WHILE, Waspada.co.id – The holiday season offers a unique prospect for parents to engage their children in educational activities that foster creativity and skill progress. At Merdeka Square in Binjai City, families are enjoying interactive experiences like fishing, which not only entertains but also teaches patience and problem-solving. Experts emphasize that childhood is a critical period for cognitive growth, making it essential for parents to choose activities that stimulate learning while keeping children active and engaged. By incorporating fun educational experiences, parents can strengthen their bonds with their children and ensure that holiday time is both enjoyable and beneficial for their development.(wool/ari/d1)
Engaging Educational Activities for Kids During the Holiday Season: An Interview with Child development Expert Dr. Sarah Jennings
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Jennings. As the holiday season unfolds, we hear a lot about engaging children in educational activities. Can you explain why this time is particularly important for cognitive growth?
Dr. Sarah Jennings: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The holiday season is a unique opportunity for parents to enhance their children’s learning in a fun and interactive setting.Childhood is a critical phase for cognitive development, where experiences shape a child’s ability to think, reason, and solve problems. By selecting activities that promote learning, such as fishing at Merdeka Square in Binjai City, parents can help their children develop essential skills—like patience and problem-solving—while also creating lasting memories.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! How can parents find a balance between fun and educational value in holiday activities?
Dr. Sarah Jennings: It’s all about incorporating creativity into the learning process.Activities like cooking and baking not only teach basic culinary skills but also involve math through measuring ingredients, enhancing their understanding of numbers and quantities. Science experiments using everyday household items also ignite curiosity and foster a love for exploration, as mentioned in various educational resources [1]. These experiences allow parents to bond with their children while stimulating their cognitive abilities.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned bonding—how does engagement in these activities strengthen the parent-child relationship?
Dr. Sarah Jennings: Engaging in educational activities together allows parents and children to communicate, collaborate, and share experiences. This kind of interaction not only builds trust but also makes learning a shared adventure. As they work together on projects, like crafting holiday decorations or conducting science experiments, they create a supportive environment where children feel encouraged to express themselves and explore new ideas, which is vital for their emotional development.
Time.news Editor: What specific activities do you recommend to parents looking for engaging holiday options?
Dr. Sarah Jennings: Parents can choose from a range of fun, educational activities. for instance, organizing a holiday-themed scavenger hunt fosters problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while craft projects can enhance fine motor skills and creativity. Additionally, involving children in outdoor activities like fishing or nature walks not only keeps them active but also encourages curiosity about their surroundings [2].
Time.news Editor: With many families facing the hustle of holiday preparations, how can they effectively incorporate these activities?
Dr.Sarah Jennings: It can be as simple as setting aside a dedicated time each day for family activities.Parents can plan short,engaging sessions that fit into their existing holiday schedules. Using moments like waiting for a holiday meal to cook or decorating the home can be perfect opportunities for spontaneous learning. The key is to keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable so that learning feels like a natural part of the holiday festivities [3].
Time.news editor: Lastly, do you have any tips on assessing whether an activity is truly beneficial for children’s development?
Dr. Sarah Jennings: parents should look for activities that challenge their children just enough to promote growth without causing frustration. Activities should stimulate curiosity, encourage interaction, and build essential skills—all while being enjoyable. Moreover, observing your child’s engagement and interest during the activity can provide insight into its effectiveness. If they’re excited and actively participating, it’s likely they’re benefiting from the experience.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jennings, for sharing such valuable insights. It’s clear that educational activities during the holiday season can play a significant role in children’s development while also creating cherished family moments.