5 ways to stay academically motivated and avoid ‘Summer Brain drain’/ ‘Summer Slide’

Holiday is coming! Yes, it is and I'm always excited about it (sometimes more than my children 😃)...but the question is do you have plans for your children this season?

Much as it is a good time to take a break from academic work, it is said that NO classroom work particularly during the long summer holiday leads to ‘summer slide’ or ‘summer brain drain’. This means that students may lose some academic progress made over the previous school year. Hence, students need to stay continually motivated but in a relaxed way. 

Here are my 5 tips on what to do this summer:

1. Watch movies, cartoons, documentaries, YouTube videos or podcasts that relates to your interest:

During term time, it might be difficult to find time to watch movies and videos of interest hence it is only wise to maximise the holidays. If you love interior designs, sports, arts and craft, fashion, makeup artistry or cooking, watch documentaries or videos to horn your skills and increase your knowledge. You could also attend summer classes for this.

2.  Volunteer your time with a company:

Be it a Not-for-Profit or For-Profit organization, always try to do things that would align with your current or intended field of study and that would enrich your college applications and CV. Apart from the skills you would get, you could also earn some money. You could decide to dedicate 2 to 3 weeks of the entire holiday for this. 

This is particularly useful for Pre-University/University Students.

3. Read Motivational books and take notes:

Read Books on Leadership, Money Management, Etiquette, Healthy relationships etc. I am a strong believer of learning beyond classroom walls. I’d strongly recommend the book titled ‘BEYOND CLASSROOM WALLS’ for the more mature students (Years 7 to 12 including University students). It is an 8 'chaptered' book and workbook that hinges on the following topics –

·         Study Skills - From Organisational skills to Note taking skills, Test & Exam taking Skills and stress management skills…

·         Skills Employers Seek – Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership & problem-solving skills, use of technology skills to the soft skills…

·         Self-discovery - Understanding your temperament (Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy and Phlegmatic) in line with choosing your careers…

·         Understanding your Values, Interests, Skills and Ambitions (V.I.S.A to Career Success)

·         Social Graces/Etiquette - Focusing on your deeds, discuss, dressing & deportment …

·         Success Principles for college and beyond e.g. Time Management, Goal setting, Right relationships, Financial literacy, Excellence, Honesty & Integrity etc.….

·         Basic life skills focusing on Self Esteem, Assertiveness, Refusal & Negotiation Skills, Decision making…

·         Significant living - Living to make an impact…

                      

It’s a must read for highly ambitious students. For your orders, please call - +234 803 771 8155. E-copies are also available.

 

4.     Prepare ahead for standardised tests or College entry-exams:

By this, I mean exams such as SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, JAMB etc. Much as it’s your holiday, you could dedicate some time to take a practice test for 30 minutes a day. Familiarize yourself with the marking scheme and timelines. This is particularly for those moving into the final year. The same principle applies for those moving into Year 7 or 10. At this point, final year students should also have an idea of their post-secondary study destination to enable them know the tests to take/prepare for. Try as much as possible to keep the brain engaged and exercised on your own terms.

5. Travel if you can and above all... have fun!

Travelling is a great way to get exposed and learn about other cultures. It is also necessary to have travel history which increases your chances for student visas when the time is right. Start with travelling to Ghana if you may. Take pictures, spend quality time with family and friends. If you can learn a language, please do so. Some people attend summer camps which is equally good. But above all, HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER!

There goes my 5 tips on staying ‘academically’ motivated during this summer holiday.

Please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp on +44(0)7496854781 for clarification on your child’s post-study destination exams, summer camp ideas or any incidental question.

Yours in inspiring educational excellence,

Yejide