7 Effective Ways to Boost Your Child's Focus & Learning After the Summer Break!

As summer break winds down, the excitement of a new school year brings with it a mix of anticipation and anxiety for both children and parents. Transitioning from the carefree days of summer back to the structured environment of school can be challenging.

Engaging children in activities that help them regain focus and enhance their learning capabilities is essential. Fun and educational activities not only ease the transition but also boost school readiness, setting the stage for a successful school year.

Understanding The Summer Slide

The "summer slide" refers to the learning loss that students often experience during the summer break when they are not engaged in educational activities. This phenomenon can significantly impact academic performance. Studies have shown that children can lose up to 20% of their reading skills and 27% of their math skills during the summer months. The cumulative loss over the years can create a widening gap in academic achievement, particularly affecting low-income and minority students more severely.

Bridging the learning gap that occurs during the summer is crucial to ensure that students return to school prepared and ready to succeed. Regular reading, practicing math in everyday settings, and participating in structured learning programs can help maintain and even improve academic skills. These activities not only reinforce what children have learned but also stimulate their minds, keeping them sharp and ready throughout the school year.

In this article, we will explore various activities that boost focus and learning while maintaining fun, providing a balanced approach to your child's development!

Engaging Activities to Boost Focus and Learning 

Artistic & Performing Arts

Ballet

Ballet classes offer numerous physical and mental benefits for children, enhancing their learning in school. Physically, ballet improves flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Mentally, the discipline and focus required in ballet translate into better study habits and attention spans.

Institutions like The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila provides high-quality training, helping children develop valuable skills that boost their academic performance. The school provides ballet classes in Quezon City and Pasay, and offers flexible payment options:

• Full Programs:
  • Quezon City: ₱24,320 for 63 sessions.
  • Pasay: ₱18,620 for 48 sessions.
    
    
• Weekly Programs:
  • Quezon City: ₱1,520 for 4 sessions.
  • Pasay: ₱1,140 for 3 sessions.
    
    
• Monthly Programs:
  • Quezon City: ₱5,700 for 15 sessions.
  • Pasay: ₱4,180 for 11 sessions.
    
    
• PayGo (Daily) Programs:
  • Both Quezon City and Pasay: ₱380 per session.

Painting

Painting nurtures creativity and analytical skills in children, making it an excellent activity for enhancing their learning. Engaging in painting allows children to express their imagination while developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Understanding color theory and practicing techniques improve their ability to analyze and make decisions. Additionally, painting enhances concentration and patience as children focus on their artwork.

Art Smart Manila, conveniently located near Eastwood City and Ateneo de Manila at their Marikina studio, offers a variety of programs to suit different interests and schedules:

• Drawing Classes:
  • ₱4,800 for 8 one-hour sessions.
    
    
• Art Parties:
  • Customized quotations available upon request.

• Face-to-face acrylic painting classes are available at the following times:
  • Ages 6-10: 9:00 - 10:20 AM
  • Ages 11-70: 10:40 - 12:00 PM
    
    

Art Smart Manila also provides flexible online art courses via Zoom and Messenger, catering to ages 6-80 years old.

These self-paced modules cater to ages 6-80 years old and include a range of subjects such as drawing, calligraphy, colored pencils, and oil pastels. Check out their website for more information.

Music lessons

Learning to play musical instruments enhances cognitive development, coordination, and emotional well-being. They also help to improve memory, attention span and problem-solving, which indirectly benefit academic performance.

Programs like Musik Garten Manila provide structured music education using different instruments, helping children explore and find and develop their musical passion.

Locations include Ortigas Center, Laguna, Baguio City, and BGC Taguig. Online classes are also available.

• Ortigas Center – Unit 107 GF AIC Grande Tower, Sapphire Road
• Laguna – MGM Building, #10 Pacita Ave., Pacita Complex
• Baguio City – 3rd Floor UB Square, University of Baguio, Assumption Road
• BGC Taguig – Unit 1002, 20th Drive Corporate Center, 20th Drive, McKinley Business Park, BGC
  
  

Social and Interactive Activities

Board Games

Board games like chess develop essential cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and logical reasoning. They also enhance social skills, teaching children to take turns, handle winning and losing, and work cooperatively.

