As an educator, I have the privilege of meeting hundreds of students and many fellow educators each week. In the days leading up to the summer break, one question kept coming up in our staffroom chats over coffee. How can we keep our children meaningfully engaged over the summer?
It was a shared concern from caring parents who wanted the best for their kids.
Many of the teachers are parents and they are top-class experts in the classroom too, but when summer hits, they find themselves just as lost as any other parent. “I want my kids to rest,” one teacher said, “but I also want them to grow, not just scroll endlessly on screens.” Another colleague agreed, “something real would be great, not just more apps because we want them to reduce screen time during summer.”
So here is an effective tool which can invite exploration, creativity and routine into your child’s everyday life, without any pressure. It’s called “the learning corner” and it works!
It does not matter if you live in a one-room home or a giant mansion; you only need a small space. Imagine a cozy corner of your home such as a table by the window or a mat on the floor. It is stocked with books, crayons, a few nature finds, maybe a soft toy or two. This is not a classroom. It is a space where learning feels like discovery, not a chore. The learning corner is low-cost, flexible and works in any home. This space helps your child explore language, math, science and art in playful, self-directed ways. Most importantly, it helps your child build confidence, routine and a lifelong love of learning.
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A girl plays a puzzle game with adults. Illustration photo by Unsplash |
The real magic happens when we let the children build it. Remember not to set it up for them. Let them build it and you should play a supporting role. Let them choose the spot and let them decorate it. This gives them ownership and when kids own something, they use it. Turn this into a creative project. Make signs. Name the corner. Invite a favorite toy to “move into the corner”. You will be amazed at how much more the children engage after they have created the space.
What goes into a learning corner? You don’t need fancy things. Most materials are already in your home or available freely in nature.
A walk in nature can help discover unusual leaves and petals, twigs shaped like letters, interesting stones, seeds, pinecones, and unique sand or soil types. Rainwater samples can be collected and measured in jars. Dried herbs or spices (for smell matching games and sensory exploration are available in the kitchen. Everyday objects can also aid mathematical understanding. Dice, bottle caps, buttons, dry beans, beads, old puzzle pieces, paper clips, coins, clothes pegs, jar lids, bead necklaces can be great for developing numerical skills, sorting and counting, besides pattern recognition.
Recycled boxes, clothing tags, expired membership cards, old calendars, magazines, travel brochures, pamphlets, menus and expired coupons could be utilized for creating illustrated stories, mock travel guides or interesting new board games. Bonus materials such as a small clock can help establish the value of time and introducing mirrors and puppets can boost emotion recognition besides enhancing expression.
On the wall or nearby surface, you can add a calendar, a “Word of the Day,” or a space to display their art or questions. The goal is to make the space personal and fun-filled.
Here’s a schedule that blends learning with creativity, emotional growth and life skills.
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Read a story or watch a cartoon in English. Choose a “Word-of-the-Day” and draw a comic using it. Write or narrate an alternate ending to the story. Add the word to a Word Jar. |
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Play counting and sorting games with coins or caps. Set up a pretend shop with price tags. Introduce the idea of saving with a drawing jar. Talk about needs vs. wants. |
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Take a nature walk. Collect and classify leaves or stones. Start a “Why Board” with questions like: Why does it rain? Why do stars shine at night? Begin a daily science diary. |
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Create an artwork showing “How I Feel Today.” Make a dream poster with recycled materials. Build a robot, a creature or a mini city from boxes and wrappers. Host a mini gallery. |
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Quiz each other using the week’s words and facts. Play charades or scavenger hunts. Post 3 drawings or ideas on a Gratitude Wall about things learned or enjoyed. |
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Take on a fun challenge: build a paper tower, solve a riddle or create a toy maze. Invite siblings or friends to help. Develop teamwork and communication. |
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Talk about the week. What was fun? What was tricky? Draw a vision card for next week’s goal. Try 5 minutes of quiet thinking or a child-friendly mindfulness exercise. |
Such flexible routines can make learning joyful and stress-free. Even 30 to 60 minutes a day can make a difference.
But what if parents do not speak English? Don’t worry, you don’t need to teach. You just need to engage and be present! Sit beside your child. Ask what they are doing? Let them explain using their words. Use your home language to discuss ideas. Watch English songs or short videos together. Identify new words. Use a dictionary to explore meanings. Most importantly, celebrate effort. Encouragement is the most powerful learning tool. When children feel supported, they take risks. They explore more and grow stronger.
The learning corner creates a mindset shift. It brings energy, structure and creativity into summer with one simple setup. So create a space that sparks real progress and build a learning corner together with your children. When school starts again, your children will return smarter, more confident and ready to shine.
