The Sunday News
Charles Dube
HOLIDAYS are the best time for students to pick up or perfect important skills that are not typically taught in schools. But, this is not compulsory for learners, parents and guardians to follow. Many parents and guardians have decided that the holidays are the best time for the learners to catch up on subjects where they face challenges. Realistically, we have to accept that we are living in the times of extra lessons. Learners not going for extra lessons feel insecure when sitting for examinations.
The question which comes to mind is: “Have parents and guardians lost faith in the formal education of their children?” At times it is very difficult to tell between the holidays and school days as learners are always on the road carrying satchels to learn this subject or that. Some formal schools are carrying out these extra lessons to cover up on needy areas at a reasonable charge compared to informal set-ups. All this shows that all these people are prepared to go an extra mile for the success of their children.
The good part about these activities is that nobody is forced to undertake them, but, it depends on affordability. If partakers in this can afford, who are we to decide otherwise? However, as long as learners are into extra lessons there is no room for perfecting skills that are not taught in schools. There is little time to do all this as learners might suffer from burn out. Some experts say: “Students should utilise the holiday by learning new skills.
“They can take computer classes, enrol for driving lessons and volunteer in public institutions like hospitals or private homes for children or the elderly. It is also a good time for them to assist their parents with home chores or any other manageable work. The latter part was the order of the day in the past. Learners knew that with schools out they were to immediately report home especially in rural areas to assist with home chores.
Parents or guardians are also encouraged to reduce on the amount of time children spend watching television, while watching out for the kind of materials their children watch on television. Parental guidance is more important during the holiday season. What is your take on this one? Television and internet play a big role in spoiling children if unmonitored. During the holidays, learners need to be kept busy with an organised programme that covers both recreation and instruction. Those who can afford can visit places of interest, engage in sports and play games like tennis where facilities exist.
For most parents and educators, the crucial thing is to engage learners in activities that can avail them with skills. Time for play should also be created.
One commentator says: “As the old adage says, work without play makes Jack a dull boy. It is important to allow ample time for rest and leisure during the holidays. Parents, make sure to give learners rest during the holidays. Students already have a lot of work and exercise while at schools, more so with the requirements of the new curriculum.
The holiday period is the only time learners can take to cool off their brains, otherwise they will get fed up of books at an early stage. Students concur with this opinion as one is quoted as saying, “During holidays I do some chores at home. Sometimes I also go to the village to visit my relatives”. Try to keep the spirit of reading throughout. In the end balance is the key: involve learners in activities that will help them develop as individuals, but leave enough time for rest.
In deciding how children will spend the holiday, there should be constant dialogue between the learners and their parents. This helps the parents to identify their children’s interests and the necessary skills they need to equip them with. This might sound primitive but at times children also need to know their relatives who stay far from them and the only way to do this is by taking them to their villages to visit and interact with people there. This creates further bonding for the children with other members of the extended family. There is general talk of lack of unity in most families these days.
What other parents do? They take, for example, their primary school children to the library to read so as to keep their brains active. Learners need to read motivational books to boost their vocabulary and develop a critical mind. There is no better way to read such literature except when relaxed on holiday. One writer is of the opinion that children should not be handled like kings when they come home for the holidays. They should instead be helped to find how challenging the world can be for lazy people.
This parent is of the old school as he suggests that children should be taken out and engage in farming activities. Some parents prefer to give their children lessons on personality development because they fear that the new generation is incapable of handling pressure in life. Keep the children occupied for a short time with studies as this will keep them disciplined, and also prepared when schools re-open.
I hope some of the ideas presented here will help learners spend their holidays productively.
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