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As the 3rd school term comes to an end, parents may find themselves conflicted as their kids come home on the last day of school, report in hand with a slightly concerned look on their face knowing that they may not have done too well.
But teacher and co-founder of Step-Up education Cindy Glass says that “whether your child is in Grade 1 or Grade 12, whether your child is struggling or an achiever”, she recommends that "schoolwork take a vacation with your family this October!”
According to Cindy, here’s why:
1. Our kids are under so much pressure
“Let’s look at the pressures of modern schooling: Learners are bombarded, non-stop, with tasks, assignments, homework, tests and exams. On top of this, they have sporting and other cultural activities which keep them busy - often until late into the afternoons and even on weekends," she says.
“Grade 12 learners have had the added pressure of trial exams. It is just go, go go with no time for rest!”
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2. Our kids are exhausted
“It is so easy to fall into the ‘need-to-do-more, need-to-work-harder’ trap at this time of the year. It is a trap because the idea of adding more pressure, more stress and more work to learners who are already exhausted is completely counter-productive," explains Cindy.
“In fact, in my experience, it could even lead to a disastrous fourth term!“
3. Our kids are burnt out
Cindy suggests we consider the symptoms of burn-out in children: unusual aggression, tearfulness, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, apathy, rebelliousness, depression, low self-esteem, recurring infections and illnesses, impaired concentration and anti-social behaviours.
“Our children are not Duracell bunnies whose batteries can be replaced whenever they run out of energy or burn out!"
And burnt-out child cannot learn effectively, and even less so, with added schoolwork.
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4. Our kids need to rest and relax
“As South Africans, we love to braai on warm summer evenings. We are experts at building the perfect fire! We all know that adding piles of charcoal or wood onto the fire without allowing it to breathe and grow would be counter-intuitive," explains Cindy.
“The same can be said for our children. They need space to breathe, to relax and to engage in activities that make them happy, that are uplifting, fun and exciting."
Thus, parents should give their kids a bit of a break as we conclude the 3rd term, as this will more than likely result in their children being happier, and maybe even improve their grades. Cindy suggests that parents consider the rewards of a happy, relaxed and rested child:
“The brain can breathe! The mind has space to take in information more effectively! Learners will have more energy and experience an improved ability to concentrate and retain new information. Taking a complete break these holidays can only have a positive effect on your child. Just imagine what a rested, relaxed and happier child can achieve in Term 4!”
Read more:
- Printable: Holiday packing checklist for baby
- African girls don't suck at maths and science
- Matric exams 2017! Here's all you need to know
Do you often find yourself conflicted when your kids bring home their school report just as the holiday arrives? Tell us by commenting below.
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