UAE summer break: Principal urges students to beat ‘summer return’ – News

Principals, teachers recommend readings, online learning, family field trips and other fun and engaging activities to stimulate students’ minds

Headteachers in the UAE are advising students to be mindful of a “summer return” as they prepare for the upcoming two-month summer break, which will start in less than a month for most schools.

Headteachers stressed the importance of recharging through recess activities after intense study, but they also expressed concern that indulging in complete relaxation throughout the recess could disadvantage students, leading to what is often referred to as “when they are in September”. They have a “summer slide” or “summer learning loss” when they return to school.

This decline in academic ability tends to be more pronounced in older students, and the higher the grade level, the greater the degree of learning loss.

Albertha Huyser, Principal/CEO of GEMS Cambridge International Private School Sharjah, said: “To combat learning decline, there are a number of strategies we can employ. Encouraging students to engage in activities that promote continuous learning and intellectual development is crucial.”

Huyser lists three ways to keep students’ minds active:

1. Read: “Reading fiction and non-fiction books can help them expand their knowledge and vocabulary.”

2. Educational programs: “Participating in an educational program or attending a summer camp with educational content can provide valuable learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom.”

3. Online learning: “Exploring online learning platforms and resources can provide a flexible and engaging way to acquire new skills and knowledge.”

He added: “A key challenge we often face is the loss of academic motivation. After weeks of relaxation, students can have a hard time refocusing and learning. This is especially important for our students after the age of 16 because they We are at a critical stage in our educational journey.”

To address these challenges, educators encourage the establishment of clear academic goals, implement learning procedures, and provide resources and guidance to help overcome post-summer barriers.

The principal reiterated that students and their parents also have a responsibility to maintain an academic mindset and prevent any setbacks in their learning progress.

Abigail Fishbourne, Director of Learning at ISP Middle East, said: “I recommend that students continue to read about a broad range of subjects and interests, take time to document in a way they prefer – this could be writing, drawing or digital recording – and they should explore some personal interests or research topics .”

Dr. Jay Teston, Principal of Nibras International School, said: “Summer vacation is the perfect time for us to read and journal. I usually recommend these two activities to our students to prevent the summer slide. Reading our favorite books can make our The mind is fully engaged and actively imagining. On the other hand, journaling not only improves writing, but most importantly, it allows us to think critically and deeply. While our students are busy cognitively during the summer, they It’s easier to get back to school discipline later.”

They emphasize that the key is to provide a positive attitude towards learning and to make learning fun through a combination of games, puzzles and hands-on activities.

In young children, curiosity can be fostered through exploration, messy play activities, and gardening. The whole family can participate too.

“Encourage everyone with field trips to museums, parks, and other attractions. Encourage older siblings to work with younger siblings, or challenge family to learn a new skill or complete a project. It might be learning a new recipe, building a giant Lego toys or help decorate a bedroom. These challenges provide a sense of purpose, help to stay focused, and create a learning culture at home that can have a lasting impact,” said Naveed Iqbal, Principal/CEO, GEMS Metropolitan School, Motown .

The headteacher said schools could also play their part in reducing the impact of “summer break”. Institutions can provide students with fun projects with real-life applications during the summer to engage them in creative work.

Credence High School CEO and Principal Deepika Thapar Singh said: “These projects are specially designed by teachers and school leaders to allow students to apply knowledge of concepts learned in the previous term. Some children need some time to settle down and speed up. The pace of learning, while some children pick up the pace very quickly from the start.Our teachers are well trained and experienced to provide the support necessary to help students return to the school environment and the required learning pace after the summer break. “