How to keep the children busy (and learning) this summer

Head teacher at primary education specialists, The Firs School in Chester, Mr. David Girvan, offers his top tips for keeping the children busy and learning over the summer holidays (and still having fun).

As we embrace the long summer holidays, many parents start to think about how to keep their children engaged and learning over the summer months. While it's important for kids to have a break from the academia of the school year, it's also beneficial to keep their minds active and engaged during the summer break. One effective way to do this is by incorporating learning into fun summer activities, after all learning through play is a key component of the school term. This way the kids will be having fun and continue learning without even realising it which is win-win all-round.

Here are some creative ways to keep kids learning over the summer without them knowing it: 

Explore Nature:

Take advantage of the warm weather and longer days by spending time outdoors. The children at The Firs School, love spending time in our forest learning area so take this idea home. Plan nature walks, visits to the park, or trips to the beach. Encourage children to observe and interact with the natural world around them. You can teach them about different plants, insects, and wildlife, turning these outings into impromptu science lessons. 

Reading for Pleasure:

Make a habit of taking regular trips to the library and allow children to choose books that interest them. The Storyhouse in Chester is great for this and they offer book-inspired craft ideas, so be sure to check them out. Set aside dedicated time for silent reading and consider organising a family book club to discuss the books everyone is reading. By making reading an enjoyable and social activity, children will be more likely to continue reading throughout the summer. 

Educational Outings:

Plan visits to museums, zoos, or historical sites. Many of these places offer educational programs for kids, and they provide hands-on learning experiences that can be both fun and enriching. 

Gardening:

Starting a small garden or caring for potted plants can be an educational and rewarding experience for kids. They can learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and the importance of environmental stewardship. 

Arts and Crafts:

Engage children in arts and crafts activities that stimulate their creativity and fine motor skills. These activities can also incorporate learning about history, culture, and different art techniques. 

Cooking and Baking:

It may be a messy one but involve children in meal preparation and cooking. This can help improve their maths skills as they measure ingredients, follow recipes, and understand the concept of fractions. Additionally, cooking and baking can provide opportunities for learning about nutrition and food science. 

DIY Science Experiments:

Everyone remembers the first time the science teacher made a ‘volcano’ erupt and so many simple science experiments can be created at home using household items. This can be a fun and educational way to introduce scientific concepts and encourage curiosity about the world around them.

By incorporating these activities into their summer routine, it can help children to keep learning without them even realising it. The key is to make learning a natural and enjoyable part of everyday life, so that children continue to develop their skills and knowledge even in the holidays.


The Firs School is an independent primary education specialist based in Chester and offering individual learning opportunities for boys and girls aged 0 to 11 years old. https://www.firsschool.net/