ArabBaba
Help your kids to balance learning and leisure during the summer
By Mostafa Hassan
For many parents , the summer holidays may be bittersweet because the kids are at home , it ’ s hot , boredom sets in after a week and we worry that they are going to forget everything they have been taught during the school term . We don ’ t want them ( or us ) to struggle when the new term starts . Of course , we also worry that they will make us crazy before they return to school .
Cambridge English Dictionary defines a holiday as “ a time when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want , such as travel or relax ”. Holidays are meant to be the same for our kids as they are for us . At the end of the day , kids need a break as much as we do . They need to regroup and assess themselves in whatever way they know how but in a less structured environment .
We have an opportunity to help them continue with learning even while they are relaxing .
I have put together five easy ideas to keep you and your kids ‘ chilled out ’ but still learning this summer , all while teaching them to manage their own time .
Plan a project : Talk to their current teacher and inquire about the next term ’ s topics . This is great for 5-12 year olds . For example , if ‘ planets and stars ’ is the first topic on the curriculum , task them to build a solar system . Plan the project , the design and the artwork . Maybe start a garden and record the growth and activities . Have them document their process and progress .
Reading holiday : As we celebrate , The Year of Reading , why not head to the book fairs / shops and let them choose 10 books that they can read throughout the holiday period . Each time that you see them reading , ask them to share with you what it ’ s about . It can prove to be a great chance to answer questions or help them form their ideas .
Weekly activities : Agree for each week or two on the activities that you will do together . These should be fun yet informative and based on things that they can write about when they get home . You can create a collage at the end of the summer . The Zoo , The Farm , Dubai Miracle Gardens , Kidzania , Museums , Dolphin Aquarium , theatre productions , etc . are all great opportunities to learn things without breaking the bank .
Build it : Every week , your child can be given a bucket of objects . They have a week to build something unique . Use candy one week , kitchen objects the next , tape , glue , etc . Have them document what they did and why they did it . Was their purpose to build something big or something that moves ? You ’ ll be surprised at how creative they ’ ll get !
Talk : We can become so busy working or managing a home that we often take for granted how important a simple conversation about nothing and everything can be . Sit on the balcony , go for tea and talk about their plans or their feelings . Keep it light but remember that what they say is important to them and what you actually hear may be more important than words .
There are so many ways for us as parents to support our children ’ s balance during a holiday . By creating opportunities to relax but learn , you open up their minds , as well as your improve your relationship with them . Make all activities fun ; that way they get to fully enjoy learning and still get to relax during their time away from school .