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Journalism of Courage
School holidays offer children a much-needed break from their regular academic routine. While it provides time to unwind, holidays are also a golden opportunity for children to engage in activities that promote holistic growth. Children can make their holidays more productive by balancing learning, creativity, physical activity, and self-reflection. This well-rounded approach ensures intellectual stimulation, emotional development, and the nurturing of practical life skills.
One of the most enriching ways to utilise holidays is through continued learning beyond the school curriculum. Children can dedicate time to reading storybooks, educational magazines, or age-appropriate novels. This enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. Online courses and interactive workshops on topics like science, language learning, or basic coding provide an engaging platform to develop new skills. These educational pursuits, when chosen based on the child’s interests, can instill a love for lifelong learning.
Creative expression is another essential component of a well-spent holiday. Activities such as painting, music, dance, and storytelling nurture imagination, enhance emotional intelligence, and boost confidence. Maintaining a holiday journal can improve writing skills while encouraging self-awareness and reflection.
Physical activity remains vital to a child’s overall well-being. Outdoor games, swimming, yoga, and cycling promote fitness and teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Enrolling in summer camps or sports programmes also encourages social interaction and builds resilience.
Holidays are also the perfect time to teach children essential life skills. Involving children in simple chores, gardening, or basic cooking can encourage independence, responsibility and a sense of contribution. Participation in community service or volunteering cultivates empathy, compassion, and an early understanding of social responsibilities.
For older children, especially those in middle or high school, holidays can be a pivotal time to reflect on their future aspirations and explore career options. Free from the demands of academic schedules, children can be encouraged to identify their strengths and interests in areas such as science, arts, sports, or entrepreneurship.
For older children, especially those in middle or high school, holidays can be a time for future planning. Free from daily academic routines, they can explore their interests, take aptitude tests, and reflect on career aspirations – be it in science, the arts, sports, or entrepreneurship. Tools like personality or aptitude assessments can help them understand their capabilities and align them with potential career paths.
Career exploration during holidays can be further enhanced through real-world exposure. Attending webinars, interacting with professionals, or visiting workplaces can give children insight into various professions and the skills they demand. Project-based learning, like building models, starting a blog, or conceptualising a business idea, can stimulate critical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. Tools such as goal journals, vision boards, or drafting a five-year plan help children visualise their future, instilling clarity and motivation.
A well-planned holiday can be both enriching and enjoyable. With the right guidance, children can use this time not just to relax, but to build skills, explore passions, and prepare for the future, making holidays a stepping stone toward lifelong learning and personal growth.
