3 ways to make learning fruitful over the school holidays

From structured revision to fun educational content, here’s how low-pressure learning can yield fruitful results over the school holidays.

By Felicia Chua

School holidays are the perfect time for children to recharge while continuing to learn at their own pace in the absence of their day-to-day school routine. By mixing structured revision materials with fun educational content, self-directed learning can be engaging rather than monotonous. Here are some ideas on how to do so.

Holiday revision prep

For pupils taking the PSLE this year, time is of the essence, and every revision session counts. The month-long school holiday is the best time to catch up on school work, be it finding ways to bridge learning gaps or targeting areas of weakness. For structured exam preparation, the English PSLE Revision Guide strengthens understanding and PSLE readiness through step-by-step explanation of not just one but all sections tested. Gain comprehensive exam practice with online audio clips for Listening Comprehension, Reading, and Stimulus-based Conversation, as well as specimen exam papers based on the latest MOE syllabus for exam confidence.

Explore STEM subjects

With a growing emphasis on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in Singapore, it’s a good practice for children to explore these specialised fields in their free time. Apart from sparking interest, it is fairly important for children to gain a basic understanding of why STEM is in demand, as well as how it relates to everyday life. Through educational comics, mini experiments, and articles that prompt critical thinking, The Young Scientists (Level 1 – 4)/ Smart Mathematicians (Lower/ Upper Primary) 2025 Collector’s Set simplifies complex concepts to introduce STEM topics at their level of understanding. Designed to support the latest MOE Primary Science and Mathematics syllabi, these two bestselling children's comic series are also supplemented by practice worksheets, exercises, and quizzes to review learning.

Recreational reading

Not all learning has to revolve around academic-based resources like textbooks. When it comes to languages, reading is a tried-and-tested way to pave a solid foundation in literacy across all ages. Not only does reading boost vocabulary acquisition and correct grammar usage, speculative fiction, such as fantasy or sci-fi, is also a rich source of inspiration for creative writing. For an immersive read, The Edge of Glass #1: A Dance of Lies draws readers into an otherworldly universe fraught with intertwined tyrannies and buried truths. Forced to spy at a deadly royal gathering, Vasalie finds herself caught between rival kings. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she’s willing to damn in the process.

For younger children, board books with simple stories and hands-on elements like The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Park are perfect for imaginative play and tuning fine motor skills as well. Join the very hungry caterpillar on his nature walk, read the rhyme, and turn the magic wheel to reveal a secret picture!