How to Use a Holiday to Prepare the Kids for the Next School Year

The summer holidays are a great way of getting your kids ready for the new school year. A family break to a holiday park in Cornwall can be a brilliant opportunity to prepare your children for their upcoming academic challenges. With a little bit of planning, you can use your family time to help ensure that they have all the skills and knowledge they need when they return to school in September. Here are some ideas on how best to use this valuable time.

1. Get them used to an earlier bedtime:

School days usually mean early mornings, so gradually adjust their sleeping schedule by putting them to bed a bit earlier each night in the weeks leading up to school. In addition to getting them used to rising earlier, they’ll also benefit from the extra sleep. This will help them to feel more refreshed and alert when the new school year begins. Also, be sure to eliminate any late-night TV or video games so they are less tempted to stay up too late. This is especially important when school starts. For instance, if your child is used to staying up until midnight, they won’t be able to do so once school begins.

2. Take educational trips:

One of the best ways to use holiday time to prepare for the new year is by taking educational trips with your family. Cornwall is home to some fantastic museums, you could take a tour of some of the county’s historical landmarks or even go on an educational nature hike. Not only will this provide fun and interesting activities for your children to enjoy, but it will also help them gain insight into different cultures and broaden their knowledge base. Moreover, it will also help stimulate their curiosity and critical thinking skills, which are essential for academic success. This type of learning is invaluable and a great way to get your children ready for the new school year. For example, if you visit a local museum during your holiday, your children can apply that knowledge when they begin their new school year.

READ ALSO: Rural activities and attractions in Cornwall

3. Encourage reading:

Reading is an important part of any student’s educational journey, and a summer holiday provides the perfect opportunity for your kids to practice this skill. Let them pick out books that interest them and encourage them to spend some time each day diving into a good novel or learning about something new. Reading not only encourages learning, but it will also help build their vocabulary, which is essential for success in the classroom. Also, by setting aside some time each day for reading during your family’s holiday, you can set the stage for a healthy and consistent reading habit when they return to school in September.

4. Take practice tests:

If you want to ensure that your child is familiar with the concepts they will be learning in school this coming year, then practice tests are an excellent way to ensure that they are prepared. You can find a variety of these online, or you can even purchase test prep books from your local bookstore. Take the time to go over any areas where your child may be weaker so that you can identify and address any potential gaps before school begins. For example, if your child needs to prepare for an 11+ Exam, then it would be great to get them 11+ Exam Papers found online to practice. This will help give them the confidence they need for their upcoming test. Also, by doing practice tests, they will be able to better gauge their abilities and understand what areas they need to work on.

5. Develop study skills:

Summertime can be spent brushing up on study skills that will be essential when they return to school. Have them practice taking notes, make flow charts or diagrams, and review topics they may have learned in their previous classes in order to stay current with their educational progress. You can also help your kids improve their time management strategies by having them complete assignments within a certain period of time. This will teach them how best to use their study periods efficiently so that they’re able to tackle more difficult tasks once the school year starts. Also, encourage them to ask questions and seek help from their teachers when they don’t understand something. This will not only build their confidence but also help them stay on track with their studies.

Things to do after your holiday

Find a mentor:

Another great way to prepare for the new school year is by finding your child a mentor. Having a role model or someone who can provide advice, guidance, and encouragement can be incredibly beneficial for their academic success. Look for someone with experience in the same field as your child’s studies or someone who has recently gone through what they are about to experience. This person will be able to share insights into how best to approach their courses, give them tips on studying, or even help them find resources they may need to succeed. Finding a mentor before school starts gives your child an extra boost of confidence that will come in handy once the semester begins.

Get organised:

Finally, the summer is a great time to get your child organised. Have them clean out their desk or any other spaces they may use for studying and create an area that’s free of distractions. Teach them how to create a filing system for their notes and assignments, as well as how to organise their textbooks in order of importance. This will help keep all their materials in one place, making it easier for them to refer back when needed. Also, having a designated spot for studying will ensure that they stay focused and productive during study time.

READ ALSO: Things you didn’t know about Cornwall

Preparing your child for the new school year doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By taking advantage of summer holiday time, you can help set them up for success in their upcoming classes and tests. From encouraging reading to visiting educational attractions, there are plenty of ways that you can give your kids the tools they need to excel when school starts again in September. The tips we provided here should serve as an excellent starting point so that you can begin helping your children prepare now rather than later!

Cornwall is the perfect destination for a relaxing and educational family holiday. Book a stay at our Looe caravan park today.

For more tips, guides, and advice, visit our blog.