School holidays at home (during circuit breaker)
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I posted the list below on another thread recently, in reply to someone with kids 11 and 13yrs, but I thought they might be useful here. Zac’s mum also posted some activities - maybe you can repost them here too? Parents may like to have them in one place starting tomorrow!
You can try out some of the ideas below. Some won’t interest them at all, and that’s OK. Some will interest them enough that they can do them over several days or even weeks. Just pick a couple for each day.
Some ideas:
- Reading. You can probably sign up to borrow ebooks online, no need to wait till the libraries open again. Look for recommended reading lists (lots of them online if you google) for their age groups or interests.
- Writing. You could ask them to write poems, stories, journal, comics, etc. There are lots of writing prompts and ideas online if you google. They could write a script with friends (over video call), and make puppets so they can act them out to each other.
- Crafts. Besides the obvious drawing/painting on paper, etc, what about digital art? Or sewing or photography? Or making a digital scrapbook or photobook? They could make something digital to send to their grandparents or cousins.
- Cooking . Initially, you probably need to get them to just plan independently, but only actually cook when you are free to supervise. When they gain competence, you could let them do more unsupervised.
- Nature/science. They can’t go out much, but they can go out a little bit nearby. They can do a project on the plants they find, or the birds/insects they see. Get them to take photos, then research online, and write something. Look up "kitchen table" experiments that kids can do with common household items. Get them to research natural phenomenon. My kids were used to my telling them "why don’t you find out more?".
- Logic/maths/word puzzles, brain teasers. You can google for these too. They could design their own puzzles and share with friends.
- Music. Play an instrument they already have at home. Learn some new songs. Write a song.
- Exercise/movement. Find some online videos that they can exercise or dance to.
- Online games with friends. My kids tell me that there are quite a lot of games to play over video calls these days. Set up "play dates" with other kids, but set clear time limits and rules first.
- Virtual "trips". There are quite a lot of videos about different places, museums etc. Or just pick a random city, and ask them to find out 5 interesting things about it, and have a show and tell session.
- Projects that combine several of the above. For eg., my daughter did a Lord of the Rings type project (medieval history, knights etc) when she was around that age. She read the books, designed a coat of arms, collected info about their castles, weapons, clothing, musical instruments, etc. I think we tried to make some cake or food (can’t remember now as it’s nearly 10 yrs ago).
That should be enough to start with! -
slmkhoo\" post_id=\"1973864\" time=\"1588555435\" user_id=\"28674:
These are all great tips! Now is the best time to be with family and make a fun memories together. :celebrate:
I posted the list below on another thread recently, in reply to someone with kids 11 and 13yrs, but I thought they might be useful here. Zac's mum also posted some activities - maybe you can repost them here too? Parents may like to have them in one place starting tomorrow!
You can try out some of the ideas below. Some won't interest them at all, and that's OK. Some will interest them enough that they can do them over several days or even weeks. Just pick a couple for each day.
Some ideas:
- Reading. You can probably sign up to borrow ebooks online, no need to wait till the libraries open again. Look for recommended reading lists (lots of them online if you google) for their age groups or interests.
- Writing. You could ask them to write poems, stories, journal, comics, etc. There are lots of writing prompts and ideas online if you google. They could write a script with friends (over video call), and make puppets so they can act them out to each other.
- Crafts. Besides the obvious drawing/painting on paper, etc, what about digital art? Or sewing or photography? Or making a digital scrapbook or photobook? They could make something digital to send to their grandparents or cousins.
- Cooking . Initially, you probably need to get them to just plan independently, but only actually cook when you are free to supervise. When they gain competence, you could let them do more unsupervised.
- Nature/science. They can't go out much, but they can go out a little bit nearby. They can do a project on the plants they find, or the birds/insects they see. Get them to take photos, then research online, and write something. Look up \"kitchen table\" experiments that kids can do with common household items. Get them to research natural phenomenon. My kids were used to my telling them \"why don't you find out more?\".
- Logic/maths/word puzzles, brain teasers. You can google for these too. They could design their own puzzles and share with friends.
- Music. Play an instrument they already have at home. Learn some new songs. Write a song.
- Exercise/movement. Find some online videos that they can exercise or dance to.
- Online games with friends. My kids tell me that there are quite a lot of games to play over video calls these days. Set up \"play dates\" with other kids, but set clear time limits and rules first.
- Virtual \"trips\". There are quite a lot of videos about different places, museums etc. Or just pick a random city, and ask them to find out 5 interesting things about it, and have a show and tell session.
- Projects that combine several of the above. For eg., my daughter did a Lord of the Rings type project (medieval history, knights etc) when she was around that age. She read the books, designed a coat of arms, collected info about their castles, weapons, clothing, musical instruments, etc. I think we tried to make some cake or food (can't remember now as it's nearly 10 yrs ago).
That should be enough to start with! -
I have seen several lists/suggestions floating around various SG parenting websites.
I have also seen various wonderful suggestions on other countries’ homeschooling websites. Some parents in countries with less structured HBL systems have also done lists/suggestions and posted online.
These can all be easily found by doing a web search. I won’t re-post my earlier suggestions here cos can’t find it & not much free time haha.
Personally, I will allow my P4 kid to do his own self-directed learning during his May holidays. He has various hobbies that can go quite in-depth. I have also signed up for some university distance learning courses at Coursera. These I will co-learn with him in my free time since both of us are keen on some shared topics of interest.
