Some schools break up for the summer holidays in the middle of July, we do here in Leicester and Leicestershire. So it’s time to relax, get out of the morning routine. No need to prepare and get things ready the night before as there is no school for the next 5-6 weeks!
All children need a break; they need to stop and re-charge. They need to have some freedom away from the classroom and explore new activities. Sometimes they just need to rest and do very little.
Some will be fortunate to have a holiday away while others will be at home. There are quite often holiday play schemes run by schools or churches which offer great activities during part or a whole week. These schemes may offer something new for a child to try out, an activity they have not done before. There are often craft or physical activity involved in addition to maybe story time depending on the age.
Of course, just because a pencil is not in the hand of a child it does not mean that are not learning. So much can be learned from being outdoors, walking in nature, looking out and spotting things of interest, or collecting things. These sorts of scavenger hunt activities will keep observational skills sharp.
Maybe keep a scrapbook of things that have been achieved. Tickets from a day out, photos or leaflets can be stuck in a book with the minimum of writing or typing alongside. Captions or short sentences can add some context to a picture and help to create a lasting memory of the summer.
A scrapbook of favourite things and interests can also be a great holiday activity. It gives a chance to explore something that when in school, there is little time to consider. A favourite thing can turn into a real passion and give a child enthusiasm and engagement in something helping concentration and aid memory.
More holiday activities and preparation for returning to school in my August blog. 😊
