Aibu to make my 5yo do schoolwork in summer holidays

[Lovemychocolate]

My 5yo is struggling a bit in school. I want him to spend some time over holiday each day doing some reading, writing and maths (no more than 1hr). My husband says I am being unreasonable and that he should just relax over summer holidays. We are doing activities such as swimming, going to park, beach etc most days so I think he should do both.

Am I being unreasonable?

[simpson]

DD (6) is doing the summer reading challenge, a bit of writing (instructions when we have cooked, a diary and the odd story or 2 when she wants to) she is also on maths whizz every day (because she wants to).

[3catsnokids]

Aww, thanks duplo. I don't think the boys see it in such a positive light, but I do think they are seeing the improvements they are making, so I hope they know it's for their own good! I am trying to include quite a few games in our lessons so that they have fun while working.

I used to be a teacher so I'm quite enjoying making the resources etc if I'm honest!

[elfycat]

DD1's school uses an online maths program and she's on it now. It got reset to blank and she wants to fill them back in.

We're also writing a story. She's going into Y1 so it's mostly dictating to me, but she's written a couple of sentences by herself and we're going to take some toys and photograph the scenes in the local museum over the holiday.

She also loves painting by numbers. She's OK at it, and is improving hand-eye coordination, mixing colours and working out if she's left or right handed (I think left is a little more dominant but it's close). The Works sell them for £3.50.

She's also coming to my craft club on a Tuesday and is learning crochet. It's mostly lumpy chains but we all had to start somewhere. She's quite good at freestyle embroidery if I change the threads for her. Again, colour choice and sorting out dominant hand while improving both.

She isn't aware we're doing actual work.

[ShyPhilosopher]

I don't think you are being unreasonable, I think you are concerned about how your child is coping with school. My youngest struggled for the first couple of years, so I understand your concerns.

I think the trick is to try and sneak maths & reading into fun activities so you are covertly teaching whilst your child is having fun. There are lots of great board games out there, even the most basic ones need you to count spaces. Orchard Toys tend to do some really good ones which can really help teach your little one whilst having fun. Sharing books together is another excellent way to encourage early reading skills, without your child feeling like they are doing school work. It doesn't matter too much what they are reading/have read to them, even kids magazines can help with vocabulary & grammar.

Hope your son starts finding school much easier soon.

[sanam2010]

it's great you are helping him and an hour a day can make a massive difference and make his next year much easier. Please go for it! It sounds like there is enough balance and fun the rest of the time. There are always a lot of people saying "let them be kids and enjoy their holidays" but really you will make his life much easier and also help his confidence if you let him catch up over the holidays. Go for it!