We do plenty of family bonding thru watching movies & also keep fit via Wii Fit games and daily Tabata workouts.
For primary school kids, (yes even P1 kids) I believe they should be given a voice & choice over what & how they want to plan their holidays. Empower them to brainstorm a list of areas they wish to explore, research for related activities they can do, and then present you (the parent) with a monthly plan/weekly plan/daily timetable. Be open to discussion & be flexible to changes also.
It’s a good chance for the kids to learn independence & maturity in planning their own learning. Don’t limit them or your family to only school subjects. That’s too short-sighted. OYK said stay curious, I think there’s value in looking outside the box, especially when given “free time” to explore. -
I was doing Math with dd2 yesterday and I find it quite interesting actually as I m learning too. I told dd1, the qns I avoided since young and during dd1’s time … I finally appreciate it more! So I plan to do Math with dd2…
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zac's mum\" post_id=\"1973888\" time=\"1588561830\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1973888 time=1588561830 user_id=53606]
zac's mum, you are going to do you online uni course with your P4 :yikes: or your dh?.. my dd1 will sometimes just read on what laying on table while waiting for her printout and she says I don't understand, I don't understand lol..
I have seen several lists/suggestions floating around various SG parenting websites.
I have also seen various wonderful suggestions on other countries’ homeschooling websites. Some parents in countries with less structured HBL systems have also done lists/suggestions and posted online.
These can all be easily found by doing a web search. I won’t re-post my earlier suggestions here cos can’t find it & not much free time haha.
Personally, I will allow my P4 kid to do his own self-directed learning during his May holidays. He has various hobbies that can go quite in-depth. I have also signed up for some university distance learning courses at Coursera. These I will co-learn with him in my free time since both of us are keen on some shared topics of interest.
We do plenty of family bonding thru watching movies & also keep fit via Wii Fit games and daily Tabata workouts.
For primary school kids, (yes even P1 kids) I believe they should be given a voice & choice over what & how they want to plan their holidays. Empower them to brainstorm a list of areas they wish to explore, research for related activities they can do, and then present you (the parent) with a monthly plan/weekly plan/daily timetable. Be open to discussion & be flexible to changes also.
It’s a good chance for the kids to learn independence & maturity in planning their own learning. Don’t limit them or your family to only school subjects. That’s too short-sighted. OYK said stay curious, I think there’s value in looking outside the box, especially when given “free time” to explore.[/quote] -
Well done Mrs KS for learning Math with your DD2! I have been “following” my DS with his Math and actually, their new primary school syllabus is more interesting & step-by-step foundation building (compared to our time long ago). I really like their new Math syllabus.
It is just some simple Uni certificate, not a full graduate course. And it is in the area of Science, which we are both interested in (yes DS and me). No complicated formulas or calculations, mostly general knowledge kind of things.
He is also writing some Minecraft/Roblox ebooks as his hobby. And creating playlists to listen to on Spotify (since I limit his passive video watching). -
zac's mum\" post_id=\"1973919\" time=\"1588571262\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1973919 time=1588571262 user_id=53606]
That's a nice thing to do with your son! Your ds sounds like a more hands on, tech kid..who will teach him the first step or do the intro to catch his interest?, usually you or your dh? I m not a tech person or an active mom..so in a way I feel mine, ah well... so they got to do the catch up on their own lor..
Well done Mrs KS for learning Math with your DD2! I have been “following” my DS with his Math and actually, their new primary school syllabus is more interesting & step-by-step foundation building (compared to our time long ago). I really like their new Math syllabus.
It is just some simple Uni certificate, not a full graduate course. And it is in the area of Science, which we are both interested in (yes DS and me). No complicated formulas or calculations, mostly general knowledge kind of things.
He is also writing some Minecraft/Roblox ebooks as his hobby. And creating playlists to listen to on Spotify (since I limit his passive video watching).[/quote]
yeah, I do hope I could spend some time with dd2 on her Math this coming hol ..just hope first hehe.. -
MrsKiasu\" post_id=\"1973921\" time=\"1588572842\" user_id=\"43981:
Yes he is quite hands-on & curious. Likes to explore his own interests. Eg if he wants to know how certain things work, he will ask & ask until he finds the answer/solution. He is extrovert so he will come & discuss with us & we know his interests.
That's a nice thing to do with your son! Your ds sounds like a more hands on, tech kid..who will teach him the first step or do the intro to catch his interest?, usually you or your dh? I m not a tech person or an active mom..so in a way I feel mine, ah well... so they got to do the catch up on their own lor..
yeah, I do hope I could spend some time with dd2 on her Math this coming hol ..just hope first hehe..
So the first step is initiated by him (or we spot his interests). Then we help guide him how/where to find resources/activities that can go more in-depth. Eg from initial interest in Minecraft...I found DIY kit that can build his own “computer”, installed with free basic Minecraft game, after he’s bored with the game, he turned to reading library books about Minecraft, then use his Lego figurines to act out a fictitious story, then now want to write it down into an ebook. Using Microsoft Word so learning typing & computer skills also. -
MOE has sent us primary school parents this “kit” of suggestions for the May holiday suggestions. IMHO I think it’s quite good. I didn’t have such a good view of their previous HBL “kits”.
https://www.moe.gov.sg/docs/default-source/document/parent-kit-on-home-based-learning/parent-kit---school-holiday-edition.pdf
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