Discovery feeds development
IN a child’s world, the school holidays are a time to look forward to because they provide a welcome break from the routine of school.
Although routine holds an important role in encouraging structured learning within safe environments, sometimes children learn the best lessons when they break away from this monotony.
At the same time, adults often try to protect a child’s sense of wonder and curiosity – after all, these are vital ingredients in the recipe for effective learning.
With that being said, parents and educators can structure out- of- school learning during the holidays to encourage children to explore with the right guidance.
More than meets the eye
Children absorb new knowledge about the world around them during day- to- day activities and interactions, which is the purest form of continuous learning.
It is no wonder, then, that extensive research has proven that children apply and retain knowledge and skills better through hands- on experiences.
Interestingly, the benefits of physical, creative and exploration activities extend beyond growth in their own respect. The creative arts, for example, are not strictly about creative expression.
According to Mark Beau de Silva, facilitator and director- in- residence at The Actor’s Studio Academy, children learn to better understand how their bodies work while in the process of refining their creative skills.
“For example, speech and drama lessons teach them about enunciation, projection and using the whole body as an instrument to speak,” he says.
Younger ones may be attracted to the song, dance and fun involved in speech, drama and other performing arts holiday programmes, but de Silva feels the impact of performing arts on personal acceptance and growth is amplified among teenagers.
“Many young people with pentup emotions find the outlet they need in drama and the arts.
“With practice, they also learn to love their bodies through awkward changes, which builds confidence as they find themselves becoming less and less intimidated in front of an audience,” de Silva explains. Growing together
While some may find their place in the arts, others may be more inclined to exploration and outdoor play linked to the sciences, or sports and martial arts.
Each of these has latent developmental benefits that are key to moulding children to excel beyond academia.
“All children are different in their learning ability and personality. Let them try as many types of activities and programmes as possible to explore and identify their passion and interests,” says Wai Haw Linn, manager of an activity and learning centre in Petaling Jaya called Lara’s Place.
Learning and activity classes during the school holidays such as speech and drama class build vital interpersonal skills while providing children with platforms for individualised expression, she says.
Dance or martial arts sessions keep kids fit and alert, especially those who may not get enough exercise during the busy school term.
These programmes often involve small groups of children exploring areas that are not typically included in formal education.
This type of involvement not only expands a child’s knowledge and skills, but creates a motivating, exciting environment where children are allowed to discover themselves and their interests.
In modern education, much is said about creating well- rounded learners through holistic methods. Central to this ethos is accepting that education should not be limited to the four walls of the classroom.
Encourage children to learn from everyday life, enrol them in enrichment classes, or simply create opportunities for them to explore and grow without a bias on the type of lessons that would be useful for their future.