✏️ Keep Learning Going Through Summer For All Ages ☀️📚👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Summer holidays are a great time for children to relax and recharge—but they’re also perfect for keeping key skills fresh, especially for learners with SpLDs. Whether you have younger kids or teens preparing for important exams like GCSEs, small, enjoyable learning activities can make a big difference without feeling like “school.” 🎉

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For Younger and Middle School Students 🧩🎲

• Learning Through Play: Use board games, card games, and building challenges to boost memory, sequencing, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. 🎲🧠

  
  

• Light Routine Helps: A flexible but consistent daily routine (like a “before lunch” learning activity) provides structure without pressure. ⏰📅

  
  

• Audiobooks and Storytelling: Listening to stories improves vocabulary and comprehension while relaxing. 🎧📖

  
  

• Touch-Typing Practice: Just 5–10 minutes a day helps build typing skills, useful for dyslexia and handwriting difficulties. ⌨️✍️

  
  

• Follow Their Interests: Turn passions—like fashion, trains, or cooking—into fun learning opportunities. 🚂👗🍳

  
  

• Keep It Low-Pressure: Focus on confidence-building and fun rather than perfection or formal lessons. 🌈😊

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For Older Students Preparing for GCSEs 🎯✨

As young people approach the end of their secondary education, summer is the perfect time to develop habits and skills that go beyond exams — skills that will help them succeed in further study, work, and everyday life.

• Set Personal Goals: Encourage them to think about what they want to achieve — not just in exams, but in life. This can guide how they spend their time over the summer. 🎯

  
  

• Build Real-Life Skills: Support learning that connects with daily life — budgeting, cooking, organising, or even planning projects. These build confidence and independence. 💡🍳📅

  
  

• Explore Interests Deeply: Whether it’s tech, arts, sports, or something else, summer is a great time to dive into hobbies that build motivation and focus. 🎨⚽💻

  
  

• Practise Self-Management: Time management, self-motivation, and stress relief are crucial. This might mean setting routines, using planners, or finding ways to unwind healthily. 🕒🧘‍♂️

  
  

• Connect with Future Opportunities: Summer work experience, volunteering, or exploring career options can make learning feel purposeful and exciting. 🚀🤝

  
  

• Stay Connected: Keep conversations open about how they’re feeling and what support they might need — emotional wellbeing matters as much as academics. 💬❤️

  
  

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Everyone Benefits from Small, Consistent Steps 👣✨

No matter the age, summer learning works best when it feels natural and enjoyable.

Celebrate small wins, keep things flexible, and tailor activities to what excites each learner. This way, children and teens can return to school ready, confident, and motivated for the year ahead. 🎉📈