Not literally, of course. Depending on the ages of the children, you can choose science kits that suit their needs. You can order crystal growing, geodes, science volcanoes and even slime on Amazon - choose next day delivery and your kids will have a great time learning about science in a hands-on way.
Learning isn’t all about studying from books or memorizing facts. One of the best ways to get your charges to learn something is to bring them to a cultural event like a jazz concert, dance performance, or even an art exhibition. Ask them questions to engage them with the material such as what instruments are being used, the styles of art you’re viewing, and so on. If you want to make it more academic, encourage them to write a short report after the show!
While this surely won’t work on younger children, elementary-aged kids can learn the basics of this classic game. It teaches strategy and how to think critically, something that is wonderful for young minds. Try downloading and printing some simple chess puzzles to help your charges grasp the basic moves of the game.
Kids of any age will adore this idea, though arguably, younger ones will need you to work with them. Older ones can busy themselves dreaming up ideas in their rooms and presenting them to you during teatime. Let them design their own board games and then, the real fun begins when you get to play them together. It allows them to explore their creativity while coming up with logical rules to devise the game.
Cooking is such a fun way for kids to learn! Even little ones can get in on the fun. It’s also very scientific, especially if you’re baking. You can teach them how to measure and have them follow the recipes, not to mention proper kitchen safety. Plus, you’ll have help getting food on the table and that will make everyone happy; for picky kids, encouraging cooking their own food is a great way to ensure that they eat what they make.
Reading is a learning activity that never goes out of style. But instead of commanding your charges to go and read for a spell, take them to the library and have them select a book to read. Read it too and assign a reasonable number of pages to cover in a designated time frame, then discuss it together.
And finally, one of our favourite ways to sneak some learning in with the fun is to have the kids create art. Allow them to try to imitate Mum and Dad’s painting over the mantel or devise their own artful cover for a favourite book or DVD. If you can’t handle mess from paint, allow them to design it digitally.
With these fun learning ideas to use over the holiday, kids won’t even notice they’re learning; that’s the best way to make it stick!
Register as a job seeker with Jobs in Childcare to apply for jobs and to receive information on excellent international tutor, nanny and governess vacancies worldwide.
If you are an agency then sign up to post on Jobs in Childcare to connect with the best candidates worldwide