There is still some time yet to go before the new school year begins and you must be enjoying a well-earned break this holiday. You may choose to spend this time playing mobile games or scrolling through social media but there is also plenty to do to keep learning and having fun at the same time. Here are 5 ways you can keep your mind whirring, and suit up and shape up for the new academic year.
1. Exercise
The positive relation between physical exercise, mental equilibrium and the ability to enjoy life has been known since the time of the Ancient Greeks, when the philosopher Thales (624-548 BC) said: “What man is happy? He who has a healthy body, a resourceful mind, and a docile nature.” Did you know that Thales is also regarded by historians as the Father of Science. By keeping yourself physically active, you improve not only your mood but also your mental functioning, which leads to a happier and more motivated you.
And one of the best things about exercise is that you have so many options to choose from according to your preferences: you can go for long walks or slow jogs, ride a bicycle, or take a swim. You can do these alone if you’re a quieter sort, or with friends and family. You can join friends and family to play a sport too, from badminton to basketball and bowling. Pick whatever seems most fun to you and get out of the house and into the sun!
2. Visit a library or bookstore
Take the time to leisurely saunter up and down the aisles and pick out the books or titles that catch your eye, although it’s alright to avoid the stationery and assessment books sections if you don’t want to think about school. You may discover a new author or new genre you like that you wouldn’t have otherwise, which in turn opens up new ideas, new worlds and new perspectives.
If stories are not quite to your tastes, wander over to the non-fiction sections and choose a topic that intrigues you and that you would like to find out more about. Some of these books may be a bit dense for you, so don’t hesitate to ask your parents, your TLL teachers or the librarian for help in choosing more age-appropriate titles. Not all reading has to be from textbooks, and not all learning has to be about what is taught in school.
3. Watch documentaries or educational videos
In a similar vein, you can also choose to explore online libraries in the form of YouTube or streaming services such as Netflix and more. These online platforms are, among many other things, also repositories of knowledge. For example, you could find out more about the impact of global warming on Nature through David Attenborough’s documentaries or the history of samurai in Japan’s tumultuous Warring States (Sengoku) period.
Your parents may not like the idea of you spending so much time watching YouTube videos or Netflix in general, but they will be much more amenable if you can convince them that you are doing so for educational purposes. Even better, involve them in a discussion of what you should be watching!
4. Volunteer at a community organisation
The holidays are also a good time for you to learn more about the community organisations that look after different aspects of our society, as you will have the time to commit to volunteering and really make a difference. You can do your part with Trash Hero Singapore to keep our environment clean, or offer your culinary skills to prepare meals at soup kitchen Willing Hearts. Or if you love animals, consider volunteering with the SPCA, Action for Singapore Dogs or the Cat Welfare Society.
Giving back to the community is always a good thing, and a deeper understanding of our community’s needs will also help you to make better decisions as an adult citizen when you grow up.
5. Pick up a new hobby or skill
Lastly, all the free time you have on your hands also lends itself especially well to the picking up of a new hobby or skill. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint like a pro, or to cook up a storm in the kitchen. Maybe you would like to learn how to rollerblade. All these activities require a significant investment of time for you to learn the ropes and start to have fun, which might not be possible when school reopens and your hectic schedule resumes. So have a think about what new things you’d like to try, and set those plans into motion.
Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom and to the Next Level
It’s perfectly possible to take a break from studying without taking a break from learning. The world beyond the classroom offers a wealth of new experiences and knowledge just waiting to be tapped.
At The Learning Lab, we take pride helping our students become independent and multi-dimensional learners who boldly chart out their learning journeys.
The Learning Lab is now at 9 locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may contact us at 6733 8711 or drop us an email at enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.
