Learning Never Stops – Not Even on Holidays!
November and December mark the official holiday season in Singapore! It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children, as many are on a break from school. Whether families are exploring overseas or enjoying local adventures, it’s undoubtedly a season for relaxation and creating cherished memories!
The holiday seasons may take some children away from their learning spaces or the early intervention centres, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on learning and skill development. For children with developmental needs, it’s also an opportunity to integrate learning and therapy into everyday activities. Here are some ways to turn holidays into a time for skill-building and growth, whether at home or on the go.
Learning Opportunities in Daily Activities
Travel Adventures: Visiting new places can help children practice social skills like greetings, taking turns, and navigating new environments. Describe sights together to build vocabulary and encourage sensory exploration with new textures, sounds, and smells.
Cooking and Baking: Involve your child in simple tasks like measuring ingredients or mixing. These activities improve fine motor skills, sequencing, and basic math.
Shopping and Outings: Create checklists for grocery trips or holiday errands. This fosters organization, counting skills, and even communication when interacting with shopkeepers.
Making Family Time Meaningful
- Play-Based Learning: Board games and role-playing encourage turn-taking, problem-solving, and social interaction.
- Storytelling and Reflection: Share family stories or encourage your child to recount their day, helping with language skills and emotional expression.
- Mindful Moments: Use daily routines to teach gratitude and reflection, discussing highlights of the day together.
Exploring Local Resources
If you’re in Singapore, there are many inclusive activities to support development:
- Nature Parks: Visit Gardens by the Bay or East Coast Park for sensory play and gross motor skill practice.
- Interactive Attractions: Places like the Science Centre offer hands-on learning that blends fun with education.
Keep It Simple and Fun
Learning doesn’t require complex setups. Bring along tools like travel journals for drawing or writing, simple puzzles, or educational apps to make downtime productive.
Holidays can be a time of joy and growth for children with developmental needs. By weaving therapeutic practices into daily activities and family time, intervention becomes part of the fun.
Guess what? You don’t need to worry about your children stepping outside the four walls of the classroom. Learning opportunities are like treasure chests, waiting to be discovered wherever they go. The most important part is creating core memories with your family and cherishing each precious moment together.
Enjoy and make the most of your holidays!