Keep it light and balanced: a short daily reading habit, a little maths or writing practice, one creative project the child chooses, and perhaps one short course or workshop. Protect plenty of free time, outdoor play and sleep.
Why bother?
Long breaks can cause some learning loss, especially in maths and reading. A small amount of regular practice prevents most of it, and a creative project can be the highlight of the holiday.
A sample weekly rhythm
| Day | Light learning (30–45 min) |
|---|---|
| Mon | Reading + a few maths puzzles |
| Tue | Creative project time |
| Wed | Reading + a short writing activity |
| Thu | Creative project time |
| Fri | Reading + a fun quiz or game |
| Weekend | Free time, family time, outings |
Choose one creative project
Let your child pick something they would genuinely enjoy finishing by the end of the holiday:
- Write and illustrate a short story or comic
- Design a simple video game: on paper or in code
- Run a small "business" selling crafts to family
- A science experiment journal
Try our free activities for kids for ideas.
Consider one short course or workshop
A short, live course adds structure and a new skill without taking over the holiday. Good holiday picks include coding, creative writing, art and science clubs: things school does not always cover. Our free workshops are a no-commitment way to start.
What to avoid
- Hours of worksheets every day
- Packing every day with classes
- Holiday homework that causes daily battles
- Letting screens fill all the free time
Protect rest
Children come back to school sharper after a genuine break. Sleep, outdoor play and boredom (which sparks creativity) are part of a good holiday plan.
See all our courses for kids, including short courses like the Creative Writing Workshop and Bubbles & Beakers Science Club.
Frequently asked questions
How much should kids study during holidays?
A light 30 to 45 minutes on most weekdays is enough to prevent learning loss while protecting the break.
What are good holiday activities for kids?
Reading, a creative project they choose, outdoor play and perhaps one short course or workshop in something new.
Do children forget what they learned over holidays?
Some learning loss is common, especially in maths and reading, but a small amount of regular practice prevents most of it.
Are online courses good for holidays?
Short, live, project-based courses can add structure and a new skill without taking over the break.
More parent & student guides
- How to help your child with homework, without doing it for them
- The best study routine for O Level and IGCSE students
- How to use past papers effectively for IGCSE and O Level
- IGCSE and O Level grading explained
- How to choose IGCSE and O Level subjects
- Online tuition vs a tuition academy in Pakistan: which is better?
- All parent & student guides →
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.