Playing it smart
Childcare experts tell LISA SALMON some great ways to keep kids entertained over the summer holidays while sneakily helping them learn at the same time
AS the long summer stretches before us, many parents will be wondering how to keep their young children entertained, and how to get them ready for school again – or for the first time.
The best way, say teaching and childcare experts, is to encourage youngsters to do things that are fun for them but will either be sneakily helping them to learn, or will help prepare them for school.
“My best advice to ensure your children learn and develop over the holidays is to not overthink it too much,” advises Gwendoline Sandow, a lower school teacher at ACS International School Cobham. “At this stage of their lives, children are naturally learning and growing every day – all you need to do is to try to keep their brains and bodies stimulated with a broad variety of activities, using the natural resources around you as much as possible.”
And Rachel Carrell, founder of the childcare service Koru Kids, says: “Kids learn through play. As grownups, we can join in with their playing and help them prepare for school at the same time.”
Here, Gwendoline and Rachel share their top tips for helping children to keep learning and get ready for a new school year and, most importantly, have fun over the summer... 1. Help them learn how nature works There are a range of simple tasks you can do with your child to help increase their understanding of nature, says Gwendoline. You could make a water run using recycled bottles to show them how water flows and the fundamentals of gravity.
Cut the bottle in half lengthways, with the bottom removed so the water can flow from one end to the other. Run water through the bottle and play around with the angle so your child can see how this affects how quickly the water runs. “A simple task, but great for maths and science skills, as well as motor skills and collaboration,” says Gwendoline.
You could also visit a local wood and task your child with finding different animals and living creatures. As well as encouraging them to use their intuition and to explore, Gwendoline says this can help children develop language, give them an understanding of sustainability, and also increase empathy.
2. Role play ‘school’
Role play can help children starting school for the first time prepare in a safe space, says Rachel. You can practise putting up your hand to answer questions, draw on white boards, practise sitting properly on the floor and at a table, and take it in turns to be the pupil and the teacher.
“This will build your kid’s confidence and get them learning how to follow rules and routines,” explains Rachel. “With enough role play over the summer, they’ll be marching through the school gates with enough confidence to be prepared for anything.”
3. Get creative in the garden Gwendoline suggests asking children to collect leaves from the garden or woods and make prints by painting one side and pushing them onto paper – they can then turn the prints into characters and animals.
She says: “You can also make a picture using tools from nature – make a frame out of sticks, then use leaves, grass, mud – anything – to create a self-portrait or any picture your child wants.
“As well as sparking creativity, these activities can help your child develop language skills, as they communicate what they’re making, plus fine motor skills as they refine their artistic ability.”