is competitive on the world stage.
Choose something which your child
has expressed an interest in, such as
robotics, baking, psychology or drama,
and find a course for them to follow this
summer. Even if you can’t locate a class
here in Hong Kong, you’re sure to find
something online. Encouraging your
child to follow their interests is also going
to have great long-term benefits, as
they’ll become more self-motivated and
strengthen their passion for learning.
Building up Soft Skills
Summer is a great time to work on the
soft skills which will equip your child for
future success. These skills are hard to
improve amidst the stress of term time,
but summer affords many opportunities
to develop better motivation,
decisiveness, flexibility and more. Soft
skills are most easily taught by example,
so take some time this summer to model
these for your kids.
A great way to do this is by learning
things as a family over the holidays. You
could focus on one new activity (such
as horse-riding, playing an instrument,
or painting) and practise together
regularly. Or you could take it in turns to
choose something small that you learn
together each week (such as origami,
touch-typing or magic tricks), and even
try teaching each other. Pick things you
know will meet the strengths of different
people in your family, so you can praise
these. Also, make sure to deal positively
with any struggles, so your child can see
how rewarding perseverance is.
By choosing some of these options
for your child this summer, you’re sure
to give them a fun and stimulating few
weeks. I hope you enjoy seeing your
young learner flourish as much as my
colleagues and I do!
Willow Hewitt is the Head of English for
i-Learner Education Centre. She has been
teaching in Hong Kong for several years
and has a highly experienced international
team of teachers who love to share their
knowledge and resources with parents
whenever they can. www.i-learner.edu.hk