Teaching and Learning 

Hi Karoo PS Community,

As we approach the end of the school year, many parents and carers have asked how they can best support their child’s learning over the summer break. With that in mind, I thought it timely to share some ideas with our Karoo PS community.

The holidays are a time for rest, relaxation, family and celebration. But learning doesn’t have to stop when the school gates close. In fact, the break can offer wonderful opportunities to nurture curiosity and a love of learning — often without children even realising it!

Below are some simple, engaging ideas to keep minds active over the holidays and help students return to school refreshed, confident and inspired.

Visit Museums and Galleries

Museums are a fantastic way to spark curiosity. Children of all ages benefit from the interactive, hands-on experiences that museums and galleries offer.

As Sara Choi, Education Program Manager at a Children’s Museum, explains:

“Through interactive exhibits and hands-on play, children have the ability to take ownership of their own learning and explore their curiosities. This exposure provides the foundation for creativity, critical thinking and connection to the world around them.”

Research shows that children who visit museums demonstrate stronger critical-thinking skills, higher social tolerance, greater historical empathy and a deeper appreciation for art and culture.

Take your child to a variety of museums and galleries and encourage questions and conversation. It’s a perfect opportunity for family bonding, creativity and meaningful learning. Collecting maps, brochures and flyers can also be a great way to reflect on the experience later.

Turn the Supermarket into a Learning

 Opportunity

It may sound surprising, but the supermarket can be a rich place for informal learning!

In The Supermarket Study, simple question prompts like “Where does milk come from?” or “What else comes from a cow?” led to a one-third increase in conversations between parents and children.

This type of everyday dialogue encourages curiosity, deep thinking and real-world understanding. Ask questions, make observations and wonder aloud together — there are learning opportunities everywhere.

Let Them Be Bored

Yes — boredom can be a good thing!

In the rush to keep children entertained, we often forget that unstructured time fosters creativity, imagination and self-directed thinking. As researcher Teresa Belton notes:

“Children need time to themselves — to switch off, daydream, pursue their own thoughts and discover personal interests and gifts.”

Encourage quiet time, outdoor play and screen-free moments. Older children and teens benefit from simple activities like walking, sitting in the park or observing nature — noticing the world through their own eyes rather than their phones.

Make Reading Part of the Routine

School routines may pause during the holidays, but reading can remain a daily ritual.

Reading benefits children of all ages:

• Younger children strengthen language skills and imagination.
• Older children improve writing, expand vocabulary and explore new ideas through fiction and non-fiction.

Reading also supports relaxation, empathy and healthy sleep habits. Studies show that children with access to books at home develop significantly stronger reading skills — so books make wonderful Christmas gifts!

Discuss Current Events

Conversation is one of the most powerful forms of learning.

Discuss age-appropriate news stories or events with your child. Encourage them to think critically, consider different viewpoints and ask questions. This builds problem-solving skills, empathy and global awareness — and you may even learn something from them!

Cook or bake together

Cooking together is a wonderful learning opportunity: children can read recipes to build literacy skills, measure ingredients to strengthen their maths understanding, and discuss where foods come from to explore science and geography in a meaningful, real-world way.

Encourage Journalling

A simple journal or diary can be a valuable tool over the holidays. Children can record their thoughts, collect interesting items, reflect on their day and continue writing regularly in a relaxed, personal way.

If you would like more ideas or personalised guidance on supporting your child’s learning over summer, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

I look forward to seeing you all around our beautiful school over the next few weeks.

Best wishes,

Assistant Principal

Peta Phillips