SingaporeMotherhood | Enrichment
December 2022
8 Fun School Holiday Learning Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten Children
The year-end school holiday is here and there is so much to look forward to, from wonderful food to simply enjoying a break from the usual routine. To make the most of the school holiday, it’s a good idea to have some activities planned to keep little ones entertained – while ensuring that they keep on learning.
(See also: December 2022: What’s In, Out, and About for Families in Singapore)
1. Do Christmas crafts
Why not get into the festive spirit with a Christmas-themed crafts session? From decorations for the tree to greeting cards or even stockings, there is a lot you can do with only a handful of art supplies. By getting creative, you’ll be helping your child to grow in confidence while they develop fine motor skills and new ways of expressing themselves.
(See also: Christmas 2022: Where to See ‘Snow’ and Get all the Festive Feels in Singapore this Holiday Season)
2. Cook together
Kids are never too young to throw on an apron and get messy in the kitchen, and they love it too. Involving children in family mealtime has many benefits. They learn how to measure and follow a set of instructions, and the experience creates fond memories for all of you. Read easy recipes aloud together before you begin – pancakes, pizza toppings and festive cookies are all likely to be a hit.
(See also: 6 Kid-friendly Plant-based Recipes to Try)
3. Plan a school holiday treasure hunt
Get the whole family involved in scavenging for treasure around the house or outdoors. Children adore this play activity, which cleverly taps into creativity, imagination, observation and problem-solving skills.
(See also: 11 Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for Everyone in the Family)
4. Read together
Reading with your child is one of the best ways to boost their language development. The key is to keep sessions short and fun and, if possible, schedule in regular, quiet time for it every day so that it becomes built into their routine. If your child finds it tricky to concentrate, allow them to choose stories that reflect their interests and keep
them engaged by asking questions as you turn the pages.
(See also: Improve Your Preschooler’s Reading Skills with These 9 Fun Activities at Home)
5. Try colouring-in books
Help your child develop desirable skills like patience, relaxation and focus with this timeless activity. Though it takes little preparation, it’s one of the most effective ways to encourage little ones to express their creativity and is also excellent for improving finger grip.
6. Play with slime and playdough
Often, nothing beats squidgy playdough or slime for an afternoon of sensory play. As children roll, twist, pinch, knead and pull at the mixture, they’ll be learning a lot more than you may expect. Fine motor skills, communication, concentration, creative thinking and problem solving are just some of the development areas that this endlessly amusing activity can support.
7. Explore nature
Singapore is not short on amazing green spaces, so why not set off on an outdoor adventure? From rainforest trails to parks and gardens, this school holiday is a great time to nurture your child’s interest in the natural world and teach them new vocabulary.
(See also: 13 Kid-friendly Nature Trails for Easy Hiking in Singapore)
8. Have fun at school holiday camps
Holiday camps are a great place for children to make friends and enjoy themselves, and also come packed with educational activities to maximise their time. A programme like British Council’s Holiday Study Camps can also help children foster skills like social intelligence and confident communication. These weekly kids camps for Early Years, Primary and Secondary levels run through December and let children explore the world beyond English and develop 21st century skills needed for academic and future success. For those who wish to get a boost in English learning during the holidays, the intensive Winter Study Camps are a good option.
This post was contributed by Singapore Teaching Centre, British Council.
Featured image: Polesie Toys
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