Educators Rose Benjamin, Oladeji Akinola, and Boye Oshinaga Urge Parents to Use Long Holiday for Skill Discovery and Personal Growth in Children

As the long holiday season approaches, educators are urging parents to let their children use the break to rest, discover their innate abilities, and engage in activities that foster personal growth.

The school year typically ends with a six-week holiday, running from July to the end of August. This period, according to experts, should be a time for children to relax and recharge before the new academic year begins.

Montessori and Early Years Practitioner, Mrs. Rose Benjamin, emphasized the importance of allowing children to enjoy recreation and relaxation during this break. She suggested that parents encourage their children to explore new skills, which can help stimulate their minds and prepare them for more academic work when school resumes.

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"In essence, the holiday should be a time for children to discover their natural talents," Benjamin advised. "Encouraging them to learn new skills like tailoring, catering, hairdressing, coding, web development, robotics, drawing, and swimming can provide them with valuable experiences."

While recommending that children engage in activities outside academics, Benjamin also advised a minimal amount of academic work, particularly for those needing help with handwriting, reading, and spelling. "Anything beyond these areas might be too much for the child during the holiday," she noted.

Dr. Oladeji Akinola, Proprietor of Topdeal College in Ikorodu, highlighted the importance of parents spending quality time with their children during the summer break. He suggested that parents should listen to their children's opinions and ensure a balanced mix of activities.

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"This approach ensures the holiday isn’t solely focused on academics but also enriches their overall experience," Akinola said. "Summer camps, whether religious or fitness-related, can provide opportunities for children to make new friends and engage in non-academic activities."

Akinola also encouraged visits to tourist attractions like Olumo Rock to expose children to new environments and experiences. He stressed the value of introducing children to vocational skills and connecting them with their heritage and traditions during the break. "Parents should share family history and traditions to help children understand their roots," he added.

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In addition, bedtime stories and discussions about future goals can strengthen the bond between parents and children. "Engaging with children in these ways makes them feel valued and understood," Akinola said.

Boye Oshinaga, CEO of Gradely, echoed these sentiments, noting that the long holiday is an excellent opportunity for children to enjoy themselves while reflecting on their academic progress and exploring new skills.

"Summer is an ideal time for children to expand their creativity by learning new things like coding through interactive platforms," Oshinaga said. "It’s also a chance for them to engage in various activities such as cooking, swimming, and traveling, which not only help them prepare for the future but also reinforce the idea that breaks are meant for both relaxation and personal development."