In addition, board games can help children in their school performance by reinforcing lessons taught in the classroom. For example, games like Monopoly and Number Ninjas improve arithmetic skills, while Scrabble and Boggle boost vocabulary and spelling. Strategic games like Settlers of Catan and Risk foster critical thinking and planning.

Gaming Library provides a welcoming environment for families to enjoy board games together. Located on the 3rd Floor of Uptown Mall Bonifacio, 9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila, it is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, offering a convenient venue for cognitive and social development through play.

Arcade Games

Arcade games boost cognitive skills like problem-solving, strategy, and critical thinking. They provide a stimulating environment where children can develop their ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions. For example, VR games can improve spatial awareness and cognitive function, while bowling fosters teamwork and math skills.

Timezone Philippines, the leading indoor family entertainment center, offers a variety of arcade games, VR experiences, and bowling. With numerous branches nationwide, Timezone provides a variety of activities that also contribute to a child's education. Some prominent locations include:

• Bonifacio High Street, Taguig
• SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
• Glorietta 4, Makati
• SM Megamall, Mandaluyong
• Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque
  
  

Most Timezone locations are open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, offering a convenient venue for families to enjoy educational and entertaining games together.

Coding and Robotics Classes

Coding and robotics programs enhance children's digital literacy and problem-solving skills. These activities teach logical thinking, troubleshooting, and the basics of programming and robotics, fostering creativity and innovation.

Nullspace Robotics PH offers courses such as the Minecraft Series: Coding Workshops and the Robotics Certificate Programme, which prepare children for future technological advancements. Key details include:

Minecraft Series: Coding Workshops (Ages 7 to 14)

• Duration: 2 hours per session
• Course Fees: 5 sessions – ₱6,000 or 10 sessions – ₱11,400
• Located: Uptown Mall
  
  

Robotics Certificate Programme (Ages 7+)

• Duration: 2 hours per session
• Course Fees: 5 sessions – ₱7,500 or 10 sessions – ₱14,250
• Located: Uptown Mall, Ayala Vertis North
  
  

These programs not only provide a fun and engaging way for children to spend their time but also give them a significant advantage in their educational journey.

Sports Programs

Sports programs boost focus, learning, and overall well-being in children. They also promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking, which enhance academic performance. In the Philippines, there are numerous sports programs available for children. For example:

Kaya Futbol Club offers soccer programs that develop physical endurance, coordination, and teamwork. Locations include:

• Makati City
• Taguig City – Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
• McKinley Hill
• Muntinlupa City – Alabang
• Pasig City

KMA Fitness and Martial Arts provides martial arts training that enhances physical strength, discipline, and self-confidence. Located at Salcedo Village, 104 Tordesillas, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila, KMA offers various membership options:

• Kids Membership with Free T-shirt: ₱1,850
• Muay Thai and Boxing (valid for 30 days):
  • Single sessions: Non-member ₱595, Member ₱500
  • 4 sessions: ₱1,900
  • Unlimited sessions: ₱2,900
    
    
• Jiu Jitsu / Judo (valid for 30 days):
  • Single sessions: Non-member ₱695, Member ₱550
  • 4 sessions: ₱1,900
  • 12 sessions: ₱3,300
  • Unlimited sessions: ₱3,500
    
    
• Taekwondo:
  • Single session: ₱695
  • 4 sessions: ₱3,200
  • 12 sessions: ₱4,000
    
    

These programs help children build essential life skills, improve concentration, and foster a healthy, active lifestyle, contributing positively to their learning experience.

Embrace Fun for a Successful School Year 

Preparing for the new school year with activities that boost focus and learning is vital for children's success and development. Engaging in fun educational activities helps children regain focus, enhances cognitive abilities, and fosters a love for learning.

Balancing enjoyment and learning set the stage for a successful school year, contributing to your child’s growth and readiness for academic challenges. Let's embrace a holistic approach to learning and make this school year the best one yet!