates and let them experience nature for a few hours of the day.
- Have a routine reading time every day
Keeping a routine during the holidays won’t be so difficult for your child to get back into school again.
Reading is the best form of learning and allows your child to form language skills, improve literacy and let their imagination run wild.
Studies have stated that reading also relaxes children and aids their anxiety, helping them sleep better at night.
Reading with your child once a day will help them overcome any issues they were facing at school as they can read in a safe environment with no judgement.
- Discuss current events
Encourage your child to talk about things happening today, helping them become better critical thinkers and have a more excellent general knowledge of today’s world.
By talking about current events, your child can understand more about the world and be confident to ask you questions. Boosting their confidence, they can take this into the school environment and be interested learners.
Who knows, you might learn something new from them too!
Finally
Let your children enjoy their holiday but remember that there are always opportunities to learn and have fun at the same time.
Further reading:
https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/
https://www.worksheetcloud.com/blog/why-is-reading-important/
https://www.gominno.com/parents/let-them-be-bored/
https://www.childpsych.co.za/children-school-holidays/
https://www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk/blog/2017/mental-health-benefits-holidays/