Helping Kids Keep Up with Schoolwork While On Extended Vacations
Vacations are meant to be relaxing and fun, but they can also be productive. If you’re the type of parent who doesn’t mind leaving their homework behind, then taking your child on vacation is a good idea too. It’s certainly good that children have plenty of downtime while on vacation.
There’s a lot to consider when planning a trip to make it safe, fun, and even educational. When your kids are away from school for longer than usual, there are a few things you can do to help your child with schoolwork.
Tips for Doing Schoolwork on Vacation
First, make sure you find out when your child is going to have the most free time and make plans accordingly. It’s best to begin doing schoolwork early in the morning or before the child goes to bed. You’ll also want to talk to the teacher about your plans, so he or she can help.
Second, make sure you’re keeping an eye on the deadline. You don’t want to miss out on an assignment or test. While it’s important to help your child with homework, he or she shouldn’t let it get in the way of having fun on vacation. Your child may be tempted to skip out on their homework on vacation, but you need to be sure it’s important to give them some encouragement to stay on task.
Family vacations are designed to be escapes from reality – a much-needed break from daily demands, deadlines, pressure, and routines. Sometimes, that trip to visit family or holiday getaway can’t wait until summer break. However, school-aged children have to maintain certain habits and disciplines even while on an extended vacation.
Here are a few ways to help your child stay ahead of the game when it comes to homework, even while on vacation.
Keep Ahead of the Game
Schedule a meeting with your child’s teacher or teachers before you leave school. This way, you can give them specific dates and get all your questions answered. This step demonstrates the importance you and your child are putting on their school responsibilities. Get as many assignments as you can ahead of time, that way you can manage your child’s progress when you don’t have a high-speed Internet connection or access to email. Show appreciation to your child’s teachers for taking time to meet with you and work with you to stay ahead – it’s extra work for them and it helps for you to express your gratitude for their special accommodations.
Keep in Touch
It’s important to communicate to the teacher that you want to stay informed and up-to-date. Take the opportunity when you have internet access to email your child’s teacher or by logging on to Zoom for an online class or consultation. It will ensure your privacy and stable connection during the meeting. This way, you can stay in touch about assignments, special projects, grades, etc. Keeping good communication with teachers is a good way to become your child’s advocate when it comes to school.
Keep on Reading
Don’t forget to pack a school bag – including lots of books – for your child when preparing to leave on an extended trip. Pack their textbooks, reading assignments, notebooks, and binders so they will be prepared for any assignment they are given. This can be easy to overlook when preparing for a trip, but you must have the necessary tools to keep your child up-to-date with reading assignments and other tasks.
Keep a Schedule
Your child might be feeling overwhelmed when they’re not able to finish the work on vacation. You might be wondering how you can help them stay organized when you’re not around. Thankfully, there are many ways to help your child with schoolwork on vacations. Despite how busy you are, holiday homework can be a great time to help your child focus and learn.
Whatever you vacation destination you have planed, we know you want to pack as much fun and adventure into your trip as possible, but don’t neglect the necessary habit of keeping a daily homework schedule. Plan a time each day (before dinner, after dinner, etc.) when your child can tackle their homework and reading. Make sure you encourage their focus and best efforts. This can be hard with many other fun things to do, but keeping a strict schedule for homework will guarantee that they stay current with work and projects.
Keep Going
It can be difficult to force yourself back into the real world each day to keep your child on track with school, but short, daily periods of homework are certainly better than the pile of stress and make-up work that accumulates when you neglect schoolwork while on vacation. Encourage your child to keep up the good habits – and the good work – and he/she will benefit greatly.
