Student Wellbeing
HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD MOTIVATED DURING THE SCHOOL BREAK
Here are five ways parents can support their children’s development during the school break.
1. LET THEM SELF-REGULATE
Learning doesn’t just have to be about memorising facts or reciting times tables. Allowing children to take accountability for themselves – whether that’s with money, time or their emotions – can help them develop a sense of their own capabilities and take responsibility.
This holiday break, try setting your child a ‘budget’, which can range from how much money they’re allowed to spend or how long they’re allowed to do a certain activity. Tangible markers like sand timers or coins help even younger children manage their remaining ‘budget’.
2. SET THEM INDEPENDENT TASKS
Often your child may need your help with something, and you’ll know children can achieve something bigger and more satisfying with a parent’s help.
However, sometimes you’ll realise it’s right to stand back and help your child gauge when they can achieve something independently. This break, set them small tasks that allow them to take ownership and make decisions independently, such as keeping score in a family board game or deciding how to divide up some biscuits between siblings.
3. ENCOURAGE READING AND WRITING
Reading is of course so important for children’s cognitive development, and sharing stories is a great way to stimulate their imagination as well as encourage language learning.
The break brings the opportunity to read every day – whether it’s a cosy bedtime story; a magazine or comic on a long journey or simply digging into a good novel.
Writing also has a similar effect and helps to strengthen children’s literacy skills. During their week off, why not encourage your children to keep a diary of their thoughts and best moment? It will be something they love looking back on and could even share with their classmates when they go back to school.
4. GET BUSY WITH CREATIVE PROJECTS
Creativity is a chance for your child to express their personality and feelings and provides huge learning potential along the way. Arts and crafts are a great way to do this and help get children away from their screens!
Alternatively, getting creative doesn’t have to mean getting the paints out. Encourage your children to put on a play for visiting relatives and offer to help with the big performance by setting up a stage or reviewing lines. You could also help your child to film a video if performing isn’t their thing. Coordinate and help your child come up with their own creative storyline. They will undoubtedly feel accomplished when the whole video is complete.
5. EXPLORE A NEW PLACE
Getting out and about in a new environment is amazing for stimulating children’s minds. Let them take control of preparing for the trip by packing snacks for the road or choosing what to put in their rucksack. Let them explore their new surroundings and if your child is old enough, use a map for helping the family get around.
Green spaces and nature bring lots of health benefits and will give your children plenty to see and think about. Spark their curiosity by asking them questions, such as how they think that landscape formed or what animals they think they’ll see on their trip.
There are lots of educational places for families open this time of year, from museums to nature reserves to scavenger hunts.
School Holiday Programs in Whittlesea
Baseline Youth Service January School Holiday Activities
‘Avatar: The way of the Water’
Tuesday 10 January, 10.30am (movie starting 11am)
Plenty Valley Village Cinema
Ages 10-18
Price $10 (including movie ticket, popcorn and drink)
Baseline for Young People have booked out a whole cinema to see ‘Avatar: The way of the Water’. Grab your friends and some popcorn and enjoy this long-awaited sequel!
Please note: this movie is rated 'M' for Mature themes.
Skate Mernda
Thursday 12 January, 11am-2pm
Mernda Stake Park
Ages 10-25
FREE event
Trying to perfect your kickflip? Scoot, skate or ride at our Skate Mernda event while enjoying a BBQ, music and fun games
No booking required!
Dragon Boat Tug of War
Wednesday 18 January, 11am-3.30pm
Whittlesea outdoor pool
Ages 13-18
FREE event
Join Baseline Youth Services for our FIRST EVER Dragon Boat - Tug of War event. Try a fun new water activity that's cool for the summer. Free lunch and goodies on the day. Get in quickly as numbers are limited
Battle of the Brains
Thursday 19 January, 2pm-4pm
Mill Park Library
Ages 10-18
FREE event
Join other young trivia buffs to answer questions from a range of categories and battle it out to become our Trivia Champion. Book now – Places are limited!
Outdoor Games
Monday 23 January, 11am-3pm
Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre
Ages 10-18
Price $2 entry
Summer is here! Join the Baseline team to explore the Outdoor splash zone at TRAC, play giant games, and much more!
No booking required
Game Jam
Thursday 24 January, 11am-3pm
Lalor Library
Ages 12-18
FREE event
Level up your gaming experience with our immersive gaming workshop. Score XP in our online games.Explore an alternative universe with VR headsets or sit back and enjoy a nice retro board game
