Vacations and Homework
Parenting is a unique journey filled with challenges, joys, and endless lessons. As we strive to nurture our children, it’s crucial to adopt a holistic approach—one that encompasses their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. In this art
When we have a vacation, teachers plan for homework to engage children in vacation. There are different opinions on whether homework should or should not be given to children. I have been working in the child development field since the last 23 years and have closely observed children and their behavioral patterns. I am writing this article to share what I have seen throughout my years of experience.
These days when children are free, they are inclined towards watching screens. To lessen screen time, many parents and teachers suggest for homework in vacation. These home assignments have both pros and cons.
These assignments not only help children retain what they have learnt but also help them to practice self-discipline as they balance study and free time. They also keep children connected to their academics throughout the long break from school.
Having said that the traditional homework also has some downsides. Vacations are meant for rest, whereas homework creates stress and fatigue, reducing children’s motivation and enthusiasm for learning. Vacations are important opportunities for family bonding, relaxation and non-academic experiences which help to foster creativity and life skills. It allows children to recharge and explore interest outside of academics. Vacations allow unstructured and creative activities that helps kids to grow in different ways, which homework might restrict. Instead of cultivating a natural curiosity, they may begin to view education as a chore. A constant workload, even during breaks can negatively affect children’s mental health, give them feelings of anxiety, fatigue and pressure towards studies. Not all children thrive under structured assignments. Some may benefit more from experiential learning during the holidays such as travel, hobbies or family activities.
My experience regarding this topic is that, when we are giving less academics-related homework in long vacations like Dashain and winter/ summer vacation, children are more likely and ready to study. I might as well say that they are more “studyhungry”. Their listening, reading and writing skills are improved. Breaks really charge them for studies. They enjoy coming back to school without stress and give their full potential after long vacations.
Integrating light, engaging activities into daily life can be an effective way to enhance creativity in children. We should include activities that promote learning without formal structure such as reading for pleasure, educational games or creative projects. Children need much more than the age-old rote learning and completing piles of homework. Teaching children about day-to-day life skills is a much necessary but overlooked topic nowadays. Now this doesn’t mean children should be away from their academics for the whole time but using a healthy combination is the best choice.
Overall, I think children shouldn’t be limited to just books and copies. There are so many things that life, the world around us and the nature teaches us and vacations are the perfect time for children to learn from the outside world!
By Pooja Gautam, Principal at Sanskar Shikshyalaya, Bafal. She is trainer of Parenting Education Facilitator of International Child Development Program and author of Smart Kids book series. Along this she is esteem Member of Smart Parenting Nepal.
