HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES TO BEAT BOREDOM

NASRIN MASUGA • Apr 17, 2023

Here are some tips to keep your child’s mind active during the holidays

As the school holidays approach, it’s essential to continue providing support for children’s education and mental well-being beyond the classroom. Gaborone International School (GIS) recognizes the importance of investing in children’s development, and we are committed to providing them with opportunities to continue learning and growing even during the holidays.

1. Limit Screen Time

Although it may be tempting to let your kids watch TV for hours on end, it’s essential to limit screen time during the holidays. Watching TV does not allow the brain to rest properly, which can lead to fatigue and irritability. Instead, try creative activities such as house chores, painting, flashbacks to term work, building block games, or family debates on topical age-friendly subjects. This way, your children will stay engaged, and their brains will get the rest they need.

2. Get Creative with activities

During the holidays, it is easy to overspend on activities. However, being proactive and creative with activities can help prevent overspending. You can explore local museums, parks, shopping centers, and community gardens that often offer kid-friendly activities, which are usually free. At GIS, we encourage a family holiday rule that promotes at least one family activity each day. This way, everyone can get involved and create lasting memories.

3. Make Reading a Part of Their Routine

Reading is an excellent way to keep your children learning during the holidays. It continues the development of their language and literacy skills, inspires their imagination, and increases their exposure to a more sophisticated vocabulary. Encourage your children to read books that interest them and offer to read with them. This way, you can bond with your children while also improving their reading skills.

4. Volunteering Opportunities

If your child wants to make a positive impact in their community, volunteering is the right way to go about it. These programs are designed to help children develop their leadership skills, build their confidence, and give back to their community. Opportunities include volunteering at local charities, assisting with environmental clean-up projects, and tutoring younger students. By participating in volunteering activities, your child can make a difference while also learning valuable skills.

5. Summer Camp


 Summer camp is the perfect choice for an immersive holiday experience. Children get the chance to spend a week in a beautiful, natural environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Activities include hiking, camping, and team-building exercises. Students will develop their leadership skills, learn to work as part of a team, and build lasting friendships. This camp is an excellent opportunity for your child to step out of their comfort zone and explore new interests.


6. Create a Digitally Free Environment


It is important to limit the amount of time your children spend on their devices and find new and compelling activities to keep them entertained. Encourage exploration of the natural environment and imaginative play. Joining sports programs also provides an opportunity for kids to continue participating in athletics in the off-season and encourages self-confidence. This way, your children will stay active, and their minds will stay engaged.


Let us work together to maintain healthy routines, keep reasonable bedtimes, and eat healthy foods. If your children are feeling worried or missing their friends, talk about it and come up with an action plan. Plan together and schedule in some quiet times. Holidays are precious, so let us maximize them by looking for the joy life has to offer!



At GIS, we believe that children should have access to opportunities that help them grow and develop, both inside and outside the classroom. We hope that these tips will help you keep your children engaged and active during the holidays. Together, let’s continue to invest in our children’s future and help them reach their full potential.

Mindfulness

By Gaborone International School • 03 May, 2024
Mindfulness A fast-paced workplace where one is always overwhelmed with packed schedules, deadlines to meet and never having downtime, can contribute to burnout and ineffective discharge of duties. One of the ways in which this can be mitigated is by practicing mindfulness . What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is an act of meditation which teaches the practitioner to be present and not to let their mind wander. Practicing this form of meditation can bring many benefits and help reduce stress and improve memory. Through mindfulness you may be able to focus on the positive things in your life and give less energy to the things that may be harmful to you either mentally or physically. If left to its own devices, the mind will wander, and this can be a problem if you are trying to complete tasks to your full potential. If you can condition your mind to focus, you will be able to give everything you do a lot of attention, and this will help in creating the best output. The mind needs to be trained and mindfulness is a good practice to train your mind to focus on one thing at a time and give it your all. Mindfulness can be done to help you connect with yourself and your inner peace. It is beneficial to everyone; whether spiritual, religious or those who do not believe in a higher power at all. It is just a way to connect with yourself. Some experts believe that through mindfulness you will be able to accept your life experiences and work through them rather than avoiding them. You can couple this with therapy and be able to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. The beauty of this practice is that it can be done at any time, once you start getting used to the action. The easiest way to start is to find a quiet place and focus on your breathing. You have to breath intentionally and do not be hard on yourself if your mind starts to wonder, just bring yourself back to focusing on your breathing. The Benefits of Mindfulness Some of the benefits of mindfulness are that it improves mental health , it can help to reduce stress and even elevate your mood. It has been known to be used in the treatment of anxiety or depression. If you can live in the moment, it can help you not over to think situations or dwell on negative experiences. You can also control your emotions through the practice of mindfulness which can help if you have anger issues or have problems managing your stress levels. It is also helpful for lowering your heart rate because you will be breathing deeply therefore preventing health issues. The other benefits are being able to be calm in different situations and this type of focus can help you perform better at work or at school. Being able to be present allows for better performance because you will not be easily distracted and can complete the task at hand. Mindfulness also helps with creativity which can be a benefit when it comes to problem solving. You will be able to come up with new ways to help yourself and others. Furthermore, mindfulness can help you sleep better. If you are not constantly thinking about random things you will be able to fall asleep quicker and get an adequate amount of sleep which is important for mental health. According to Harvard health, mindfulness can improve physical health too, it can help reduce chronic pain and improve inflammation. In conclusion, mindfulness is a great tool to help heal your mind and body subsequently, increasing the quality of life and making it easier to handle stressful situations. Through mindfulness you can become an overall better person.

The Importance of STEM Education in Today's World

By Gaborone International School • 25 Apr, 2024
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The Role of Technology in Modern Learning

By Gaborone International School • 06 Mar, 2024
In the dynamic realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping instructional methods and the learning experience at Gaborone International School (GIS ). From early childhood to higher education, technology permeates every facet of modern learning and unlocks diverse possibilities. 1. Early Computing Exposure: In the past, computer literacy was delayed to later schooling stages, but GIS prioritises early technology exposure. Even our youngest learners engage with educational software , mastering fundamental computer skills before literacy in traditional subjects. This early exposure not only equips them with essential tools but also cultivates comfort and adaptability in the digital era. 2. Online Research Integration: The internet allows GIS students to explore diverse subjects and access academic resources beyond textbooks. Platforms like Google Scholar empower students to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. 3. Educational Video Utilization: Platforms like YouTube serve as invaluable educational resources, offering diverse content across subjects. Supervised video viewing supplements classroom instruction, catering to various learning styles. For example, science teachers use YouTube to demonstrate chemical reactions, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among students. 4. Robotics Integration: GIS' Science and Technology lab transcends theoretical learning, incorporating robotics for practical application. Students engage in experiential learning by building and programming robots, honing problem-solving skills across physics, engineering, and programming. 5. Enhanced Parental Engagement: Technology bridges school and home , facilitating smooth communication and parental involvement. Online platforms enable virtual school meetings, real-time access to academic reports, and effortless communication with teachers, strengthening the home-school partnership. In conclusion, technology has become integral at GIS , reshaping education and enriching the learning experience. From early childhood to advanced learning, technology empowers students to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
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