I have been really starting to plan for our holiday in September now. I know that it sounds silly because it’s still so far away but the truth is with three adults and three children, there is a lot of planning involved and even more so when you are heading somewhere like DisneyWorld. It’s tough to organise everything and I know for a fact that I won’t be able to do much over the summer holidays while trying to maintain the blog as well… I just can’t do it all and have a happy family.
So, organising now is essential.
One of the things that I have been thinking about it how to help Roo keep up with his KS1 work because he will be going back to school to start year 1, then leaving for nearly 3 weeks! It’s quite a chunk of school time and though I have no problem with that, I would like to be able to utilise the things that we do at DisneyWorld, Universal and SeaWorld to help support his learning, bit like when we learn little things about the animals at the zoo (he can give you a pretty thorough run down of endangered animals and extinction, why it happens and what it means).
I’ve been having a look around and something that was recommended to me by a friend is trying out educational quizzes on the computer or his iPad. A place like Disney requires daily down time because there are going to be so many nights when we just won’t be in bed until after 11pm, which is not something that is a common occurrence for my kids. They are in bed by 6.30/7pm every night (usually so I can splay out on the sofa and think about how productive I could be if I *just* had the energy!) which means that they will be exhausted so the plan is to have at least 2-3 hours in the mid/late afternoon to just lounge by the pool, sleep in the buggy or chill out in a bar/cafe somewhere. I know for a fact that Roo will ask me for stories and his iPad at this point, so we will be taking it with us and I will also have my laptop to do some work, even though it will be minimal.
I love the idea of uploading educational quizzes that are relevant to his schooling – so many apps (most of which he has or has tried out) are all about one aspect like phonics or basic maths, but these quizzes include everything that could be relevant to do with KS1 (year one learning stage). In fact, it doesn’t matter what stage your kids are, every key stage has a subsection, so you will be able to support their learning while away for whatever reason, and if you just ask the teacher what topics they will be covering whilst away you can alleviate the pressure on them too. Think of it as homeschooling on holiday – it doesn’t feel like work, it doesn’t feel like you’re doing stuff to educate your child, but with every passing minute you ARE! By the time they are ready to take IQ tests, everything you’ve done will make a difference!
I have been having a little look and I’m super excited to incorporate some learning while we’re away. Our visit to SeaWorld will be wonderful for quizzing through the Science section (as will Animal Kingdom at Disney) and Epcot will just be fantastic for Geography. This is why I’m so passionate about allowing kids to go on holiday! There is no reason why a child can’t continue their learning whilst away, and chances are they will learn A LOT more than just at school for those two weeks. I remember my mum taking a learning journal with me and that is exactly hat I’m going to do with Reuben… who knows Toby may wish to join in too.
I’m really excited about this trip – it’s been a lifelong dream for me for so long – and I’m excited about helping the kids to learn as much as possible while away.
Have you ever tried out educational quizzes for your kids?
H x
Educational quizzes are a great idea instead of cartoons.
Ah how amazing that you will be visiting Disney Land! They will sure enjoy themselves and also learn things too! I took my girls out of school for 3 weeks last year to visit Thailand
Thanks lovely! Thailand… WOW!!
No kids yet but I think it’s a lovely idea to use the holiday to teach your kids even more. They say when learning is fun it becomes easy
Thanks Anosa 🙂
I got mid way through reading this and my mind went into Disney overload! Im such a huge Disney fan you will have an amazing time, its the most magical place on earth 🙂
Ohhhhh I can’t wait. Life. long. dream. So frigging excited it’s unreal!
Educational quizzes are a great idea to keep little ones interested in learning during the holidays. Hope you all have a lovely vacation! X
Nothing wrong with planning months before the trip. It’s definitely fine, especially with the number of vacationers. Excited with this – learning whil having a vacation!
Kids have curious minds and its good to keep them busy with educational toys and quizzes or sometimes take them out to fun places like museums or theme parks or just educational places. I always encourage my sister to take my nephew out and explore!
I think children (and adults!) learn loads simply by traveling and having new experiences. I hope you all have a lovely time away! 🙂
I completely agree with you re: kids learning whilst on holiday and family time is very important too:) The app sounds great and perfect for your time in Orlando
What a great idea! I’m a firm advocate of the fact that holidays can be educational too and it sounds like you are approaching it in a really good way. I’m sure you’ll all have a blast and learn loads too!
This is a great idea we are signed up to Reading Eggs with our school which i think is similar.
I think this is a great way to keep the lessons going while they are out of school. The kids will probably retain a lot of the information because of how fun Disney World is.
I think it is a great idea to take children on holiday because what better education than seeing the world around them. Plus the quizzes will come in handy!
It sounds like you really have some fantastic ideas planned, I think I learned best when I was having fun and doing things like this. x
I can’t wait for my girls to be a bit older to take to Disney World! I’m sure you will have a fab time x
Ahhh it’s going to be so much fun!
Oooh what a fab idea! Not looked into educational quizzes but will do now!
Thanks Talya 🙂
i remember doing those bbc bitesize ones growing up. they were really good back then
I remember them too Nicol, they were so helpful!
It’s good to see that there are so many great options when it comes to home schooling. Have a great holiday!
Thanks Dannii!
I have downloaded a few educational quizzes and games on the iPad, T liked them for awhile, but now prefers to play the non-educational games like “My Little Pony” 🙁 x
Haha yes it is a case of finding the balance isn’t it!?
Erin is too young for anything like this at the minute but I would love for her to learn while we’re away exploring somewhere new on holiday.
John and I got married in Florida 3 years ago and went to all the parks. Have you been before?! Feel free to email if you want any advice/ info on anything I might be able to help with 😀
I’m always amazed by how much my girls come on when I do some home schooling – there is definitely something to be said for not competing with 30+ other children for attention. September will be here before you know it so well done for planning ahead!
Oh absolutely Helen! You are so right 🙂
I am excited for you. I would love to take the kids to Disney World when they are older.
Thanks so much! I can’t wait!