SUMMER BREAK!

The school year is slowly coming to an end and although it has been an eventful year, it has come around quite quickly. The summer term in most schools is one of the most memorable; it is a time to consolidate learning along with preparing children for successful transitions. For teachers and students alike, it can be quite an emotional time as children say goodbye to the comfort of the routines they have become accustomed to and prepare themselves for a whole new environment and possibly new teachers and children. Teachers and teaching staff through the year, grow strong bonds with children they work with, and so despite feeling rewarded by the children’s development and progress, they equally find saying goodbye tough.

Traditionally, the summer break for all U.K. schools is around 6 weeks. Despite some reservations about this time period, this is one of the shortest holiday breaks in comparison to most other countries especially in Europe. During this time, some children tend to forget some of the skills and knowledge they have been taught during the academic year. There is much research evidence to suggest there is a ‘learning loss’ period over this time.

As an educational professional I would advocate for respite over the six week period but also encourage parents and carers to engage their children with learning opportunities throughout the summer so that they are ready for the new academic year ahead of them. Successful teaching and learning can rely on upon many different techniques and strategies; however one core approach is building up children’s knowledge by recalling on previous learning. Therefore it is important children make time to rehearse some of the learning they have had over the year and try to build on their knowledge and skills.

Here are some suggestions for parents/carers to help promote children’s learning during the summer break:

• Read (magazines, blogs, newspapers, novels, story books, information books)

• Educational games (download some educational games on iPads, tablets, phones, computers and laptops)

• Educational trips (museums, galleries, historical sites, gardens, libraries)

• Revision (weekly revision of learning from the school year)

• Summer camps (look out for summer camps with a balance between educational and fun activities for children)

• Tuition (this can be helpful for boosting children’s learning and preparing them for the year ahead)

I will end with my own metaphor that I believe to be accurate: Children and adults alike will grow the more they are watered. Follow my Instagram for more ideas and fun education activities for younger children.

@the_magic_of_eyfs

(Early Years Foundation Stage)

By Anna Pericleous Teacher and Leader of Early Years and Primary Education

www.by-suz.co.uk

@bysuzlondon

Crafted with Love.

Based in London, By Suz designs and creates hand crafted jewellery that is responsibly made. Each design is traditional featuring modern sparkly flair. With an appreciation for organic shape and beautiful colours that work well collectively, pieces are desirable, and more importantly, make you feel good! All pieces are designed and crafted by me, with love. I use precious metals and real gemstones creating luxury pieces that I hope you will love too.

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