From The Straits Times    |

Let your child enjoy the first week of the holidays, but after that, he needs “a gradual but progressive routine of engaging in educational activities” for the rest of the break, says Alan Yip, founder of Mind Edge. He highlights ten activities that allow for self-directed learning under your guidance for Junior to have fun and pick up new information at the same time.

1. Baking or pasta-making is a great way to start. Afterwards, get him to help with the cleanup.

2. Find a corner at home to construct a make-believe mini-zoo. Your young one can draw and cut out paper animals before putting them into their “enclosures”, says Alan. “Just like in any zoo, information about each animal is needed at every enclosure. Get him to do research online or read books to come up with the data. This will boost his knowledge of animals and all that’s related to them.”

3. Conduct simple science experiments each week with everyday items. “For example, aluminium foil can be used to demonstrate buoyancy. In school, your child learns that buoyancy is based on the density of a material. But in real life, aluminium foil can either sink or float in water, depending on how it is shaped or folded. Such experiments can deepen your kid’s understanding of such concepts,” explains Alan.

4. Ask him to come up with his own study plan. Instead of you dictating what to revise and when, make him take ownership of his work. He should plan what he wants to revise during the school holidays and pick out the important points to note – a good technique to have when studying smart. When school reopens, your kid will be up to date on his studies too, adds Alan.

5. Watch a movie together. Then get him to rewrite the ending.

6. Ask him to dig up information about a different topic. It can be about anything – from dinosaurs, the Great Wall of China or the origin of hamburgers – each week, so he can wow you with facts you never knew before.

7. Redecorate his bedroom. Get him to help you paint the walls or hang a new family photo.

8. Challenge him to write his own comic book. “Ask him to fill it with characters based on your family members and jazz it up with lots of colour and pictures,” says Alan.

9. Create a family masterpiece that can be proudly displayed on the walls of your home. “Play around with different themes – get each member of the family to focus on a certain technique or idea to add to the uniqueness of the art piece. The important thing is to get your kid’s creative juices flowing,” says Alan.

10. Throw a party. This is a good chance for you to get to know your child’s friends. Host a barbecue and let him organise fun activities to entertain his pals. This will not only develop his social skills and self-confidence but will also strengthen his bond with his friends. If you have more than one child, put the eldest in charge of the planning, as well as looking after his younger siblings during the party. “This will develop his leadership skills and sense of responsibility. And when he is recognised and appreciated for a job well done, his self-esteem will get a boost,” notes Alan.

This article was originally published in Simply Her June 2014.