As the holiday season approaches, many students eagerly look forward to a well-deserved rest. While taking a break is essential, it’s equally important to keep young minds engaged and curious over the festive period.
Here at Hubert Ogunde Memorial School, we understand the value of maintaining learning habits outside the classroom. Here are some practical tips and ideas for students and parents to keep the joy of learning alive during the holidays.
1. Explore New Worlds through Reading
Reading is one of the simplest yet most effective ways for students to learn independently. Encourage your child to read a range of materials, from novels to science magazines, or even cookbooks! For younger students, choose age-appropriate books that are both entertaining and informative. Older students might enjoy reading around topics they’ll be studying next term or exploring a new genre altogether.
Reading List Recommendations:
- Younger Students: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
- Older Students: The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf, Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Non-Fiction: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, The Usborne Book of Planet Earth by Megan Cullis
2. Utilise Online Resources for Interactive Learning
Educational websites and apps can offer interactive activities to engage students during the holidays. Websites like BBC Bitesize or Khan Academy provide structured learning across a variety of subjects. For younger learners, interactive phonics and maths apps, such as Teach Your Monster to Read or Mathletics, can make learning fun and easy to follow at their own pace.
- Primary Resources: Teach Your Monster to Read, BBC Bitesize (Key Stage 1 & 2), Starfall
3. Get Creative with Hands-On Projects
The holidays are the perfect time for students to work on creative projects that may not fit into the regular school day. Craft activities, simple science experiments, and even cooking can be excellent ways to foster curiosity and learning. Try involving your child in planning and creating something from scratch, whether it’s a homemade bird feeder or baking a new recipe. These activities teach planning, problem-solving, and creativity in a relaxed setting.
- Suggestions:
- Science experiments: Make a homemade volcano with baking soda and vinegar or create simple salt crystals.
- Art projects: Design holiday cards or try origami.
- Cooking: Follow a recipe and learn about measurements and food science.
4. Encourage Daily Journaling
Journaling helps students reflect on their day, develop writing skills, and even work through thoughts and ideas. Provide a notebook or an online journal app where they can write about their holiday experiences, thoughts, or anything that sparks their interest. For added structure, give them daily prompts like, “What are three things you enjoyed about today?” or “If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
5. Stay Physically Active
Physical exercise is crucial for mental wellbeing and can also be a learning experience. Try integrating physical activities with learning, like going for a nature walk and identifying local plants or animals. You could also encourage your child to keep a fitness log, set simple exercise goals, or practise a new sport.
6. Set Up a Holiday Challenge
Why not make learning a friendly competition? Set small goals or a family challenge to learn something new each day. Whether it’s memorising a new word, completing a puzzle, or creating a craft, these mini-challenges can be fun, stimulating, and keep the whole family engaged.
7. Balance with Relaxation and Family Time
Remember that holidays are also a time for relaxation and reconnecting with family. Encourage a healthy balance between learning activities and time for rest and play. Relaxed, enjoyable experiences often create the best learning memories.
We hope these tips will help you and your child enjoy a fulfilling holiday break, full of learning, creativity, and quality family time. Here’s to a well-rounded holiday season, where curiosity never takes a break!