Your young ones will be taking a well-deserved break from school over the holidays, but a week away from classes doesn’t have to mean a week away from experiencing and learning new things. Here are some fun and enriching school holiday activities that you can do with your preschooler in Singapore to keep them entertained and spend some quality bonding time together.
1. Experiment with science at home
Learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom, and in the case of DIY science experiments, learning can also happen right in your kitchen!
Fun science experiments can be done with items and ingredients you already have lying around the house, and are a wonderful way to introduce your child to the magic of physics and chemistry. With just some sugar and food colouring, you can demonstrate the density by making this rainbow in a glass. Learn more about chemical reactions with baking soda and vinegar which can be transformed into an erupting volcano in this explosive experiment, or explore Charles’ Law with some candles and two bowls!
2. Embark on a nature trail
After weeks of studying and working indoors, taking a hike in one of Singapore’s beautiful nature parks is a perfect chance for you and your young ones to get some fresh air.
Not only will you get some exercise in, but you can also take the time to explore and learn about nature and our local flora and fauna! Urge your little ones to keep an eye out for special specimens around you, such as the clouded monitor lizard or the bird-nest fern, or learn more about the life cycle of plants by examining a dipterocarp seed!
3. Get creative with arts & crafts
Let your child’s inner Picasso run free during the holidays! Arts and crafts are an incredibly important part of your child’s development — allowing them a space to express themselves and make something by themselves is an invaluable experience.
Such projects are a perfect example of Crafted Play™, an essential part of the unique curriculum at MindChamps PreSchool. By engaging children in fun, hands-on activities, Crafted Play™ allows children to explore and experiment while promoting positive learning outcomes.
Whether as a decoration for their own rooms or as a handmade gift for someone else, an arts and craft project is one of the best things to do with children over the Singapore school holidays as it helps build their self-esteem, allowing them to take pride in their creations. From Paper Plate Dream Catchers to Egg Carton Turtles or tie-dye t-shirts, these activities will also encourage your young one’s creativity and fine motor skills.
4. Cook up a delicious meal
One of the simplest ways to bond with your children over the school holidays is to cook with them. Involving them in an activity that is so central to our lives gives them an opportunity not only to cook some yummy meals, but pick up essential lifelong skills along the way.
Working with your children in the kitchen creates special situations where your child can learn skills like simple numeracy (in counting ingredients), language and literacy skills (in reading a recipe together, or following instructions), and begin sowing the seeds of important life skills — all while having fun together.
5. Immerse yourselves in culture, arts & history
It’s never too early to start building your young one’s cultural life! Our local museums are treasure troves of knowledge and fun experiences.
The National Museum, for example, often has programmes that are specially tailored to families with young children, with activities such as storytelling sessions, workshops, artefact hunts and more.
Take a walk through the Asian Civilisations Museum for a peek into Singapore’s rich history, visit the ArtScience Museum for interactive and awe-inspiring installations, or even pop by the Museum of Ice Cream for a sweet time learning about the history of ice cream, topped off with delicious servings of dessert.
These are just some of the exciting things you can do with your children in Singapore over the school holidays! For more inspiration on fun family bonding activities, check out our blog or e-guides today.