The end of the year brings the relief that the busyness of the academic year can come to a halt. Parents and teachers will agree that every year seems busier than the previous year. Content, assessments, projects, tests, exams, extramural activities, extra lessons… it doesn’t take much to make us all feel overwhelmed by what gets squeezed into a year for school-going children.
The mere thought of learning or touching a textbook during the December holidays would be ridiculous to most children. However, this time provides them with an opportunity to further their knowledge of topics far beyond the scope of any school curriculum.
Creating a Culture of Lifelong Learning
If children are encouraged to be inquisitive about the world around them, learning becomes less of a chore and a task associated with school. Encouraging a child to find out more about how things around them work, the “why, what, where and when” of their environment, teaches them to explore and not just accept things the way they appear.
Being a lifelong learner creates better opportunities later in life. An employee who goes the extra mile to upskill him/herself will certainly be more valued than the one who simply does and knows the bare minimum.
Beat the Boredom
Even though we are all longing for more carefree days during the school holidays, most parents will agree that the words, “I’m bored,” will be uttered sooner rather than later! Family outings can be turned into a fun way of learning without making it feel like work. For example, encourage your child to find five interesting facts about elephants before your visit to the Addo Elephant Park. The inevitable use of electronic devices can be used to find interesting facts about their city or province before playing their favourite game. Their holiday “research” can include facts about their favourite sport or hobby and does not have to be limited to academic topics.
Curiosity might have killed the cat, but turned it into a lifelong learner first!
Chrizelle Prinsloo is the owner of Kip McGrath Education Centres, Walmer. She has a background in psychology and has taught in mainstream and special-needs schools both locally and abroad. Chrizelle is passionate about helping children gain confidence in their own abilities and about finding different ways to help them learn.
The Kip McGrath Walmer branch is celebrating its 10 th year of tutoring in 2025. Contact Chrizelle at 041 581 0812 or 081 707 9822 or send an email to walmer@kipmcgrath.co.za.
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