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We were planning to go for a 3 week holiday in January. Now, due to business commitments we are hoping to go a month or 2 later. If we go later the boys will miss 3 weeks school. What I am asking myself is....... is it better to miss the first 3 weeks of school or to have 2 or 3 weeks to settle into class and then go away for 3 weeks?
Any input? I need to ring the airline and beg and plead for mercy tomorrow.
I would do the latter. For DD it takes her a little while to find her feet each year so those first few weeks are important for her to settle and develop/establish relationships with her teacher and peers, as well as learning the class rules, routine etc. I think she would struggle if she missed the start of term more than if she had three weeks off later.
I would be more inclined to wait for a fwe weeks to let them settle, and make friends and then go away. Then they have the social stuff out of the way when they get back.
But , maybe ask them? If I am thinking correctly, your kids are about 6 and 8? They could make a decision like this themselves to some degree, or at least have a little input, they might have other thoughts on it all!
Thanks. I was leaning towards going later but I was also thinking that the first few weeks at school are about social stuff - they do a lot of bonding activities etc and after that it's more getting into the school work so they will miss less academic stuff if we go earlier.
Then I took your suggestion Kellie and asked them what they thought was better and they liked the idea of going later so that is probably what we will do unless someone changes my mind lol.
As a teacher my advice would be to attend school the first few weeks and then attend your holiday later in the term. Those first few weeks are so important for developing friendships, learning the new routines of the classroom, understanding teacher expectations. It sets up so much for the rest of the year. Hope that helps.
I agree. The first few weeks are crucial and students who miss out on them always feel like they're behind the 8 ball.
I think the social stuff is more important at their age. School work can easily be caught up on (you can even request some worksheets to take). Im with everyone else, start school then go. And take me with you.
We are having DS1 start Prep next year and he will go for 2 weeks then we will be off to american for 4 so he will miss school.
Have they gone to this school before? Are you more worried about the work they will miss? Maybe you could set up a skype date with a good friend or even the teacher for a quick rundown of what they have been doing so they can do some?
Have a great holiday x
One of the best learning tools for them is to keep a diary. By writing in it every day they are combining alot of different styles of learning and they become more focused of what is around them.
The start of the year has alot of things for them to learn and they are also getting to know a different teacher.
If you want them to do 'school work' give the teacher plenty of notice as the start of a schoo; year is very busy
Thanks Rivlas. I was actually thinking of making them blog their trip for school just a few minutes ago. Our librarian knows a blog site for children that needs a password to view so I was going to hit her up for the URL.
We usually know who the teachers for next year will be by the end of the year so I might be able to let them know before the summer holidays start.
~Trish~ put me on to the blog thing too, for next year when we go. I'm really looking forward to doing it with them, and it will be an awesome reminder of their trip too. You'll have to give me some tips when you're back.
Which blog does Trish use?
I just started one at kidblog but I'm sure there is an Australian based one if only I could remember the name.
I've gone back a year and i can't find it. I'll PM her.