A Look at Learning

Happy Holidays! Keep the Learning Alive (and Fun!)

As the school term winds down and the holidays begin, we want to wish all our wonderful families a very happy, safe, and relaxing break! This is a fantastic time for students to recharge, enjoy time with loved ones, and create lasting memories.

While it's important for children to have a well-deserved break from the classroom routine, the holidays also offer unique opportunities to keep their minds active and engaged in learning, often without them even realizing it! Here are a few simple, real-life ways to continue nurturing their curiosity and knowledge during the break:

Embrace Everyday Math

Math is everywhere, and the holidays are the perfect time to point it out!

• Cooking and Baking: Involve your child in measuring ingredients. Ask them to double a recipe or halve it, or even calculate how much of an ingredient is needed if everyone gets an equal share of a treat.
• Shopping: Let them help compare prices at the supermarket, calculate discounts, or estimate the total cost of items in the trolley. "If each apple costs $1.50, how much will 5 apples cost?"
• Travel: If you're going on a road trip, have them keep track of the distance traveled, estimate arrival times, or even calculate fuel efficiency.

Discover the World Through Reading

Reading doesn't have to stop just because school does!

• Visit Your Local Library: Libraries are fantastic free resources with books on every topic imaginable. Let your child choose books based on their interests, whether it's fantasy, non-fiction about animals, or craft books. Many libraries also host holiday programs and activities.
• Story Time: Encourage older children to read to younger siblings or family members. Even 15-20 minutes of reading a day can make a big difference in maintaining their literacy skills.
• Read Everything! Point out words on street signs, menus, or instructions for a new game. Discuss what they mean and how they relate to the world around them.

Explore Science and Nature

The world is a giant science laboratory waiting to be explored!

• Outdoor Adventures: Go for a walk in a local park or bushland. Talk about the different plants and animals you see. Why do leaves change colour? What kind of bird is that?
• Kitchen Science: Conduct simple experiments at home. Why does bread rise? What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? There are countless easy and safe kitchen science experiments available online.
• Gardening: If you have a garden, involve your child in planting seeds, watering, and observing how plants grow. Discuss what plants need to thrive.

Foster Creativity and Problem-Solving

Holidays are an ideal time to get creative and think outside the box.

• Arts and Crafts: Provide materials like paper, crayons, paints, and recycled items and let their imaginations run wild. This helps develop fine motor skills and creative expression.
• Board Games and Puzzles: These are excellent for developing strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and patience. Family game nights are also a wonderful way to connect.
• Build Something: Whether it's a fort with blankets, a LEGO masterpiece, or even helping with a DIY project around the house, building encourages planning and spatial reasoning.

Remember, the goal isn't to replicate school at home, but to weave learning naturally into your daily activities. By making learning fun and relevant, you'll help your child return to school refreshed, curious, and ready for new challenges.

We look forward to seeing everyone back safe and sound for the next term!