Children look forward to summer vacations like their tickets to freedom. They don’t have to wake up early, follow a schedule; do school assignments or study for the next day’s tests. Relaxing during summer break is important as it allows children to recharge for the upcoming academic year. It is the best time to follow their interests and passions – finish making the art book, catch up with the neighbors or read a book that’s been waiting on the dusty shelf. The initial days of excitement, however, give way to boredom and running out of ideas to spend time. So here are some fun things to do during summer vacations –
Explore outside
If your child had to shuttle between school and house all those days, now is the time to explore nature. Children need to have some fresh air, experience the sounds, scents and texture of the outdoors and interact with the environment. Studies agree that children who play outside are happier and healthier than those who spend more time indoors.
Go stargazing
Summer is the best time to introduce your child to the night sky. Since the nights are not cold, the whole family coming together to gaze up at the sky is an enjoyable way of learning. Reading up on a few constellations beforehand can be helpful. You can also play games like “joining the bright dots” to make patterns.
Rediscover old items
The more toys they collect, the more they seem to vanish. This summer vacation, get your child involved in a treasure hunt for old items. It is fun to rediscover boxes and trunks that have been hidden away from sight. Your child might have outgrown most things but it is nostalgic to find something they haven’t remembered for years. Spend some time together to recount incidents and funny stories involving those items.
Make forts
Making forts with blankets and pillows have stood the test of time. It is something you have done as a child and now witness your child doing the same. A child develops two things through this play: figure out and create their own world, and become more independent. Challenge them to make a fort large enough to fit you and help them with the process.
Plant a summer garden
If your child likes to play in the dirt and you are looking for a project to work on, planting a garden can be the perfect solution. The key step is to choose the kind of garden that your family wants and plan accordingly. Involve your child in every process – weeding, sowing, watering – and let them reap the fruits (or vegetables) of their labour.
Conclusion: Enjoy while it lasts
Summer vacations are gone before you know it. So make sure that your child is relaxed throughout and enjoy every moment of it. Soon, she will be back in school, working towards her goals. At Winmore, one of the top schools in India, we believe in achieving dreams, developing a passion for learning, and making school a happy place.