Here at SchoolOnline we often get asked by parents about how they can support their child’s studies over the Christmas period.
We have 6 top tips for you on this topic that will come in handy as 2021 draws to a close.
How you can support your child’s studies over Christmas
Of course, Christmas is a time for family and is often a welcome break from the pressures of work and study. However, there is the question of whether or not school age students should continue to study over the Christmas holidays or enjoy the brief time they have to relax.
The reality is that most students are likely to take a step backwards in their learning if they haven’t taken the opportunity to study at least a little over Christmas. This can be disappointing for both parents and children, but it doesn’t necessarily mean being stuck at a desk with textbooks and pie charts all holiday.
Here are a few tips to help your children make the most of their free study time over Christmas, while still being able to enjoy their break and the festive season. Like all things to do with education, balance is key. Finding fun, engaging activities that have educational elements to them can be a great way to support your child’s studies over Christmas without having to sit down and complete essays or spending hours on Maths questions.
1. Reading
- There are many benefits to reading for both primary and secondary school students.
- For younger children, it helps to extend vocabulary and consolidate grammar.
- You can make it fun by discussing the plot and characters, and creating alternative endings.
- For older children, it can also reduce stress and provide background knowledge on topics being studied as part of the curriculum, particularly when it’s encouraged as a pleasurable activity rather.
Did you know that something as simple as turning the subtitles on in the same language as the TV show or film you are watching can improve your reading skills?
Recent research and campaigns have even shown that turning on the subtitles while children are watching television can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading. This is a great way to also support your child’s studies over Christmas, all while watching your favourite festive film!
2. Baking
Baking is an excellent way of helping younger children to practise mathematics. But how can this support my child’s studies?
From learning how to measure portion sizes, weighing out ingredients and reading values, baking is a fun and interactive way to engage with more difficult maths topics. All this without the sense of studying.
And you still have the added benefit of having gingerbread cookies in the house!
3. Creative projects
- Fun, creative projects can be incredibly useful for supporting your child’s studies.
- Creative projects can help encourage imagination and creativity, as well as team-building and communication skills.
- For example, if your child is struggling with their spelling or handwriting, why not try writing stories about a topic your child is interested in?
- For secondary school age pupils, arts and science projects are readily available to download or access via an app to reinforce key principles across a broad range of subjects
You can also check out apps like Pinterest (and don’t forget to follow @SchoolOnlineUK while you’re there!) for creative projects which incorporate an educational element.
4. Trips out and about
- Although the impact of Covid has certainly made this more difficult seeking out places that are both fun and informative such as interactive museums, quirky art galleries and national parks can be great for learning.
- Making education fun and interactive is a key way to support your child’s studies.
- Days out as part of the Christmas break don’t feel like a school chore. This can also contribute to students becoming lifelong learners and taking a keen interest in the world around them.
5. Online learning games
If the festive period is getting a little bit busy then why not allow your children to play online learning games? They can be fun and informative and they’re especially beneficial if they support the national curriculum.
6. Downloadable activities
- Word searches, crosswords, matching games, festive and fun maths challenges can all be a great way of supporting your child’s studies without having to complete strenuous school work.
- To download your very own educational Maths and English activity pack for free check out our resource pack here.
Overall these 6 top tips have given you some inspiration about how to support your child’s studies over Christmas. These tips are all about making learning fun and allowing children an opportunity to take a break from school.
For free resources and other top tips for when your child returns to school in the new year sign up to our KS2 Study Club or GCSE Boot Camp. Get expert exam tips, revision advice and wellbeing support straight to your inbox every week. Sign up here!