Summer Learning Ideas to Keep Curious Minds Busy
Hi There,
When the summer holidays arrive, it's tempting to put the school books away until September. And that's absolutely fine! Children need a proper break too.
That said, a little bit of learning here and there can help keep their confidence up without feeling like they're back in the classroom. The trick is to make it fun and follow their interests.
Here are a few ideas we've enjoyed that are easy to fit into the holidays.
Pick up a good book
There's no pressure to finish a long reading list. Even 15–20 minutes a day makes a difference.
A few favourites include:
For younger readers
- The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid Blyton
- The Boy Who Grew Dragons – Andy Shepherd
- The Worst Witch – Jill Murphy
For older primary children
- The Explorer – Katherine Rundell
- Wonder – R.J. Palacio
- The Wild Robot – Peter Brown
If your child isn't keen on reading, try taking turns reading aloud or listening to an audiobook together.
Watch something that sparks questions
Not all screen time is the same. There are plenty of documentaries that can get children asking questions and wanting to find out more.
Some great options are:
- Our Planet
- Blue Planet II
- National Geographic Kids
- BBC Bitesize videos
Sometimes the conversations afterwards are where the real learning happens.
Have a go at some simple science
You don't need lots of equipment to do a fun experiment.
Try making:
- a baking soda and vinegar volcano
- a walking water experiment using kitchen roll and food colouring
- paper aeroplanes to see which design flies the furthest
- the tallest tower you can build using marshmallows and spaghetti
Children often learn more through experimenting than following instructions.
Learn something completely new
Summer is a great opportunity to explore interests that don't always fit into the school day.
Maybe that's:
- learning a few words in another language
- trying beginner coding with Scratch
- learning to cook a new recipe
- starting a nature journal
- practising photography
- drawing birds or flowers spotted on a walk
Sometimes a new hobby is all it takes to get a child excited about learning again.
Free Resources Inside The Student Shed Community
Not a member yet? We'd love to have you!
You can join the Student Shed Community for free here(click this link)
What Will You Find in The Free Community?
At The Student Shed, we go beyond traditional exam preparation. We've created an inclusive online community that fosters collaboration, growth, and ongoing support for students, parents, and teachers alike. By joining our free community, you'll gain exclusive access to an array of valuable resources and benefits:
- Live Workshops: Participate in interactive workshops conducted by experienced educators, covering essential topics from the GLAT, BJC, and BGCSE syllabus. Ask questions, engage with fellow students, and enhance your understanding in a supportive virtual environment.
- BJC & BGCSE Video Library & Downloadable Resources: Enjoy unlimited access to a selection of video tutorials and downloadable resources tailored to the BJC, and BGCSE exams. This is a growing selection and we’re adding new resources over time.
- "12 Weeks Study with Me" Course: Join our free course specially designed to provide students with structured study plans, effective study techniques, and motivation to stay on track. Let us guide you through the exam preparation process, ensuring you maximize your study time and achieve optimal results.
- "Getting Started Homeschooling" Workshop: For parents exploring homeschooling as an option, our comprehensive course will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to embark on this educational journey. Discover strategies, best practices, and valuable insights from experienced homeschooling professionals.
- GLAT Video Lessons & Worksheets: For parents who want to help their young learners prepare for the GLAT exams, we have short video lessons along with a selection of question and answer worksheets for maths and english.
Enjoy the break
The summer holidays don't have to be filled with worksheets to be worthwhile. Reading together, exploring outdoors, trying new activities and having conversations are all valuable ways to learn.
However you spend the holidays, we hope you find time to relax, make memories and maybe discover a new interest along the way.
Happy Learning,
The Student Shed Team